Objective: To observe the effects of Duhuo Jisheng mixture on whole-organ magnetic resonance imaging scores (WORMS) and cartilage metabolism markers in serum of elderly patients with knee-joint osteoarthritis (KOA)

and investigate its clinical efficacy for elderly KOA. Method: Totally 80 elderly patients with KOA were randomly divided into control group (40 cases) and treatment group (40 cases). Patients in control group orally took hydrochloric acid glucosamine capsules

and patients in treatment group also orally took Duhuo Jisheng mixture based on the treatment of control group. The treatment course was 8 weeks for both groups. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities(WOMAC) scores before and after treatment of the two groups were observed

radiographic efficacy was assessed with WORMS scores

cartilage oligomeric protein (COMP) and proteoglycan levels of cartilage metabolism markers in serum were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Result: The total effective rate in the treatment group was 86.84%

significantly higher than 71.79% in control group(P < 0.05). As compared with the conditions before treatment

WOMAC scores were improved in both groups

WORMS scores of knees were reduced

COMP and proteoglycan levels were reduced (P < 0.05). The effect in treatment group was better than that in control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Duhuo Jisheng mixture can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms of elderly KOA

improve the knee imaging damages and reduce content of cartilage metabolism markers

thus protect the cartilage in patients with KOA.