Topical Effects of Tarragon Oil Extract on Pain Intensity, Stiffness, and Physical Function of the Knee Joint in Patients with Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis is the most prevalent chronic joint condition. This study investigates the topical effectiveness of tarragon oil extract in managing knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 90 eligible participants were recruited for this clinical trial through convenience sampling from patients visiting the outpatient rheumatology clinic at Taleghani Hospital in Gonbad-e Kavus, Iran. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: intervention (tarragon oil extract applied topically three times daily, every other day for 3 weeks), placebo (sweet almond oil applied topically three times daily, every other day for 3 weeks), and control (routine care). The severity of osteoarthritis was measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) at four time points: baseline, immediately, 1 week, and 3 weeks after the intervention period (3 weeks). Data analysis also carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULTS

The group treated with tarragon oil extract showed a statistically significant improvement in knee joint pain, stiffness, and physical function scores immediately following the intervention compared to both baseline measures (p < 0.001) and the control and placebo groups (pain F2,87 = 41/725, stiffness F2,87 = 30/277, physical function F2,87 = 102/276, p < 0.001, η² = 0.007). However, these benefits were not sustained at subsequent assessment points, with no notable differences over time relative to baseline or between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The topical application of tarragon oil extract demonstrates potential as a short-term therapeutic option for managing knee osteoarthritis symptoms, representing a complementary approach in nursing care. Nonetheless, further standardized comparative studies are required to validate its long-term efficacy.