IL6 and osteoarthritis: In addition, for some of the considered biomarkers, such as IL-6, COX-2, iNOS and MMPs 1, 8 and 9, the inhibitory effects resulted more remarkably, demonstrating that V. thapsus leaf aqueous extract exhibits a good anti-inflammatory activity and suggesting that this extract, which certainly needs to be supported by further in-depth studies, could be a new potential candidate in the treatment of the early stages of osteoarthritis or mild joint inflammation.