Effects of palm tocotrienol-rich fraction alone or in combination with glucosamine sulphate on grip strength, cartilage structure and joint remodelling markers in a rat model of osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease lacking disease-modifying therapeutic agents. This study aimed to compare the effects of palm tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF), glucosamine sulphate, and both agents combined in rats with osteoarthritis induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). Methods: Thirty adult male rats were randomized into normal control, and osteoarthritis groups were treated orally daily with vehicle, palm TRF (100 mg/kg), glucosamine sulphate (250 mg/kg), and both agents combined for 4 weeks. Body weight and grip strength were measured weekly. After being sacrificed, the joints and blood were harvested for histology and serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels. Results: The body weight of the rats receiving treatment rebounded significantly after an initial reduction (vs osteoarthritic control, p < 0.05). The rats receiving combined treatments showed significantly better grip strength than the osteoarthritic control and individual treatment groups (p < 0.05). The serum COMP level was lower in all the treated groups (vs osteoarthritic control, p <0.05). Cartilage histology of the treated rats was not significantly improved (vs osteoarthritic control, p > 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of palm TRF and glucosamine sulphate was more effective than individual agents in improving the grip strength of the rats, but the cartilage damage might need more time to heal.