A study published in Phytotherapy Research suggests that ParActin (a patented extract of Andrographis paniculata) confers benefits in those with knee joint discomfort.
 
The study, “A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy of Andrographis paniculata standardized extract (ParActin) on pain reduction in subjects with knee osteoarthritis,” was led by world-renowned A. paniculata expert Juan Hancke, PhD.
 
Researchers examined the efficacy of doses of 300 and 600 mg ParActin or placebo daily for 84 days on Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores of pain reduction in 103 adults with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. Parameters tested were joint stiffness, changes in the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire, physical function, and fatigue scale.
 
Among the study findings, the WOMAC pain scores showed a significant and progressive reduction in both ParActin groups starting at day 28 compared to placebo. The reduction in pain scores from baseline to day 84 within the groups was also highly statistically significant in both ParActin groups but not in the placebo group. Additionally, the stiffness score was significantly reduced in the ParActin group by day 84 while there was no improvement in this area in the placebo group. In the quality of life scores, ParActingroups showed highly significant improvements in physical function score, bodily pain score, and social function score.  In addition, markers of fatigue improved in the ParActin group.
 
The researchers concluded, “Overall, our study is the first clinical placebo-controlled trial that supports a potential use of ParActin in knee OA patients. We propose that ParActincan decrease the pain and discomfort of knee osteoarthritis and improve the patient’s general condition and quality of daily life, with no major adverse events.”
 
This newest study adds to the significant and growing body of research showing ParActin’s efficacy in supporting joint health as well as its unique and potent mechanisms of action. Recent studies showed that Andrographolide inhibited cartilage matrix-degrading enzymes(Tanguenyong, et al. International Scholarly Research Notices, 2014). In addition, Andrographolide protects chondrocytes from oxidative stress injury by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity via the activation of the Keap1–Nrf2–Are signaling pathway. This in vitro study showed that andrographolide increases both catalase and superoxide dismutase in treated chondrocytes, exerting chondroprotective effects, which may slow down the progression of OA (Li, et al. (Journal of Cellular Physiology, 2018).
 
Annie Eng, CEO of HP Ingredients noted that while ParActin-containing products cannot make the disease claims, the results of this study support its use for joint protection formulas. “ParActin has a solid body of evidence showing its ability to regulate a healthy inflammatory response, and high inflammation is a key characteristic of knee discomfort. This study shows ParActin has value for keeping people moving and active with less restriction.”