Effect of Natural Dietary Formulation LekCapp on the Development of Knee Joint Pain in A Rat Model of Monoiodoacetate-Induced Osteoarthritis

Abstract

In recent years, the use of herbal supplements has risen markedly, with many products readily accessible through online retailers. Despite their growing popularity, scientific evidence supporting their efficacy and safety remains limited. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of a natural product, LekCapp, in alleviating knee pain in a rat model of osteoarthritis (OA). OA knee pain was induced by a unilateral intra-articular injection of 2 mg monoiodoacetate (MIA). LekCapp was administered orally once daily for 14 days following MIA injection, following a preventive treatment protocol. Pain-related behaviors were assessed using weight-bearing distribution and von Frey tests. Histological analysis of knee joints was performed to evaluate potential cartilage-protective effects. Additionally, blood chemical analysis and histological examination of digestive organs were conducted to assess potential systemic toxicity. The results showed that LekCapp significantly reduced knee joint swelling and pain in MIA-treated rats compared with vehicle-treated controls. Although its protective effect against cartilage damage was modest, LekCapp administration preserved normal serum biochemical profiles, and histological evaluation revealed no abnormalities in the livers, kidneys, or stomach. These findings suggest that LekCapp may provide a safe and effective option for relieving OA-related knee pain.