Maritech® Benefits OA

LISMORE, AustraliaA recent study found Maritech® (from Marinova), a seaweed extract nutrient complex, when taken orally over 12 weeks decreased the symptoms of osteoarthritis in a dose-dependent manner (Biologics 2010;4:33-44). The study tested Maritech® extract formulation, containing a blend of extracts from three different species of brown algae, plus nutrients in an open-label combined phase I and II pilot scale study to determine both acute safety and efficacy in osteoarthritis of the knee.

A total of 12 participants, five females and seven males with a confirmed diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee were randomized to either 100 mg/d (n=5) or 1000 mg/d (n=7) of Maritech seaweed extract, containing Fucus vesiculosis (85 percent w/w), Macrocystis pyrifera (10 percent w/w) and Laminaria japonica (5 percent w/w) plus vitamin B6, zinc and manganese.

Eleven participants completed 12 weeks and one completed 10 weeks of the study. Using a multilevel linear model, the average comprehensive arthritis test (COAT) score was reduced by 18 percent for the 100 mg-treatment and 52 percent for the 1,000 mg-dose at the end of the study. There was a clear dose response effect seen between the two treatments (P0.0005) on the average COAT score and each of the four COAT subscales (pain, stiffness, difficulty with physical activity and overall symptom severity) (P0.05). The preparation was well tolerated and the few adverse events were unlikely to be related to the study medication. There were no changes in blood parameters measured over the course of the study with the exception of an increase in serum albumin which was not clinically significant. It was demonstrated to be safe to use over the study period at the doses tested. The efficacy of the preparation now needs to be demonstrated in a phase III randomized controlled trial (RCT).