Osteoarthritis and Avocado and Soybean Extract

Special extracts of avocado and soybeans called avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASUs) have been investigated as a treatment for osteoarthritis with very promising results in studies enrolling a total of several hundred people.^85-92,125

For example, in a double-blind trial, 260 individuals with arthritis of the knee were given either placebo or ASU at 300 or 600 mg daily.⁹³ The results over 3 months showed that use of ASU significantly improved arthritis symptoms as compared to placebo. There was no significant difference seen between the two doses tested.

Thus far, however, it does not appear that ASU can slow the progression of osteoarthritis.126

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Though the studies that have been conducted are concerned with taking a supplement, perhaps the easiest way to get these avocado and soybean extracts is simply to eat avocado and soybeans. Consuming foods in their natural state (like a whole avocado or who soybeans/unprocessed tofu) certainly won't hurt you (assuming you have no allergies to these substances), and could possibly help in the treatment of osteoarthritis!

85. Appelboom T, Schuermans J, Verbruggen G, et al. Symptoms modifying effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) in knee osteoarthritis. A double blind, prospective, placebo-controlled study. Scand J Rheumatol. 2001;30:242-247.
    86. Mauviel A, Daireaux M, Hartmann DJ, et al. Effects of unsaponifiable extracts of avocado/soy beans (PIAS) on the production of collagen by cultures of synoviocytes, articular chondrocytes and skin fibroblasts [in French]. Rev Rhum Mal Osteoartic. 1989;56:207-211.
    87. Mauviel A, Loyau G, Pujol JP. Effect of unsaponifiable extracts of avocado and soybean (Piascledine) on the collagenolytic action of cultures of human rheumatoid synoviocytes and rabbit articular chondrocytes treated with interleukin-1 [in French; English abstract]. Rev Rhum Mal Osteoartic. 1991;58:241-245.
    88. Mazieres B, Tempesta C, Tiechard M, et al. Pathologic and biochemical effects of a lipidic avocado and soya extract on an experimental post-contusive model of OA [abstract]. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 1993;1:46.
    89. Boumediene K, Felisaz N, Bogdanowicz P, et al. Avocado/soya unsaponifiables enhance the expression of transforming growth factor beta1 and beta2 in cultured articular chondrocytes. Arthritis Rheum. 1999;42:148-156.
    90. Henrotin YE, Labasse AH, Jaspar JM, et al. Effects of three avocado/soybean unsaponifiable mixtures on metalloproteinases, cytokines and prostaglandin E2 production by human articular chondrocytes. Clin Rheumatol. 1998;17:31-39.
    91. Maheu E, Mazieres B, Valat JP, et al. Symptomatic efficacy of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and hip: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial with a six-month treatment period and a two-month followup demonstrating a persistent effect. Arthritis Rheum. 1998;41:81-91.
    92. Blotman F, Maheu E, Wulwik A, et al. Efficacy and safety of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables in the treatment of symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee and hip: a prospective, multicenter, three-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Rev Rhum Engl Ed. 1997;64:825-834.
    93. Appelboom T, Schuermans J, Verbruggen G, et al. Symptoms modifying effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) in knee osteoarthritis. A double blind, prospective, placebo-controlled study. Scand J Rheumatol. 2001;30:242-247.
    125. Ernst E. Avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) for osteoarthritis—a systematic review. Clin Rheumatol. 2003;22:285-288.
    126. Lequesne M, Maheu E, Cadet C et al.Structural effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables on joint space loss in osteoarthritis of the hip. Arthritis Rheum. 2002;47:50-58.