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

Authors

  • Orada Sriwatananukulkit Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
  • Scarlett Desclaux Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
  • Kasem Rattanapinyopituk Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
  • Wanwisa Himakhun Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 10120, Thailand
  • Yupaporn Sampaopan College of Oriental Medicine, Rangsit University, Pathum Thani 12000, Thailand
  • Sareeya Reungpatthanaphong Cosmetic Science and Natural Products, College of Health and Wellness, Dhurakij Pundit University, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
  • Surapote Wongyai Cosmetic Science and Natural Products, College of Health and Wellness, Dhurakij Pundit University, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
  • Ruedee Hemstapat Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.11749

Keywords:

Herbal supplement, LekCapp, Monoiodoacetate, Knee pain, Osteoarthritis, Herbal supplement, LekCapp, Monoiodoacetate, Knee pain, 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.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • LekCapp reduced knee joint swelling in a rat model of Monoiodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis
  • LekCapp produced dose-dependent pain relief in a rat model of MIA-induced knee joint pain.
  • LekCapp showed a safety profile after daily administration for 14 days.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

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Published

2026-01-01