Objective: To compare and evaluate the efficacy of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) extracts in NLC for treatment of
osteoarthritis of knee compared to 1% diclofenac gel as an active control.
Material and Method: One hundred twenty patients age 50 to 75 years with OA knee, based on the American College of
Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were randomized into two groups receiving ginger extracts in NLC and control 1% diclofenac gel for 12 weeks. The efficacy of treatment was monitored at 4, 8, and 12 weeks by using the WOMAC composite index and the Patient Global Assessment (PGA). The t-test was used to compare the mean scores at baseline in each group. Repeated
ANOVA was used to compare the mean scores, and Chi-square test was used to compare the dichotomous variables between
the two groups at 4, 8, and 12 weeks.
Results: One hundred eighteen participants completed the study and were included in the ITT efficacy analysis. Both ginger
extract in NLC and diclofenac gel could significantly improve knee pain, stiffness, physical function, and PGA following 12
weeks of treatment. In the repeated ANOVA, there were no differences in the result between these two groups. The response
rate for at least a 50% reduction in pain was significantly greater following Ginger extract in NLC treatment compared to topical diclofenac [40/59 (67.7%) vs. 27/59 (45.7%) p<0.05]. There were no significant adverse events.
Conclusion: Ginger extract in NLC relieves pain, improves function, and improves the Patient Global Assessment in OA
knee during a 12-week treatment.

Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Ginger, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, NLC