Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a form of degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis localized in the knee and causes a variety of symptoms such as pain, swelling, abnormal bone growth, disfigured cartilage and loss of motion.
I already wrote about the potential of turmeric in treating OA related pain and its superior therapeutic value when compared to Ibuprofen. Scientists compared another plant to a commonly prescribed painkiller. This time, sesame seeds were studied alongside Tylenol.
Tylenol is a common over-the-counter pain killer. Another trade name for it is Panadol. The nonproprietary name used in the US is acetaminophen, while the name paracetamol is used elsewhere in the world.
It is classified as a mild analgesic, but, in some case, even small doses can cause death. Other adverse effects have been recorded, ranging from liver damage to asthma. Although the side effects usually occur when the recommended dose is exceeded, it is important to note the drug’s potential toxicity.
Sesame is believed to be one of the planet’s oldest cultivated plants. It was mentioned by the Ancient Egyptians as a powerful medicinal plant and has been used for over 5,000 years to produce flavorful and nutritious oils. They come in a host of different colors, depending upon the variety, including white, yellow, black and red.
Sesame and Knee Osteoarthritis – The Research
A research group from Tabriz University in Iran decided to study sesame’s (Sesamum indicum L.) effect on the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, which include pain, swelling, loss of motion and changes in joint shape.
Fifty patients were included in the study and divided into two groups. The control group received standard therapy, which involved 500 milligrams of Tylenol twice daily along with 500 milligrams of glucosamine once a day (Glucosamine is one of the natural remedies for a arthritis). Twenty-five patients in the sesame group received 40 grams of sesame seeds daily along with standard drug therapy.
The Results Of The Study
The study lasted for two months and the two groups were then compared in their pain sensitivity. The patients receiving sesame had significantly less pain compared to their counterparts in the control group.
A questionnaire and the Timed Up and Go test (a simple test used to assess a person’s mobility and requires both static and dynamic balance) were also used for assessment, but the two groups didn’t differ significantly on those measurements.
The Conclusion
The results were published in The International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, in October 2013. Although this was a small study, the authors suggested that sesame seeds might be a viable adjunctive therapy for knee OA.
I want to highlight the fact that according to the study sesame seeds can greatly enhance the benefits of using prescription medications but the study didn’t test a complete replacement of OA medications with sesame seeds. The results are still encouraging as you can greatly enhance the benefits of prescription medications by consuming sesame seeds.
How Much is 40 Grams of Sesame Seeds?
One tablespoon of sesame seeds is about 9 grams, so approximately 4 tablespoons per day equal the dose used in the study. The researchers powdered the sesame seeds to aid absorption.
For best therapeutic benefits, you should buy sesame seeds that are raw and organic. Ground your fresh sesame with a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder and then enjoy the multiple positive effects that include benefits to your heart and circulation, cancer prevention and mood improvement.
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