Fact Check: Can a combination of sunflower oil, almond oil, rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, Indian long pepper, saffron, and Malkanghni make knee pain disappear in 3 days?

Claim

The Instagram post titled "Ghutno ka dard teen din me gayab (Knee pain disappears in 3 days)". The user ansari_healthtips claims that "If you apply this oil remedy to the knees for three to four days, you’ll see surprising results. You’ll be amazed at the relief it provides." The user also mentioned that he shared a screenshot with the ingredients and preparation method. In the screenshot, he asks to take: sunflower oil 50 grams, almond oil 50 grams, rapeseed oil 50 grams, flaxseed oil 50 grams, Indian long pepper 20 grams, saffron 2 grams, and malkanghni or jyotishmati 4 grams; then instructs to mix all these ingredients together and cook them on low flame for half an hour, strain the mixture, and store it in a glass container. He suggests massaging it on the knees every morning and evening.

The post has 1,266 likes and can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is False. Sunflower oil, almond oil, rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, Indian long pepper, saffron, and Malkangni possess several health benefits and a few of those ingredients help with joint pain but there is no scientific evidence found that these ingredients have any role with knee pain or can make knee pain disappear in 3 days. Knee pain can arise out of number of reasons and the claim is overexaggerating the role of these oils in treating all kinds of knee pain that too in a matter of three days 

Exploring Knee pain

Knees are important joints that connect two bones and allow your body to move, bend, and stay balanced. They can get hurt from injuries, arthritis, or regular wear and tear. Because of this, knee pain is common. It can range from mild discomfort to serious pain that affects daily activities. Knee pain can stem from various causes, such as injuries (e.g., sprains, torn ligaments, or dislocated kneecaps) or chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, bursitis, and gout. Teenagers might experience Osgood-Schlatter's disease, while sudden severe pain and warmth may indicate septic arthritis. Initial treatment includes rest, ice, and painkillers, but severe or persistent pain warrants medical attention.

Several factors can increase the risk of knee problems. Being overweight puts extra pressure on the knees, making wear and tear happen faster and raising the chance of joint issues like osteoarthritis. Overusing the knee can tire muscles and add extra stress, leading to inflammation that harms tissues. Weak or tight muscles can make the joint less stable, while structural issues like uneven leg length, bone misalignment, or flat feet can also raise the risk. Additionally, playing sports or having past injuries can contribute to knee problems.

Health benefits of Sunflower oil, Almond oil, Rapeseed oil, Flaxseed oil, Indian long pepper, Saffron, and Malkanghni

Sunflower, scientifically known as Helianthus annuus, is a valuable crop with 15-21% protein and 50% oil. Sunflower oil is popular because it’s rich in oleic and linoleic acids, which may help lower cholesterol. It also contains vitamin E (tocopherols) that helps reduce inflammation, while magnesium in the oil may help with migraines, asthma, and muscle health. Sunflower seeds also have choline and tryptophan, which may help relieve stress and anxiety. Overall, sunflower oil has several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and skin-protective properties.

Almond oil, known as Oleum amygdalae, has been used in alternative medicine for a long time because of its many health benefits. While scientific proof is still limited, almond oil is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, boost the immune system, and protect the liver. It may also help improve digestion, which can be beneficial for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Rapeseed oil is one of the top three cooking oils globally, known for its healthy fats, especially polyunsaturated ones, making it nutritious. It contains nine beneficial elements, including vitamin E, flavonoids, carotenoids, glucoraphanin, indole-3-carbinol, sterols, phospholipids, and ferulic acid which give it properties that can fight germs, reduce inflammation, help with weight management, control blood sugar and protect the brain.

Flaxseed is the best plant source of omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil is low in unhealthy fats (9%), moderate in healthy fats (18%), and high in very healthy polyunsaturated fats (73%). Flaxseed oil, fibres, and lignans offer health benefits that may help reduce heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, and some immune and nerve issues. Flax protein also supports heart health and strengthens the immune system.

Piper longum, also known as "long pepper" or "Pippali," is a plant that grows as a vine or small shrub. It contains various natural compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, esters, and steroids. Extracts from its roots and fruits have many potential health benefits, including fighting bacteria, parasites, inflammation and pain. They may also help with conditions like high blood sugar, liver protection, heart health, asthma, arthritis, and ulcers.

Crocus sativus L., known as saffron (or "kesar"), is part of the Iridaceae family and is made from the dried red stigma of the plant. It is mainly grown in Iran, India, and Greece. Saffron has many health benefits, including helping in lowering blood pressure, and seizures, reducing coughing, protecting cells from damage, relieving anxiety, boosting mood, reducing pain, fighting inflammation, and promoting relaxation.

Malkangni (Celastrus paniculatus Willd.) is a well-known herb in Unani medicine. It is commonly used for cold-related conditions affecting the nerves and brain, such as facial paralysis, stroke, gout, sciatica, pneumonia, memory loss, leucoderma, and asthma. It also helps with issues like leprosy, fluid buildup, anaemia, loss of appetite, gas, and irregular periods.

Can a combination of sunflower oil, almond oil, rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, Indian long pepper, saffron, and Malkanghni make knee pain disappear in 3 days?

These oils exhibit multiple health benefits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, reduce pain, help strengthen the immune system, and help with conditions such as asthma, arthritis, and ulcers. Although several studies have found the role of sunflower oil, almond oil, rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, Indian long pepper, saffron, and Malkanghni individually in osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, for joint pain, there is no such scientific evidence or medical consensus that supports the claim that a combination of sunflower oil, almond oil, rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, Indian long pepper, saffron, and Malkanghni make knee pain disappear in 3 days.

Research has explored the impact of the aforementioned mentioned oils and natural ingredients in relieving knee pain. One such review article published in the Emergent Life Sciences Research mentioned that tocopherols in sunflower oil protect the body from inflammation and tumours by neutralizing free radicals and avoiding oxidative injury to cells, thus helpful in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. However, the study does not provide evidence that sunflower oil relieves knee pain in just 3 days.

One study by the Unani system of medicine was published in the International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy where it is mentioned that a Unani formulation containing Rogan-e-Badam (another name for sweet almond oil) can be used for the local application of joint pain. However, even in case of this popular product, no research has concluded its effectivity in 3 days

Another study explored the ability of flaxseed oil to relieve knee pain. The study published in the Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that flaxseed oil could be effective in the management of clinical signs of knee osteoarthritis.

A paper published by the University of Hertfordshire mentions that rapeseed oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which can help in suppressing inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

A study featured in the journal Life and was conducted on mice, demonstrated that saffron treatment significantly decreased osteoarthritis-associated joint histological manifestations(microscopic changes in the tissues of the joints). The researchers concluded that saffron could be a potential therapeutic approach in osteoarthritic patients’ therapy.

Yet another study from Unani Medicine published in the Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics has mentioned that malkangni is used for conditions like rheumatism, and arthritis along with other conditions.

The study published in the Frontiers in Pharmacology which was conducted on mice revealed that Piper longum can attenuate pain and functional loss in osteoarthritis and prevent knee joint destruction in OA and concluded that Piper longum may inhibit joint destruction in patients with osteoarthritis.

While some studies have identified the role of these ingredients individually in managing conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and joint pain relief, there is no evidence or mention of their effectiveness specifically for knee pain. Moreover, there is no study till now that shows these ingredients work together to relieve or fully alleviate knee pain. Further, there is no scientific evidence that supports that this can work and eliminate joint pain in just a matter of three days

Knee pain encompasses a wide range of conditions, such as bone-related ailments like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle overuse, injuries, and more, ranging from mild to severe pain. It is important to address the root cause of the issue

Dr Raju Vaishya, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital said, "While natural ingredients like sunflower oil, almond oil, and saffron have some anti-inflammatory properties, there's no solid evidence that combining them with other oils and herbs will effectively relieve knee pain. They might offer mild, temporary relief, but for lasting results, consider proven treatments like physical therapy and consult your doctor."

Health Dialogues Final Take

Although natural ingredients like sunflower oil, almond oil, rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, Indian long pepper, saffron, and Malkanghni possess properties that may support overall joint health, there is no certainty that they can effectively relieve knee pain or eliminate knee pain in just a matter of three days.

Hence the claim that a combination of sunflower oil, almond oil, rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, Indian long pepper, saffron, and Malkanghni make knee pain disappear in 3 days is False