As a larger portion of the world population advances in age, research is focusing on improving quality of life and decreasing of the inflammation that often occurs as one ages.

Blood orange (Citrus sinensis ‘Blood Orange’, Rutaceae) contains significant amounts of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins, flavanones, and hydroxycinnamic acids which have known antioxidant activity.¹ In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in Italy on men and women aged 45-60, researchers investigated a standardized blood orange extract (Red Orange Complex^™; Bionap S.r.l.; Belpasso, Italy) on indicators of oxidative and inflammatory status, participants’ wellbeing, and menopausal symptoms in women. Results indicated that men in the blood orange extract group (n = 15) had significantly better quality of life scores at two and/or eight weeks in the domains of role limitations (physical and emotional), energy/fatigue, emotional wellbeing, and general health vs. baseline and some improvements had borderline significance vs. placebo. The Menopause Rating scale scores for women in the blood orange extract group (n = 15) were significantly improved over baseline for all items at two and/or eight weeks. Notable improvements were in scores for nervousness, sexual problems, and vaginal dryness, which were significantly better vs. baseline and placebo. See HC 112241-702.

Knees can be a source of pain and inflammation at any age. Knee synovitis occurs when the synovial membrane becomes irritated and swells, causing discomfort or pain during joint movement. Injury and arthritis are often underlying issues. An open-label randomized controlled study examined the combined effects of ultrasound therapy with Szechuan lovage (Ligusticum striatum, Apiaceae) rhizome and Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata, Burseraceae) essential oils for the treatment of knee synovitis induced by sports training.² Both essential oils are used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote blood circulation, and both have analgesic properties. A total of 116 patients (64 in the test group and 52 in the control) were included in the analysis. The researchers concluded that ultrasound therapy along with essential oils had greater analgesic impact than conventional therapy and were comparable to conventional therapy in alleviating swelling, increased range of motion, and better joint function. These findings will need to be confirmed by future trials. See HC 052226-703.

Lori Glenn
HerbClip™ Managing Editor

References

¹Nobile V, Pisati M, Cestone E, Insolia V, Zaccaria V, Malfa GA. Antioxidant efficacy of a standardized red orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) extract in elderly subjects: A randomized, double blind, controlled study. Nutrients. October 11, 2022;14(20):4235. doi: 10.3390/nu14204235.

²Xuan Q, Ruan Y, Cao C, et al. Effect of ultrasonic penetration with volatile oil of olibanum and chuanxiong rhizome on acute knee synovitis induced by sports training: An open-label randomized controlled study. Pain Res Manag. February 28, 2022;2022:6806565. doi: 10.1155/2022/6806565.