Joint DiscomfortNCT07382622
Effect of JointIQ on Joint Discomfort in Healthy Subjects
A study testing Astragaloside in people with Joint Discomfort, run by Chung Shan Medical University at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 75 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Joint Discomfort
- What is being tested?
- Astragaloside
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 50 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 24 Oct 2024to 9 Oct 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 75 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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.
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- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effect of JointIQ on Joint Discomfort in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-blind Trial
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.
Read the detailed description
The purpose of this randomized, double-blind clinical trial is to investigate the efficacy of astragaloside supplementation in enhancing joint health and physical function among healthy individuals aged 20 to 70 years.
Study Design and Procedures: Participants will be randomized into two groups: the intervention group (astragaloside) and the control group (placebo). Each participant will be instructed to consume one capsule daily after a meal for 12 weeks.
The study aims to address the following objectives:
Physical Function Assessment: To evaluate changes in knee joint mobility and strength using the Single-Leg Step-Down (SLSD) test and Range of Motion (ROM) measurements.
Subjective Symptoms and Quality of Life: To assess improvements in knee-related symptoms through the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire.
Biological Markers: To analyze blood biomarkers related to joint health and systemic response.
Comparative analysis between the astragaloside and placebo groups will be conducted to determine the statistical significance of the supplement's impact on joint function and discomfort.
- Conditions
- Joint Discomfort
- Being tested
- Astragaloside, Maltodextrin (Placebo)
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
AstragalosideDietary 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.
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Astragaloside Group | Experimental | 200mg astragaloside Receives: Dietary Supplement: Astragaloside |
| Placebo Group | Placebo comparator | 200mg maltodextrin Receives: Dietary Supplement: Maltodextrin (Placebo) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: From baseline to Week 12
Secondary outcomes (2)
Change from baseline in serum inflammatory cytokine levels at 12 weeks.
This measure evaluates the systemic inflammatory response by analyzing the concentrations of Pro-inflammatory cytokines, including Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1b), and Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1 alpha (MIP1a). Blood samples will be analyzed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). A decrease in these biomarker concentrations (measured in pg/mL) indicates a reduction in systemic or joint-related inflammation.
Measured: From baseline to Week 12
Change from baseline in cartilage turnover biomarkers at 12 weeks.
This measure assesses the balance between cartilage degradation and synthesis.
Degradation Markers: C-terminal telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II), Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP), and Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13).
Synthesis Markers: Type II collagen markers (COL2a, PIIPC, and PIINP). Samples will be analyzed via ELISA. Lower levels of degradation markers and stable or higher levels of synthesis markers indicate improved cartilage health and reduced joint tissue breakdown.
Measured: From baseline to Week 12
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted3 Feb 2026
- Study start24 Oct 2024
- Primary completion9 Oct 2025
- Study completion9 Oct 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Joint DiscomfortStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Chung Shan Medical University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07382622
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CS2-24092
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 27 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 3 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of JointIQ on Joint Discomfort in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-blind Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07382622
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CS2-24092
- Conditions
- Joint Discomfort
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Chung Shan Medical UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 24 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 9 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 9 Oct 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 3 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
The purpose of this randomized, double-blind clinical trial is to investigate the efficacy of astragaloside supplementation in enhancing joint health and physical function among healthy individuals aged 20 to 70 years.
Study Design and Procedures: Participants will be randomized into two groups: the intervention group (astragaloside) and the control group (placebo). Each participant will be instructed to consume one capsule daily after a meal for 12 weeks.
The study aims to address the following objectives:
Physical Function Assessment: To evaluate changes in knee joint mobility and strength using the Single-Leg Step-Down (SLSD) test and Range of Motion (ROM) measurements.
Subjective Symptoms and Quality of Life: To assess improvements in knee-related symptoms through the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire.
Biological Markers: To analyze blood biomarkers related to joint health and systemic response.
Comparative analysis between the astragaloside and placebo groups will be conducted to determine the statistical significance of the supplement's impact on joint function and discomfort.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Astragaloside Group | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Astragaloside200mg astragaloside |
| Placebo Group | Placebo comparator | Dietary Supplement: Maltodextrin (Placebo)200mg maltodextrin |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- 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.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| AstragalosideParticipants 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. | Dietary supplement | Astragaloside Group |
| Maltodextrin (Placebo)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. | Dietary supplement | Placebo Group |
Primary outcome
Change from baseline in knee joint stability via SLSD test at 12 weeks.
Time frame: From baseline to Week 12
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.
Change from baseline in knee Range of Motion (ROM) at 12 weeks.
Time frame: From baseline to Week 12
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.
Change from baseline in KOOS score at 12 weeks.
Time frame: From baseline to Week 12
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.
2 secondary outcomes
Change from baseline in serum inflammatory cytokine levels at 12 weeks.
Time frame: From baseline to Week 12
Change from baseline in cartilage turnover biomarkers at 12 weeks.
Time frame: From baseline to Week 12
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Feb 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Astragaloside in people with Joint Discomfort, run by Chung Shan Medical University at 1 site in Taiwan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change from baseline in knee joint stability via SLSD test at 12 weeks. (time frame: From baseline to Week 12). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Feb 2026.