Effect of JointIQ on Joint Discomfort in Healthy Subjects

NCT07382622 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: CS2-24092
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the effects of astragaloside supplementation on joint discomfort in healthy adults. The primary goal is to determine if daily intake of astragaloside can improve knee joint function and reduce discomfort over a 12-week period. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either an astragaloside capsule or a placebo capsule once daily. Aim to see if those taking astragaloside experience better mobility and fewer joint-related symptoms compared to those in the placebo group.

Conditions

Joint Discomfort

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Change from baseline in knee joint stability via SLSD test at 12 weeks.

  The SLSD test evaluates functional knee stability and lower extremity muscle strength. The examiner records the number of successful repetitions or a quality score based on trunk and limb alignment. Higher scores (or higher number of repetitions) indicate better functional stability and joint control.

  From baseline to Week 12

• Change from baseline in knee Range of Motion (ROM) at 12 weeks.

  Knee ROM measures the degree of flexion and extension using a universal goniometer. The measurement is recorded in degrees. An increase in the range of degrees indicates improved joint mobility.

  From baseline to Week 12

• Change from baseline in KOOS score at 12 weeks.

  The KOOS questionnaire consists of 5 subscales: Pain, Symptoms, Activities of Daily Living, Sport and Recreation Function, and Knee-related Quality of Life (QOL). Standardized answer options are given (5-point Likert scale). Each subscale score is calculated as a percentage from 0 to 100. A score of 100 represents no knee problems and 0 represents extreme knee problems; therefore, a higher score indicates better outcomes.

  From baseline to Week 12

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Change from baseline in serum inflammatory cytokine levels at 12 weeks.

  From baseline to Week 12

• Change from baseline in cartilage turnover biomarkers at 12 weeks.

  From baseline to Week 12

Study Arms (2)

Astragaloside Group

EXPERIMENTAL

200mg astragaloside

Dietary Supplement: Astragaloside

Placebo Group

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

200mg maltodextrin

Dietary Supplement: Maltodextrin (Placebo)

Interventions

Astragaloside DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Participants in the Astragaloside Group will receive one astragaloside capsule orally once daily after meals for 12 weeks. The capsule contains the active compound astragaloside, a component of the traditional herb Astragalus. Participants will be asked to continue their usual diet and physical activity levels during the study.

Astragaloside Group

Maltodextrin (Placebo) DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Participants in the Placebo Group will receive one maltodextrin capsule orally once daily after meals for 12 weeks. The capsule is identical in appearance to the astragaloside capsule but contains no active astragaloside. Participants will be asked to continue their usual diet and physical activity levels during the study.

Placebo Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 75 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Healthy male or female adults, aged 18 to 75 years, with a body mass index (BMI) of 18-30 kg/m².
• Actively participates in regular exercise, including but not limited to soccer, basketball, tennis, rugby, running, or cycling, and engages in at least two training sessions per week during the study period.
• Experiences pain ≥5 on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) during the Single-Leg Step-Down (SLSD) test when performing 30 to 150 steps.
• Has experienced knee discomfort within the last 3 months during or after physical activity.

You may not qualify if:

• Participation in another clinical trial within 30 days prior to study enrollment.
• Uncontrolled diabetes or currently using insulin therapy.
• Current smokers.
• History of heart failure.
• Previous bilateral knee replacement surgery.
• Current use of prescription COX-2 inhibitors, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate or hydrochloride, collagen, fish oil, or vitamin D supplements and unwilling to discontinue these during the study.
• Likely to be lost to follow-up, non-compliant, or requiring concomitant medication that may interfere with study outcomes.
• Received intra-articular treatment within 3 months prior to study start.
• Medical conditions that may interfere with study results, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease (e.g., stroke, myocardial infarction), pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Hip, spine, or foot injuries that could affect study outcomes.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Chung Shan Medical University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Chung Shan Medical University

Taichung, 402, Taiwan

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

maltodextrin

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 27, 2026
• First Posted: February 3, 2026
• Study Start: October 24, 2024
• Primary Completion: October 9, 2025
• Study Completion: October 9, 2025
• Last Updated: February 3, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Locations

TW (1)