Cucumber extract can improve joint health and muscle function, study finds

14 May 2024 --- The new cucumber extract (Cucumis sativus L.) CuberUp, by botanical extracts and natural active substances producer Euromed, has been shown to relieve joint pain and improve muscle function in a double-blind clinical study. The findings suggest that the product is particularly well-suited for consumers looking for healthy aging solutions, athletes and others living with joint discomfort.

“Joint health is a key piece in the healthy aging puzzle, and there is increasing interest in natural, preventive options offered by nutraceuticals and functional foods,” says Andrea Zangara, Euromed’s head of scientific communication and medical affairs. 

“Cucumber is already well-known in traditional medicine. Based on the beneficial effects on symptoms, inflammation and cartilage degradation biomarkers observed in the study, CuberUp supplementation may be a promising approach to maintaining joint and connective tissue health and preventing knee joint ‘wear and tear’ for improved mobility comfort,” he details.

“In addition, it is a high-quality, standardized cucumber extract obtained via eco-friendly technology and sustainable farming.”

The study will be presented at the 14th Congress of Phytotherapy of the Spanish Society of Phytotherapy, to be held in Oviedo, Spain (May 17–19).

Alleviating joint concerns
Joint discomfort can be diverse in type and severity and includes conditions such as osteoarthritis. Issues with the joints are particularly prevalent among people over 40 and can impact day-to-day living and overall quality of life. 

Cucumber extract is already well-known in traditional medicine.The eight-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included adults with varying degrees of joint discomfort in the knees. The 55 participants were given 20 mg of CuberUp, while the control group received a placebo. 

The research team established that the subjective perception of knee pain improved in both study groups, however, the improvements were notably higher in the CuberUp group. In addition to experiencing pain alleviation, the supplement-receiving group improved their physical function. 

When assessed through the clinical method Time Up and Go, the mobility and risk of falling among the group receiving CuberUp performed better than the control group. 

The researchers further describe an improvement in muscle function during knee flexion exercises and the fact that biomarkers denoting degradation and inflammation of cartilage decreased among CuberUp participants. 

Progressive reduction of pain
Another aspect of the clinical trial considered the development of pain and pain reduction over time. The research team found that knee pain among the supplement-receiving group progressively reduced from week one and was significantly less than the levels of pain experienced by the placebo group after week four. 

The amino acid derivatives in cucumber extract are also known to offer anti-inflammatory properties and may also improve cartilage nutrition. Meanwhile, the flavonoids and tannins in the phytochemical composition of aqueous cucumber extracts have been associated with free radical scavenging and analgesic effects. 

Consumer demand for natural solutions to common health concerns and discomforts has been growing along with innovation in the space. 

By Milana Nikolova