Arthritis pain relief alternatives

Arthritis Assist is often asked if there are any arthritis pain relief alternatives. We keep an eye out for new products that become available that say they will be helpful for people with arthritis. 

Recently, we have heard of two new products that might be an arthritis pain relief alternative for you. The products are MCB oil, a Maca root extract from the Andes in Peru and ActiPatch, a patch that is applied to the skin and releases a pulsed electromagnetic field. Both are sold in New Zealand by New Zealand companies.

Peruvian maca root (Lepidium meyenii), a traditional Andean food, has gained interest for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. Independent laboratory research conducted at the University of Otago examined a specialised maca product called MCB oil™. This is a concentrated maca extract produced under patent by a New Zealand-based company, Seleno Health Ltd. Early research into MCB oil™ showed the ability to:

• reduce the release of several inflammatory signalling molecules that are associated with autoimmunity, inflammation and pain
• inhibit an enzyme, which naturally breaks down the body’s own endocannabinoids. It therefore helps regulate pain and inflammation, and
• modestly increase release of an your own natural (endogenous) opioid peptide that is linked to pain relief.

These exciting new in vitro findings suggest MCB oil™ may support the body’s endocannabinoid system and help dampen inflammatory responses relevant to arthritis.

MCB oil is 100% natural and made only from organic plant-based components. It is well tolerated and has no known contraindications with arthritis medications or treatments. It is most effective when taken twice daily, as drops under the tongue. Some people are also using it topically directly to affected joint areas.

While promising, this is early-stage laboratory research, and clinical studies in people with arthritis are still needed. MCB oil™ is available from Seleno Health. As with any supplement, it’s important to discuss new options with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are taking other medications. Data from the study is set to be published mid-2026 in the Journal of Phytomedicine.

ActiPatch uses a Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field (PEMF) to interrupt abnormal pain signalling in the nerves. It is clinically proven to provide effective relief of muscle and joint pain.

ActiPatch pulses radio-frequency electromagnetic energy at 1000 pulses per second into the painful area. The pulses safely interrupt abnormal signalling in the nerves and reach deep into the painful area to provide real relief at the source. These patches can be used 24 hours per day if you want to.

There is a link to their research on their website. The research conducted on patients with knee OA showed reduction in pain scores after one month. One in four patients (26%) stopped their previously prescribed anti-inflammatories or pain relief while using ActiPatch. In the placebo group (people who had patches that did not have the electromagnetic field) 3% stopped and 10% started a new therapy for chronic pain. This research was published in the UK Rheumatology Journal in 2015.

You can buy the ActiPatch here.

Please note: Arthritis NZ does not specifically endorse these or any other product. We are sharing this information for those who wish to consider (and are able to afford) alternative or complementary pain management options. We always recommend checking with your healthcare provider before starting any new product or treatment to make sure it’s suitable for you.