Unstergen demonstrated significant improvement in pain, function and QoL as supplementation therapy for OA.: study

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease affecting millions globally, often leading to pain and reduced mobility. Nutraceuticals like undenatured chicken collagen are gaining attention for their potential in symptom relief. The proof-of-concept study by Sriraam VT et al evaluates the clinical efficacy of Unstergen® of Titan Biotech Limited in the management of OA. The study has been published in ‘International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics.’

This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study studies 48 adults with OA. Subjects received 40 mg/day of Unstergen® (n=32) or placebo (n=16) once a day for 90 days. Outcomes were assessed using WOMAC score, pain scale, quality of life questionnaire (QoL) for all and global rating of change scale (GROC) using X ray of target joint for a cohort of 12 subjects.

Key findings of the study were:

• Unstergen group demonstrated statistically significant reduction of 20.39% in Western Ontario and McMaster universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) scores and 37.77% in pain numerical rating scale (Pain NRS) compared to 7.24% and 8.70% reduction in the placebo arm, respectively.

• The 90.32% subjects reported improvement in QoL compared to placebo (p<0.05).

• The 87.50% subjects were deemed to have marked improvement on their X ray while no subject in the placebo arm showed improvement after 90 days.

• No adverse event was attributed to Unstergen and was deemed clinically safe.

The authors concluded that – “The current study showed that oral supplementation of Unstergen® (undenatured chicken collagen type II) is a potential supportive nutraceutical therapy in the management of OA. Supplementation of 40 mg of “Unstergen®” for a minimum of 12 weeks shows significant potential for use in patients with OA due to its safety profile. Clinical safety was established with blood test at baseline and end of study, proving the tolerability and safety of the product. Though, further research with a larger sample size is warranted, this study has proved that Unstergen® is a safe, clinically verified and validated nutraceutical for managing OA with reducing progression, providing symptomatic relief, improving functional capacity and overall QoL.” 

Further reading:

Sriraam VT et al.

Clinical benefits of undenatured chicken collagen type II Unstergen® as a nutritional therapy in the management of osteoarthritis: a double-blind, placebo controlled clinical study.

Int J Res Orthop 2025;11:505-12.