Study demonstrates effects of botanical blend Muvs on joint health in active adults

In a March 12, 2025, press release, OmniActive Health Technologies announced results from a recently published study on the safety and efficacy of supplementation from Muvs in active adults. Muvz is a blend of Vitex negundo and Zingiber officinale, which can have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The study, “A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Dose-Response Trial of Muvz for Knee and Low-Back Support in Physically Active Adults,” was published in February 2025 in Drug Design, Development and Therapy.

In this study, 157 adults ages 40-60 experiencing knee or lower back discomfort with activity, were given a placebo capsule, or either one capsule of 200 mg Muvs once per day (low dose, or LD), or one capsule of 200 mg Muvs twice per day (high dose, or HD) for 90 days. Overall musculoskeletal health and joint discomfort were evaluated.

Musculoskeletal health was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ), and effect on discomfort after physical activity was measured by the Pain–Numeric Rating Scale (P-NRS), both at 30, 60 and 90 days of the study. Range of motion was measured by goniometry at the end of the study.

Results included:

• Both doses resulted in higher mean scores of MSK-HQ (indicating improvement in various pain symptoms) starting at day 30, with the HD resulting in a greater improvement than the LD. The placebo group only demonstrated marginal improvement
• Both the HD and LD groups showed decreases in P-NRS (indicating a reduction in pain) scores as early as seven days into the study. The placebo group demonstrated only minimal pain reduction.
• A statistically significant mean increase in range of motion was seen in both the HD and LD groups compared with the placebo group

Additionally, compared with the placebo group, the HD and LD groups scored higher on a questionnaire about quality of life, including mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Adverse effects were deemed by researchers to be unrelated to the study. One limitation noted was that individuals with severe joint pain were not included in the study.

"We are excited to see this new publication validating the benefits of Muvz in supporting joint and low-back comfort with improved mobility, particularly for those with knee and lower back discomfort," stated Abhijeet Morde, senior director of In vitro biology, animal studies, and clinicals at OmniActive, in the press release. "The results align with previous studies, further reinforcing Muvz as a natural, ingredient solution for supporting mobility through joint and low-back comfort support as well as flexibility in physically active individuals."

The researchers concluded that the supplementation was safe and well-tolerated.

"The global joint health market sits at over $11.5 billion, which is being propelled by younger, active consumers and athletes," said Keya Shah, assistant director leading OmniActive's joint health category. "Muvz continues to demonstrate significant benefits for mobility and with this new research, we're well-positioned to meet the growing demand for high-quality plant-based ingredients that may help support consumers of various activity levels who are looking for better mobility and improved quality of life."

OmniActive Health Technologies also recently announced the acquisition of ENovate Biolife, intended to strengthen its commitment to clinically validated ingredients, including Muvs, for consumer products.

Reference

1. Kalman D.; Srivastava S.; Desale A.; Chatte, M.; Nalavade RJ.; Shah, KM, Karvir S, Bhasale S. A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Dose-Response Trial of Muvz™ for Knee and Low-Back Support in Physically Active Adults. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2025. DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S486836.