Arthritis Clinical Trials & Research

Results of a clinical study, published in the March 2003 Journal of Rheumatology show benefits of controlling pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee through use of a topical cream preparation containing camphor, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and peppermint oil, sold in the U.S. as JointFlex® Pain Relieving Cream (available at drug stores, supermarkets and mass market retailers). The study was conducted under the auspices of the Department of Complementary Medicine, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), and the Centre for Complementary Medicine, Monash University, both in Melbourne, Australia.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of a Topical Cream Containing Glucosamine Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate and Camphor for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Marc Cohen, Rory Wolfe, Trudy Mai, Daniel Lewis Journal of Rheumatology, March 2003

Key Findings Point To Joint Pain Relief for JointFlex® Users:

  • Study was single centered, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
  • 63 subjects were diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee based on the American College of Rheumatology definition
  • Patients were randomly assigned to use either a topical preparation containing the active preparation, which was a water-soluble cream containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, camphor (3.1%) and peppermint oil, or a placebo, for eight weeks
  • Nearly all of the patients using the active cream (available as JointFlex® in the U.S.), obtained immediate pain relief
  • The results also showed there was a greater mean sustained reduction in pain at both four weeks and eight weeks for the JointFlex® group compared to the placebo group
  • A majority of the JointFlex® users experienced gradually and continually improving pain relief over the eight weeks
  • Surprisingly, with continued use, one-third of the JointFlex® group had their chronic osteoarthritis pain nearly completely eliminated within eight weeks or less
  • According to the study author, Marc Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., RMIT University, “It is my hypothesis that the observed gradual and continual improvement in pain scores is likely to be due to the glucosamine and chondroitin. The pain results were consistent with previous studies conducted with oral administration of these same nutrients. Additional studies need to be done.”
  • JointFlex® utilizes a unique proprietary skin delivery technology, Fusome®

Read the Clinical Study Abstract for more information.

JointFlex® is most recommended in a campaign launched by InStep Health.

In April 2021, 1,300 Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, and Rheumatologists nationwide each received an education kit containing JointFlex® product.

During the campaign, InStep Health conducted pre-and post-surveys of participating healthcare providers to gauge their recommending habits, knowledge of, and interest in JointFlex®.

After receiving the kit, which OTC brand did you recommend most often for arthritis pain?

Which OTC brand did you recommend most often for joint pain?