Effect of Arctium lappa linne (Burdock) root tea consumption on lipid profile and blood pressure in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Background: Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disabling joint disorder worldwide. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of burdock root tea consumption on lipid profile and blood pressure in patients with OA. Methods: In this randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial 36 patients (10 males and 26 females) aged 50-70 years old suffering from bilateral knee Osteoarthritis were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The routine treatment was considered for all patients during the study. The intervention group received 3 cups / day of Burdock root tea (2 g tea bags steeped in 150 ml of boiled water for 10 min) and control group received only 3 cups / day of boiled water (150 ml) 30 min after meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for 6 weeks. Blood lipid profile and blood pressure were assessed at baseline and 6 weeks post intervention. Results: Total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C ratios, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly decreased post intervention. A significant increase in HDL-C level was observed in the intervention group. At the end of the study, there was a significant difference in LDL-C, HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C ratios and diastolic blood pressure between the two groups. Conclusions: It is suggested that consumption of burdock root tea may improve lipid profile and blood pressure status in patients with knee OA. Further studies may need to confirm these effects.