Researchers at the University of Leeds are investigating whether eating broccoli could help ease the debilitating pain of osteoarthritis.
Having previously shown it can benefit mice, the team now hope to recruit people in Leeds to take part in the first human trial.
They will investigate a compound called sulforaphane, which is released when eating cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts and cabbage, and particularly broccoli.
They are looking for people over 50 with knee osteoarthritis, who are in pain, and who like broccoli.
The trial will involve eating broccoli soup, four days a week, for three months.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease affecting the hands, feet, spine, hips and knees in particular.
More than 8.5 million people in the UK have the condition and the cost to the NHS tops £5 billion each year.
Ageing and obesity are the most common contributors to the condition and there is no cure other than pain relief or joint replacement.
Dr Sarah Kingsbury, from the University of Leeds’ School of Medicine, said: “Not all health interventions require surgery or taking pills. We hope that this trial might reveal a simple dietary choice that can help people with osteoarthritis.”
The Broccoli In Osteoarthritis (BRIO) trial is being held alongside academics from the University of East Anglia in Norwich and is being funded by Versus Arthritis and Action Arthritis.
Researchers will compare the effects of eating broccoli soup with a soup which doesn’t contain broccoli, but looks and tastes the same.
Patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis will be randomly assigned to either the broccoli or the control soup and will eat this with a meal on four days per week for three months.
The team will measure pain and physical function at the start of the trial, and at six weeks and at 12 weeks to assess any changes.
Dr Caroline Aylott, head of Research Awards and Translation at Versus Arthritis, said: “Although there are no diets or dietary supplements that will cure arthritis, some research suggests that symptoms can improve by changing your diet.
"Broccoli is something that is easily available and although more research needs to be done, shows great promise for people with osteoarthritis.”
Anyone interested in taking part should email OAtrials@leeds.ac.uk or call 0113 392 4965.
For more information please visit http://www.brio.uea.ac.uk/ .
Visit our homepage for more of the biggest talking points across Leeds.
LeedsLive has launched a WhatsApp group to keep you up to date with the latest news! Click here to join and follow the instructions on your phone. Your number won't be shared with anyone else in the group.
