Skip to main content
Download PDF
Download ePub

Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: a review

Nutrition Journal volume 15, Article number: 11 (2015) Cite this article

Abstract

Hyaluronan (HA) is a component that is particularly abundant in the synovial fluid. Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials carried out between 2008 and 2015 have proven the effectiveness of HA for the treatment of symptoms associated with synovitis, and particularly, knee pain, relief of synovial effusion or inflammation, and improvement of muscular knee strength. The mechanism by which HA exerts its effects in the living body, specifically receptor binding in the intestinal epithelia, has gradually been clarified. This review examines the effects of HA upon knee pain as assessed in clinical trials, as well as the mechanism of these effects and the safety of HA.

Peer Review reports

Introduction

The number of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) is increasing in developed countries. In the US, 43 million patients were estimated to have OA in 1997, and this figure is projected to grow to more than 60 million by 2020 [1].

Severe OA is treated by osteotomy or artificial joint replacement, whereas conservative treatments include intra-articular injection of hyaluronan (HA) [2]. The injections improve symptoms, although they represent a mental burden and the risk of infection for patients who need to visit the hospital regularly to receive these painful injections.

Meanwhile, dietary supplements such us HA, glucosamine, and chondroitin are sold as health foods, largely targeting problems with the knee. The effects of low-dose HA treatment for knee pain has been the source of much research (for example, a dose of HA not more than 240 mg/day; Table 1) compared with glucosamine (1500 mg/day) and chondroitin (675 mg/day) [3]. HA dietary supplements impose a small burden on patients.

Table 1 Summary of the knee pain-improving effects of ingested hyaluronan
Full size table

The average wholesale price for five vials of intra-articular HA injection (Hyalgen®, Fidia Farmaceutici S.p.A., Italy) is 661 USD, which is effective for 6 months [4]. This equals to 110 USD per month. In contrast, the cost of effective HA dietary supplements for one month is 50 USD (Play Again Now®, Viscos LLC., USA). There have been no reports regarding the cost-effectiveness of intra-articular injection versus dietary supplements. However, there are some advantages for consumers with regard to HA dietary supplements, when one considers the potential risks and benefits.

In 2004, Bucci and Turpin reported a review article on the effectiveness of dietary supplements containing HA in the US; however, the report does not mention randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials [5]. Therefore, this review discusses the efficacy of ingested HA in treating knee pain based on data from randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials as well as the mechanism of action and safety of dietary HA.

Characteristics of HA

HA is a high molecular-weight polysaccharide composed of repeating polymeric disaccharides of d-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (Fig. 1) [6]. All vertebrates and few microorganisms synthesize HA in vivo. In human beings, HA is present in every connective tissue and organ such as skin, synovial fluid, blood vessels, serum, brain, cartilage, heart valves, and the umbilical cord [7]. In particular, synovial fluid has the highest concentration of HA anywhere in the body at 3–4 mg/mL [8].

Fig. 1
figure 1

The structure of hyaluronan

Full size image

HA is a polysaccharide with a mean molecular weight (MW) ranging from several hundred to several millions, and thus, it has high viscosity in water. The viscosity of synovial fluid is attributable to HA and serves as a lubricant for joint movements, resulting in a coefficient of friction of nearly zero in joint cartilage [9]. It is known that patients with OA have diminished HA concentrations in their synovial fluid [10]. To restore the decreased levels of HA and treat OA, HA intra-articular injections are widely used. The functions of HA include preventing cartilage denaturation [11, 12], protecting the outer layer of cartilage [13–20], blocking synovial inflammation [21, 22], increasing chondrocyte density [23], promoting synovium metabolism [24], normalizing synovial fluid [25], and treating sharp pain [26]. The mechanism by which HA diminishes pain has been reported. HA intra-articular injections decrease the levels of inflammatory substances such as prostaglandin E2 resulting in reduced pain [27, 28]. Therefore, HA is known to have a strong relationship with knee joint health.

Mechanisms of oral HA treatment for knee pain

It is generally believed that it is difficult for the body to absorb a polysaccharide. HA is not absorbed into the body as a high-molecular-weight polymer after ingestion. A test using intestinal epithelia model cells (Caco-2 cells) revealed that HA with a MW exceeding 1 × 105 is rarely absorbed. On the contrary, the amount of HA absorbed by Caco-2 cells increases as the MW of HA decreases to 7 × 104, 2 × 104, or 5 × 103 [29]. Kurihara et al. reported that HA is decomposed into 2–6-membered polysaccharides by enteric bacteria, and these polysaccharides are partially absorbed into the body by the small intestine [30]. Following the decomposition of HA by enteric bacteria to a low MW form, free polysaccharides are known to migrate into the joints and other tissues. Lactobacillus and Bzfidobacterirn have been reported as examples of enteric bacteria that play a critical role in HA absorption [31]. Balogh et al. reported that 99 mtechnetium-labeled HA (MW, 1 × 106) is accumulated by tissues such as joints after oral administration in rats and dogs [32]. The pattern of tissue uptake of radioactivity for 99mtechnetium-labeled HA did not resemble that for 99mtechnetium-labeled pertechnetate (PCT), which was used as a control; this implies that 99mtechnetium-labeled HA did not release 99mtechnetium in tissues.

These studies clearly suggest that HA is absorbed by the body; however further research is needed to clarify the effects of the route of absorption on knee pain relief.

Another mechanism was clarified by Asari et al. in 2010 [33]. This report identified a signaling cascade in which receptors on intestinal epithelial cells are activated by oral HA which results in decreased pain. HA (MW, 9 × 105; Hyabest® (J), Kewpie Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) was administered orally to MRL-lpr/lpr mice, a Th-1-type autoimmune disease model. Oral HA binds to an intestinal receptor (Toll-like receptor-4;TLR-4). Cytokine array analysis showed that HA enhanced the production of interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine. DNA array analysis of tissue from the large intestine showed that HA up-regulates suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) expression and down-regulates pleiotrophin expression. These results suggest that the binding of HA to TLR-4 promotes IL-10 and SOCS3 expression and suppresses pleiotrophin expression leading to anti-inflammation of arthritis (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2
figure 2

Mechanism of improve the arthritis. Oral administration of hyaluronan modulates inflammation by upregulating suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 expression and down-regulating pleiotrophin expression via Toll-like receptor-4 in intestinal epithelial cells

Full size image

Clinical trials of oral HA for the treatment of knee pain

We searched the databases up to October 29, 2015; PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, UMIN-CTR, JDreamIII (in Japanese), and Ichushi Web (in Japanese). The search words used for all databases contained the terms; hyaluronan, intake and knee pain. We selected following 13 relevant reports after full text review [31–43].

Many randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of dietary HA in alleviating knee pain since 2008 in the US, EU, and Asia (Table 1).

In 2008, a dietary supplement containing HA as the principal ingredient was reported following two clinical trials. As the supplement contains multiple components, the potential effects of ingredients other than HA on knee pain cannot be denied but the effects of the supplement on knee pain were confirmed.

Hatayama et al. [34] treated 24 Japanese patients with chronic knee pain (HA group, n = 13; placebo group, n = 11, mean age, 47.5) with an HA mixture at a dose of 1800 mg/day (HA content, 60 mg/day) or placebo for 2 weeks. The HA group displayed a significant improvement in knee pain and discomfort compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05).

In the US, Kalman et al. [35] treated 20 subjects aged ≥40 years with knee OA (HA group, n = 11; placebo group, n = 9, mean age, 56.3) with an HA mixture at a dose of 80 mg/day (HA content, 48 mg/day) or placebo for 2 months and their outcomes were evaluated using the index for knee joint pain; the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Short Form-36 Acute US Version 2 (SF-36v2) as a quality of life (QOL) index. [REMARK 4] The WOMAC score in both groups revealed significant improvements in knee pain compared with baseline (p < 0.05) but the physical function and total symptom scores of the HA group displayed a more drastic improvement than those of the placebo group. On the SF-36 v2, the scores of the HA group were significantly improved versus baseline (p < 0.05) for bodily pain and the physical component summary, and the scores were more significantly improved in the HA group than in the placebo group.

In 2009, two clinical trials using highly pure HA (more than 98 % pure) were reported. These trials revealed that the effects of HA-containing supplements on knee pain were attributable to HA.

Iwaso et al. [36] reported that 33 Japanese patients with knee pain (HA group, n = 16; placebo group, n = 17, mean age, 58.3) were administered HA at 240 mg/day or placebo for 8 weeks and outcomes were evaluated using the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM). The JKOM score was significantly improved compared with baseline in both groups (p < 0.01), particularly among 26 patients aged 50–65 years (HA group, n = 13; placebo group, n = 13). Significant improvements in knee pain and stiffness were recorded in the HA group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05).

Sato et al. [37] reported a study in which 37 Americans with knee OA (HA group, n = 20; placebo group, n = 17, mean age, 70.8) were orally administered 200 mg/day HA or placebo for 8 weeks with the findings illustrating that the WOMAC score was significantly improved in both groups versus baseline (p < 0.05), particularly among the 25 patients with WOMAC pain scores of more than 10 (HA group, n = 13; placebo group, n = 12). In addition, the WOMAC total score and activity of daily living score were significantly improved in the HA group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05).

In the same year, Möller et al. [38] conducted a retrospective cohort study in Spain in which HA was compared with the analgesic drug paracetamol (PCT). Sixty-nine patients (mean age, N/A) with knee OA and synovitis were administered an HA mixture at 80 mg/day (HA content, 48 mg/day) or PCT for 6 months. Ultrasonography showed that the course of synovitis in the suprapatellar recess was significantly reduced in the HA group compared with the PCT group (p < 0.0001), and the number of severe synovial effusion cases were significantly reduced in the HA group compared with the PCT group (p < 0.001).

Between 2010 and 2015, eight clinical trials were reported indicating that interest in HA intake was becoming more intense in developed nations.

In 2010, Nagaoka et al. [39] reported that 40 Japanese patients with knee OA (HA group, n = 19; placebo group, n = 21, mean age, 62.9) were administered an oral HA mixture at 1800 mg/day (HA content, 60 mg/day) or placebo for 4 months and the result illustrated that pain/step-up and step-down function and the aggregate total symptoms of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association clinical trials response criteria were significantly improved in the HA group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05) indicating relief of knee pain.

In 2012, Yoshimura et al. [40] reported that 29 Japanese athletes (HA group, n = 14; placebo group, n = 15, mean age, 20.0) were administered an HA mixture at 4800 mg/day (HA content, 72 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. The urine levels of the bone metabolic markers N-terminal telopeptides of bone-specific type I collagen were significantly lower in the HA group (p < 0.05). This result indicates that oral HA influences knee joint health.

Tashiro et al. [41] reported a study in which 38 Japanese patients with knee OA (HA group, n = 18; placebo group, n = 20, mean age, 69.9) were administered highly pure HA (more than 97 %) at 200 mg/day or placebo for 12 months. During the trial, the patients were requested to conduct quadriceps-strengthening exercise daily as part of the treatment. The result reveals that quality of life according to the JKOM score was significantly improved in the HA group versus the placebo group (p < 0.05) and this trend was more obvious among patients aged ≤70 years (n = 21). For these relatively younger patients in the HA group, the total JKOM score was significantly better than that in the placebo group (p < 0.05). Thus, HA intake and quadriceps-strengthening exercise affectively alleviate knee pain particularly in patients aged ≤70 years (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3
figure 3

Oral hyaluronan improve knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Twenty-one subjects (≤70 years of age) were randomly divided into two groups (hyaluronan group, n = 11; placebo group, n = 10). Variations in the total Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure score relative to baseline are shown. □ hyaluronan; ■ placebo. Values are presented as the mean ± SE. ∗p < 0.05 vs. baseline; #p < 0.05 vs. placebo group

Full size image

In 2013, Martinez-Puig et al. [42] reported that 50 healthy subjects with joint discomfort (VAS between 10 and 40 mm; HA group, n = 20; placebo group, n = 20, mean age, 59.6) were administered an HA mixture at 80 mg/day (HA content, 48 mg/day) or placebo for 90 days and outcomes were evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer. Maximum peak torque was significantly greater in the HA group than in the placebo group (p < 0.05). In the HA group, the total knee extension and mean power of knee extension were also significantly higher than the values in the placebo group (p < 0.05). This trial demonstrated that oral HA effectively improves the ability of the knee joint to bend and stretch.

Moriña et al. [43] reported a meta-analysis of two randomized, controlled, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials involving a total of 148 patients with mild knee pain (VAS between 30 and 50 mm, aged from 20 to 75). In the studies, patients were administered an oral HA mixture at 80 mg/day (HA content, 48 mg/day) or placebo for 3 months and outcomes were evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer. The analysis indicated that the affected joint displayed greater flexion in the HA group than in the placebo group (p = 0.039). The result of ultrasound examination for synovial effusion illustrated that synovial effusion was significantly reduced in the HA group (p = 0.029). An evaluation using a VAS indicated that knee pain was additionally improved in the HA group compared with the findings in the placebo group (p = 0.0036).

In 2014, Sánchez et al. [44] reported that 68 patients with mild knee pain (VAS between 30 and 50 mm; HA group, n = 34; placebo group, n = 34, mean age, 69.5) were administered an oral HA mixture at 80 mg/day (HA content, 48 mg/day) or placebo for 90 days. A significant improvement in knee pain according to the VAS was recorded in the HA group compared with the placebo group (p = 0.0005). An ultrasound examination indicated that synovial effusion was reduced in the HA group (p = 0.041). The result using an isokinetic dynamometer illustrated that muscular strength (peak torque) was significantly greater among patients in the HA group than among those in the placebo group (p = 0.0324). Blood tests for RNA expression were conducted in 20 patients (HA group, n = 10; placebo group, n = 10). The results demonstrated that the expression of genes related to glycosaminoglycan metabolism and extracellular matrix dynamics differed between the HA and placebo groups. It was concluded that differences in gene expression explained the improvements in knee pain and muscular strength in the HA group.

In 2015, Nelson et al. [45] treated 40 patients with knee OA (VAS > 50 mm; HA group, n = 21; placebo group, n = 19, mean age, 61.0) with an oral HA mixture at 80 mg/day (HA content, 56 mg/day) or placebo for 3 months. Significant improvements in the VAS, WOMAC total score, and WOMAC pain score were observed in the HA group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). An analysis of serum and synovial fluid illustrated that inflammatory cytokine levels were significantly increased in the placebo group (p < 0.05) and significantly decreased in the HA group (p < 0.05). Regarding bradykinin, which related to inflammation and pain, and leptin, which is related to OA caused by obesity, the levels of both substances were significantly lower in the HA group than in the placebo group (p < 0.05). Ten patients in each group drank large amounts of water to examine the turnover of HA in synovial fluid. The turnover rate was significantly decreased in the HA group compared with that in the placebo group (p = 0.046). Consequently, this report demonstrated that the oral intake of HA is useful for treating obese patients with OA.

In 2015, Jensen et al. [46] conducted a study in which 72 patients with knee OA (HA group, n = 37; placebo group, n = 35, mean age, 47.2) were administered a liquid HA mixture or placebo for 4 weeks. For the first 2 weeks, the HA mixture was given at 45 mL/day (HA content, 225 mg/day) and it was given at 30 mL/day (HA content, 150 mg/day) for the next 2 weeks. After 2 weeks of intake, knee pain as evaluated using a VAS was significantly improved in the HA group compared to baseline (p < 0.05). On the contrary, no improvement in knee pain was recorded in the placebo group. Thus, oral HA can relieve knee pain.

Among all the studies on clinical trials from 2008 to 2015, seven studies involved the treatment of the symptoms associated with synovitis, mainly pain [33–37, 39, 41, 46]; four involved measures taken to relieve synovial effusion or inflammation [38, 43–45]; and three involved measures taken to improve knee muscular strength [42–44].

The studies that used a mixture containing HA and other components could not rule out the possibility that the other components had effects on knee pain. However, studies that used highly pure HA (more than 97 %) also reported a beneficial effect on knee pain. Thus, oral HA can effectively improve knee pain.

It is apparent that there were slightly more female subjects than males investigated in the above-mentioned clinical studies (mean ratio: males 43 %, females 57 %). However, each study involved the same gender ratio for HA and placebo groups. In general, the number of female OA patients was larger than the number of males. This is probably because females have lesser muscles than males and therefore, the burden on the knee increases. It has been reported that HA is regulated by ovarian steroids [47]; however, it is not yet clear whether the oral intake of HA influences hormonal balance. This needs further research.

HA intake differs among the respective studies, such as 48–240 mg/day for 2 weeks–12 months. Thus, further research is needed to clarify the minimal effective dose and the minimum intake period of HA.

Safety of HA

Chicken comb, which contains highly concentrated HA has long been consumed in Germany, France, and China. In Japan, HA dietary supplements have been available since 1992. HA is approved as a healthy raw material of new resource food in China, as a food additive and healthy functional food in Korea, and as a food additive in Japan. In addition, HA is sold globally in countries such as the US, Canada, Italy, and Belgium and no adverse event caused by HA has been reported.

Several safety studies of HA have been conducted (Table 2). No toxicity was observed in single-dose toxicity studies [48–50], repeated-dose toxicity studies [51–61], reproductive and developmental toxicity studies [62–69], mutagenicity tests [70–74], and antigenicity studies [75, 76]. It is reported that exogenous HA such us that administered orally is not harmful to human cancer cells [77]. A 12 month clinical study identified no adverse event attributable to HA [41]. Orally administrated HA is used by body tissues and approximately 90 % of exogenous HA is metabolized and released in expiration and urine; thus, the polysaccharide does not accumulate at excessive levels in the body [78]. There were no adverse events attributable to HA in any of the aforementioned clinical trials [34–44]. Based on these factors, HA can be considered as a safe food material.

Table 2 Safety tests of hyaluronan
Full size table

Conclusion

The population is aging rapidly around the world. In addition to medical treatment, self-medication is more commonly practiced to reduce patient burden and enhance QOL. HA is a safe raw material and the efficacy of oral HA in relieving knee pain was demonstrated in several clinical trials. HA as a dietary supplement exhibits mild efficacy and no side effects. By utilizing these characteristics, HA dietary supplements provide at least some possibility for the treatment and prevention of serious conditions in patients with OA exhibiting mild knee pain. This review may improve the understanding of HA dietary supplements and it is expected that HA will emerge as a modality for treating knee pain that can be safely used by patients.

Abbreviations

HA:

hyaluronan

IL-10:

interleukin-10

JKOM:

the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure

LD50:

lethal dose 50 %

MW:

mean molecular weight

N/A:

Not available

NOAEL:

No Observed Adverse Effect Level

OA:

osteoarthritis

PCT:

paracetamol

SF-36v2:

the Short Form-36 Acute US Version 2

SOCS3:

Suppresor Of Cytokine Signaling3

TLR-4:

Toll-Like Recepter 4

WOMAC:

The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index

References

  1. Centers for disease control and prevention. Prevalence of arthritis-United States, 1997. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2001;50:334–6.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Peyron JG, Balazs EA. Preliminary clinical assessment of Na-hyaluronate injection into human arthritic joints. Pathol Biol. 1974;22:731–6.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Nakamura H, Nishioka K. Effects of glucosamine/chondroitin supplement on osteoarthritis: involvement of PGE2 and YKL-40. Jpn J Joint Dis. 2002;11:175–84.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Dennis Y, Wen MD. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections for knee osteoarthritis. Am Fam Physician. 2000;62:565–70.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Bucci RL, Turpin AA. Will the real hyaluronan please stand up. JAN. 2004;54

  6. Fraser JR, Laurent TC, Laurent UB. Hyaluronan: its nature, distribution, functions and turnover. J Intern Med. 1997;242:27–33.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Laurent TC, Fraser JR. Hyaluronan. FASEB J. 1992;6:2397–402.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Balazs EA, Watson D, Duff IF, Roseman S. Hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid. I. Molecular parameters of hyaluronic acid in normal and arthritic human fluids. Arthritis Rheum. 1967;10:357–76.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Seror J, Merkher Y, Kampf N, Collinson L, Day AJ, Maroudas A, et al. Articular cartilage proteoglycans as boundary lubricants: structure and frictional interaction of surface-attached hyaluronan and hyaluronan--aggrecan complexes. Biomacromolecules. 2011;12:3432–43.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Bagga H, Burkhardt D, Sambrook P, March L. Longterm effects of intraarticular hyaluronan on synovial fluid in osteoarthritis of the knee. J Rheumatol. 2006;33:946–50.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Shimizu C, Kubo T, Hirasawa Y, Coutts RD, Amiel D. Histomorphometric and biochemical effect of various hyaluronans on early osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol. 1998;25:1813–9.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Listrat V, Ayral X, Patarnello F, Bonvarlet JP, Simonnet J, Amor B, et al. Arthroscopic evaluation of potential structure modifying activity of hyaluronan (Hyalgan) in osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 1997;5:153–60.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Ghosh P, Holbert C, Read R, Armstrong S. Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) in experimental osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol Suppl. 1995;43:155–7.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Schiavinato A, Lini E, Guidolin D, Pezzoli G, Botti P, Martelli M, et al. Intraarticular sodium hyaluronate injections in the Pond-Nuki experimental model of osteoarthritis in dogs. II. Morphological findings. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1989;241:286–99.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Yoshimi T, Kikuchi T, Obara T, Yamaguchi T, Sakakibara Y, Itoh H, et al. Effects of high-molecular-weight sodium hyaluronate on experimental osteoarthrosis induced by the resection of rabbit anterior cruciate ligament. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1994;298:296–304.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Sakakibara Y, Miura T, Iwata H, Kikuchi T, Yamaguchi T, Yoshimi T, et al. Effect of high-molecular-weight sodium hyaluronate on immobilized rabbit knee. Clin Orthop Rel Res. 1994;299:282–92.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Fu LL, Maffulli N, Chan KM. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid following knee immobilisation for 6 weeks in rabbits. Clin Rheumatol. 2001;20(2):98–103.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Yoshioka M, Shimizu C, Harwood FL, Coutts RD, Amiel D. The effects of hyaluronan during the development of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 1997;5:251–60.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Shimizu C, Yoshioka M, Coutts RD, Harwood FL, Kubo T, Hirasawa Y, et al. Long-term effects of hyaluronan on experimental osteoarthritis in the rabbit knee. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 1998;6:1–9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Wenz W, Breusch SJ, Graf J, Stratmann U. Ultrastructural findings after intraarticular application of hyaluronan in a canine model of arthropathy. J Orthop Res. 2000;18:604–12.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Frizziero L, Govoni E, Bacchini P. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: clinical and morphological study. Clin ExpRheumatol. 1998;16:441–9.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Pasquali Ronchetti I, Guerra D, Taparelli F, Boraldi F, Bergamini G, Mori G, et al. Morphological analysis of knee synovial membrane biopsies from a randomized controlled clinical study comparing the effects of sodium hyaluronate (Hyalgan) and methylprednisolone acetate (Depomedrol) in osteoarthritis. Rheumatology. 2001;40:158–69.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Guidolin DD, Ronchetti IP, Lini E, Guerra D, Frizziero L. Morphological analysis of articular cartilage biopsies from a randomized, clinical study comparing the effects of 500–730 kDa sodium hyaluronate (Hyalgan) and methylprednisolone acetate on primary osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2001;9:371–81.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Maniwa S, Ochi M, Motomura T, Nishikori T, Chen J, Naora H. Effects of hyaluronic acid and basic fibroblast growth factor on motility of chondrocytes and synovial cells in culture. Acta Orthop Scand. 2001;72:299–303.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Asari A, Miyauchi S, Matsuzaka S, Ito T, Kominami E, Uchiyama Y. Molecular eight-dependent effects of hyaluronate on the arthritic synovium. Arch Histol Cytol. 1998;61:125–35.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Day R, Brooks P, Conaghan PG, Petersen M. A double blind, randomized, multicenter, parallel group study of the effectiveness and tolerance of intraarticular hyaluronan in osteoarthritis of the knee. J Rheumatol. 2004;31:775–82.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Santangelo KS, Johnson AL, Ruppert AS, Bertone AL. Effects of hyaluronan treatment on lipopolysaccharide-challenged fibroblast-like synovial cells. Arthritis Res Ther. 2007;9:R1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Ikeda K. Changes in synovial fluid markers and clinical effects after intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate : with particular reference to the anti-inflammatory effect in terms of prostaglandin E2 concentration. Tokyo Women's Medical University. 1998;68:22–36 (in Japanese).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Hisada N, Satsu H, Mori A, Totsuka M, Kamei J, Nozawa T, et al. Low-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronan Permeates through Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cell Monolayers via the Paracellular Pathway. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2008;72:1111–4.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Kurihara H, Kawada C, Yoshida H, Kimura M, Kanemitsu T, Masuda Y, et al. Absorption and effect on the skin of oral hyaluronan, 14th Scientific meeting of Japanese society of anti-aging medicine. 2014 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  31. Ishibashi G, Yamagata T, Rikitake S, Takiguchi Y. Digestion and fermentation of hyaluronic acid. Journal for the integrated study of dietary habits. 2002;13(2):107–11 (in Japanese).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Balogh L, Polyak A, Mathe D, Kiraly R, Thuroczy J, Terez M, et al. Absorption, uptake and tissue affinity of high-molecular-weight hyaluronan after oral administration in rats and dogs,”. J Agric Food Chem. 2008;56:10582–93.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Asari A, Kanemitsu T, Kurihara H. Oral administration of high molecular weight hyaluronan (900 kDa) controls immune system via Toll-like receptor 4 in the intestinal epithelium. J Biol Chem. 2010;285:24751–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Hatayama T, Nagano M, Yamaguchi N, Kumagai S, Ohnuki K. The effect of a supplement on knee pain and discomfort evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Kenko-shien. 2008;10:13–7 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  35. Kalman DS, Heimer M, Valdeon A, Schwartz H, Sheldon E. Effect of a natural extract of chicken combs with a high content of hyaluronic acid (Hyal-Joint®) on pain relief and quality of life in subjects with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Nutr. J.. 2008;7

  36. Iwaso H, Sato T. Examination of the efficacy and safety of oral administration of Hyabest® (J)-highly-pure hyaluronic acid for knee joint pain. J Jpn Soc Clin Sports Med. 2009;58:566–72 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  37. Sato T, Iwaso H. An Effectiveness study of hyaluronic acid Hyabest® (J) in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee on the patients in the United State. J New Rem & Clin. 2009;58:551–8.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Möller I, Martinez-Puig D, Chetrit C. Oral administration of a natural extract rich in hyaluronic acid for the treatment of knee OA with synovitis: a retrospective cohort study. Clin Nutr Suppl. 2009;4:171–2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Nagaoka I, Nabeshima K, Murakami S, Yamamoto T, Watanabe K, Tomonaga A, et al. Evaluation of the effects of a supplementary diet containing chicken comb extract on symptoms and cartilage metabolism in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Exp Ther Med. 2010;1:817–27.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Yoshimura M, Aoba Y, Watari T, Momomura R, Watanabe K, Tomonaga A, et al. Evaluation of the effect of a chicken comb extract-containing supplement on cartilage and bone metabolism in athletes. Exp Ther Med. 2012;4:577–80.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Tashiro T, Seino S, Sato T, Matsuoka R, Masuda Y, Fukui N. Oral administration of polymer hyaluronic acid alleviates symptoms of knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study over a 12-month period. Sci. World J.. 2012;doi:10.1100/2012/167928.

  42. Martinez-Puig D, Möller I, Fernández C, Chetrit C. Efficacy of oral administration of yoghurt supplemented with a preparation containing hyaluronic acid (Mobilee™) in adults with mild joint discomfort: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled intervention study. Mediterr J Nutr Metab. 2013;6:63–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Moriña D, Solà R, Valls RM, López de Frutos V, Montero M, Giralt M, et al. Efficacy of a Low-fat Yogurt Supplemented with a Rooster Comb Extract on Joint Function in Mild Knee Pain Patients: A Subject-level Meta-analysis. Ann Nutr Metab. 2013;63:1386.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Sánchez J, Bonet ML, Keijer J, van Schothorst EM, Mölller I, Chetrit C, et al. Blood cells transcriptomics as source of potential biomarkers of articular health improvement: effects of oral intake of a rooster combs extract rich in hyaluronic acid. Genes Nutr. 2014;9:417.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Nelson FR, Zvirbulis RA, Zonca B, Li KW, Turner SM, Pasierb M, et al. The effects of an oral preparation containing hyaluronic acid (Oralvisc®) on obese knee osteoarthritis patients determined by pain, function, bradykinin, leptin, inflammatory cytokines, and heavy water analyses. Rheumatol Int. 2015;35:43–52.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Jensen GS, Attridge VL, Lenninger MR, Benson KF. Oral intake of a liquid high-molecular-weight hyaluronan associated with relief of chronic pain and reduced use of pain medication: results of a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind pilot study. J Med Food. 2015;18:95–101.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Raheem KA, Marei WF, Mifsud K, Khalid M, Wathes DC, Fouladi-Nashta AA. Regulation of the hyaluronan system in ovine endometrium by ovarian steroids. Reproduction. 2013;145:491–504.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Nagano K, Goto S, Abe Y, Yamaguchi T. Acute toxicity test of sodium hyaluronate. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1984;12:37–45 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  49. Wakizawa Y, Eiro H, Matsumoto H, Yamagi M, Yoshihara K, Kuramoto M, et al. Acute toxicity study of sodium yaluronate(SL-1010) in mice. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1991;19:7–12 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  50. Morita H, Kawakami Y, Shimomura K, Sunaga M. Acute toxicity study of sodium yaluronate(SL-1010) in rats and dogs. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1991;19:13–8 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  51. Morita H, Kawakami Y, Suzuki S, Hirata M, Koizumi H. Thirteen-week subcutoneous toxicity study on sodium hyaluronate(SL-1010) with 4-week recovery test in rats. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1991;19:19–52 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  52. Morita H, Shimomura K, Suzuki S, Hirata M, Koizumi H. Thirteen-week subcutoneous toxicity study on sodium hyaluronate(SL-1010) with 4-week recovery test in dogs. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1991;19:53–80 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  53. Yang G, Zhang T, Guo X, Qu B, Song Y. Toxicological test on calcium hyaluronate. Food and Drug. 2009;11:46–8 (in Chinese).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Tan H, Zhao P, Ma Y, Li F, Fu W, He L, et al. Study on toxicology of sodium hyaluronate. Applied Prev Med. 2008;14:296–9 (in Chinese).

    Google Scholar 

  55. Guo F, Gao P, Geng G, Wang H, Liu H, Zhi Y, et al. Study on toxicology of sodium hyaluronate. Chinese J Biochem Pharm. 2010;31:316–9 (in Chinese).

    Google Scholar 

  56. Oe M, Yoshida T, Kanemitsu T, Matsuoka R, Masuda Y. Repeated 28-day oral toxicological study of hyaluronic acid in rats. Pharmacometrics. 2011;81:11–21 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  57. Takahashi J, Seto A, Ishizuka T, Kimura K, Koyama M, Kashiwabara J, et al. Repeated 90-day oral toxicological study of hyaluronic acid in rats. Jpn J Med Pharm Sci. 1985;13:1458–79 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  58. Hasegawa T, Miyoshi K, Nomura A, Nakazawa M. Subacute toxicity test on sodium hyaluronate(SPH) in rats by intraperitoneal Administration for 3 months and recovery test. Pharmacometrics. 1984;28:1021–40 (in Japanese).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Kato T, Nakajima S, Kurihara H, Asari A, Sekiguchi T, Sunose A. Preliminary study for the toxicity study on sodium hyaluronate(Na-HA) in rats by repeated oral administration for 13 weeks. The Clinical Report. 1993;27:5809–30.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Ishihara M, Inoue T, Ishiyama Y, Sakata T, Ichikawa A, Funahashi N, et al. Toxicity study on sodium hyaluronate(Na-HA) in Rats by repeated oral administration for 90 days followed by 28-day recovery study. Pharmacometrics. 1996;51:97–113.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Miyoshi K, Hasegawa T, Nakazawa M. Chronic toxicity test on sodium hyaluronate(SPH) in beagle dogs by intra-articular administration for 6 months and recovery test (1) General findings. Pharmacometrics. 1985;29:49–81 (in Japanese).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Ono C, Iwama A, Nakajima Y, Kitsuya A, Nakamura T. Reproductive and developmental toxicity study on sodium hyaluronate(SH)-(1)Study on subcutaneous administration to rats during the period of organogenesis-. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1992;20:11–26 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  63. Ono C, Fujiwara Y, Koura S, Tsuchida H, Nakamura T. Reproductive and developmental toxicity study on sodium hyaluronate(SH)-(2)Study on subcutaneous administration to rats prior to and in the early stages of pregnancy-. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1992;20:27–35 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  64. Ono C, Ishitobi H, Kuzuoka K, Konagai S, Nakamura T. Reproductive and developmental toxicity study on sodium hyaluronate(SH)-(3)Study on subcutaneous administration to rats during the perinatal and lactation period-. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1992;20:37–50 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  65. Guo F, Geng G, Wang H, Liu H, Zhi Y. Teratogenicity test of sodium hyaluronate. Food Drug. 2010;12:321–3 (in Chinese).

    Google Scholar 

  66. Tanaka C, Sasa H, Hirama S, Inaba T, Tokunaga S, Eiro H, et al. Reproductive and divelopmental toxicity studies of sodium hyaluronate(SL-1010)(I)-Fertility study in rats-. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1991;19:81–92 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  67. Tanaka C, Sasa H, Hirama S, Inaba T, Tokunaga S, Eiro H, et al. Reproductive and divelopmental toxicity studies of sodium hyaluronate(SL-1010)(II)-Teratogenicity study in rats-. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1991;19:93–110 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  68. Wada K, Hashimato Y, Mizutani M, Chiaki T. Reproductive and divelopmental toxicity studies of sodium hyaluronate(SL-1010)(III)-Teratogenicity study in rabbits-. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1991;19:111–9 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  69. Tateda C, Nagaoka S, Nagai T, Nakamura T. Reproductive and developmental toxicity study on sodium hyaluronate(SH)-(4)Study on subcutaneous administration to rabbits during the period of organogenesis-. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1992;20:51–8 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  70. Sugiyama C, Yagame O. Mutagenicity tests on sodium hyaluronate(SL-1010)(I)-Reverse mutation test in bacteria-. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1991;19:177–81 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  71. Sugiyama C, Kobayashi H. Mutagenicity tests on sodium hyaluronate(SL-1010)(II)-In vitro cytogenetic test-. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1991;19:183–91 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  72. Onishi M, Nagata T, Saigou K, Sameshima H, Nagata R. Mutagenicity studies of sodium hyaluronate(SH). Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1992;20:65–72 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  73. Hara T, Horiya N, Katoh M, Shibuya T. Micronucleus test in mice on sodium hyaluronate(SL-1010). Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1991;19:193–7 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  74. Aruga F, Miwa Y, Fuzimura T, Ohta S. Micronucleus test of sodium hyaluronate(SH) with mice. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1992;20:73–5 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  75. Takemoto M, Ohzone Y, Asahi K. Antigenicity test of sodium hyaluronate(SH). Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1992;20:59–64 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  76. Kameji R, Itokawa S, Yamawaki C, Tsujita K, Hara Y, Shukunobe K. Antigenicity tests on sodium hyaluronate(SL-1010) in rabbit. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 1991;19:159–75 (in Japanese).

    Google Scholar 

  77. Seino S, Takashita F, Asari A, Masuda Y, Kunou M, Ochiya T. No Influence of exogenous hyaluronan on the behavior of human cancer cells or endothelial cell capillary formation. J Food Sci. 2014;79:1469–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  78. Oe M, Mitsugi K, Odanaka W. Orally Administered Hyaluronic Acid Migrates into the Skin of Rats. Sci World J. 2014;2014:378024.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. R&D Division, Kewpie Corporation, 2-5-7, Sengawa-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo, Japan

    Mariko Oe, Hideto Yoshida, Hiroshi Nishiyama & Yasunobu Masuda

  2. Tokyo Yamate Medical Center, 3-22-1 Hyakunin-cho, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan

    Toshiyuki Tashiro

  3. Gate Town Hospital, 1-6-19, Sekimachi-kita, Nerima-ku, Tokyo, Japan

    Koh Maruyama

  4. Shiba Palace Clinic, 1-9-10 Hamamatsucho, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

    Takashi Koikeda

  5. SOUKEN Corporation, 1-9-10, Hamamatsu-cho, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

    Reiko Maruya

  6. Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan

    Naoshi Fukui

Authors
  1. Mariko Oe
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Toshiyuki Tashiro
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Hideto Yoshida
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Hiroshi Nishiyama
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Yasunobu Masuda
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Koh Maruyama
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Takashi Koikeda
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Reiko Maruya
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Naoshi Fukui
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yasunobu Masuda.

Additional information

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors’ contributions

All authors managed the literature searches, formulated the hypothesis, and contributed to the discussion and conclusions. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Oe, M., Tashiro, T., Yoshida, H. et al. Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: a review. Nutr J 15, 11 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-016-0128-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-016-0128-2

Keywords

  • Hyaluronan
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Dietary supplement
  • Knee
  • Joint
  • Osteoarthritis

Nutrition Journal

ISSN: 1475-2891

Contact us