Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiable (ASU)
Daniel A. Wasserman, DOM
March 08, 2006

ASU is a 1:3 or 2:3 mixture of unsaponifiable fractions (literally, the part that soap cannot be made from) of avocado oil and soybean oil. The structural effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables on joint space loss was studied in osteoarthritis of the hip.

Post hoc analysis showed significant improvement in a subgroup of patients with the most advanced joint space loss. Symptom relief was studied in 3 placebo-controlled trials using 300 mg of ASU. A reduced need for NSAIDs was shown. A dose-finding study showed no additional benefit with 600 mg. Clinical benefit persisted 2 months after discontinuation. Patients with hip osteoarthritis showed greater benefit than those with knee involvement.

KEY USE: Severe Osteorathritis of the hip, also with osteoarthritis of the knee

EVIDENCE: Three placebo-controlled trials

DOSE: 300mg of ASU per day (Higher doses do not prove more effective)

EFFECT: Inhibits joint degradation, while stimulating cartilage production, Reduced the need for NSAID