This article in the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) reviews the available evidence on the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines for osteoarthritis, including avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, Cat's claw, Devil's claw, Indian frankincense, ginger, nettle, rosehip, turmeric and willow bark.

The authors note that herbal medicinal products have traditionally been used for the relief of osteoarthritis symptoms; however there is a lack of licensed herbal medicinal products for such symptoms and none are specifically licensed for osteoarthritis. 

Although some efficacy is suggested for products containing avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, Indian frankincense or rosehip, more robust data are needed.  Several herbal medicinal products containing devil’s claw have had Traditional Herbal Registrations approved by the MHRA for rheumatic symptoms, but the trial results for this herb are equivocal. There is little conclusive evidence of benefit from the other herbs reviewed, and the authors comment on the lack of information on significant drug interactions.

Healthcare professionals are advised to routinely ask patients with osteoarthritis if they are taking any herbal products.