Abstract
This report describes the conduct and results of a double-blind trial comparing oral intake of 6 mg of boron per day to placebo in the treatment of arthritis. The results indicate that boron may well be beneficial. Of the 10 patients on boron, five improved and five did not, but only one of the 10 patients on the placebo improved. This was essentially a pilot trial which showed that a small quantity of boron would greatly relieve severe osteo-arthritis. Of those starting the trial, 50% using boron improved as compared with 10% on placebo; or if we consider those who completed the trial, 71% improved while using boron. There were no side-effects and these were sought. The indication is that boron (as sodium tetraborate decahydrate) are safe and beneficial in the treatment of osteo-arthritis and that further research is required.
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