ABSTRACT

Rheumatism and knee osteoarthritis are degenerative disorders with aging. With the progression of rheumatism, patients suffer severe pain and joint deformities. Steroids, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2)-selective nonsteroidal anti-in–ammatory drugs, SH compounds, and immunosuppressants are prescribed to treat rheumatism. Osteoarthritis is characterized as a disease with the deterioration of joint cartilage resulting in pain and dyskinesis. After disease progression, the joint cavity narrows and osteophytes are formed in the affected joint. These morphological changes cause severe pain and mobility limitations. Nonsteroidal anti-in–ammatory drugs are commonly prescribed for pain relief, whereas nutritional supplements (e.g., chondroitin sulfate [1], glucosamine [2], and hyaluronic acid [3]) are used for prevention and palliative care of osteoarthritis.