8 medicinal plants against arthritis and osteoarthritis

Arthritis and osteoarthritis are chronic diseases that affect almost a quarter of the population. To reduce symptoms, conventional medicine uses painkillers (in the case of osteoarthritis) and, in the case of arthritis, corticosteroids as well. Both types of drugs are related to the appearance of serious side effects. Treatment with medicinal plants is much safer and you can reduce or completely avoid the use of synthetic medications, according to a study published in the journal Medicines.

The osteoarthritis It is a degenerative disease of the joints, which suffer damage to cartilage and bones. Factors that favor it are age, repetitive movements, obesity and some metabolic diseases. The arthritis Rheumatoid also involves the immune system, which produces antibodies against cartilage and bone.

Researchers have reviewed the scientific literature and identified the plants with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can be more useful in the treatment of these ailments that especially affect the joints. The most frequent symptoms they are severe and persistent pain, reduced mobility and deformation of the joints.

The most effective medicinal plants against joint pain

1. Boswellia serrata

Boswellia has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine (ayurveda). This grass exhibits inhibits inflammatory mediators such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, MMP-13, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, nitric oxide (NO), C-reactive protein, and hyaluronic acid. It also has analgesic and antiarthritic effects. Improve knee joint gap and reduce osteophytes.

Osteoarthritis patients who received oral extract of boswellia serrata for 8 weeks demonstrated a Significant improvement in symptoms. Another clinical trial found that oral supplementation of Boswellia extract for more than 4 months reduced pain and stiffness without causing serious adverse events.

Topical application of oil Boswellia carterii B. (oliban oil) is associated with a significant improvement in osteoarthritis pain and symptoms.

2. Curcuma longa

Turmeric root contains curcumin, a polyphenol well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which strongly inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin (IL)-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-8, nitric oxide, and a variety of metalloproteinases. Turmeric has also been shown to inhibit COX-2 and to reduced prostaglandin synthesis.

One study proved that curcumin has comparable efficacy, but better safety and fewer adverse effects than diclofenac. The short-term effects of highly bioavailable curcumin (Theracurmin) on knee osteoarthritis were investigated in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. After 8 weeks, a significant reduction in symptoms.

Other research determined that curcuminoids, including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, combined with diclofenac, showed a greater effect on pain and functional capacity in knee osteoarthritis.

3. Eucommia ulmoides

commends ulmoids, the gutta-percha tree is a chinese medicinal plant which has shown its potential for the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In studies with mice it has been found that it reduces the production of inflammatory mediators and protects joint tissues. This plant contains a bioactive component called aucubin that reduces the production of free radicals.

4. Feverfew chamomilla

The popular chamomile (camomile matriarch) has traditionally been used to treat joint pain. Contains various phenolic compounds, such as apigenin, quercetin, patuletin, luteolin, and glycosides with the ability to reduce cytokines and PGE2, which play a role in the pathogenesis of arthritis.

In a study that compared its effect with acetaminophen and placebo, chamomile significantly reduced the need for the drug and produced no adverse effects.

Another trial found that daily consumption of 6 g of chamomile infusion was associated with reduced tender joints and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (a marker of inflammation) compared with placebo for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

5. Paeonia lactiflora

The dried root of Paeonia lactiflora Pallas it has a history of traditional use in Chinese medicine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Contains glycosides that inhibit the production of prostaglandins PGE2 and other proinflammatory mediators. It has been shown that it can reduce microvascular permeability and inflammatory cell infiltration. It can also reduce the liver toxicity of drugs such as methotrexate and leflunomide.

6. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F.

The Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) is a traditional Chinese medicine plant that has been shown to immunosuppressive effects and historically it has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Numerous preclinical studies have shown that TwHF root extracts inhibit the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators, adhesion molecules, and matrix metalloproteinases by macrophages, lymphocytes, synovial fibroblasts, and chondrocytes.

It can also induce apoptosis in lymphocytes and synovial fibroblasts and inhibit their proliferation. The immunosuppressive, cartilage protective and anti-inflammatory effects of TwHF extracts are well demonstrated, making them a good alternative for patients with rheumatoid arthritis unresponsive to conventional therapy.

One study found that patients treated with TwHF alone or in combination with methotrexate showed good results that were maintained up to 18 months after the end of the study.

7. Withania somnifera

The Withania somnifera or ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic medicine known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and adaptogenic effects. Withania somnifera extract has been found to inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators.

The extract is capable of reducing swelling, redness, deformity and ankylosis in joints affected by arthritis in laboratory animals. One study points out that protects cartilage damaged by osteoarthritis and that 125-250 mg daily reduce the pain of osteoarthritis of the knee. The highest dose showed efficacy at 4 weeks and less need for paracetamol rescue medication.

8. Zingiber officinale

He Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, it produces relief from inflammatory symptoms. The anti-inflammatory activities of ginger have been extensively investigated in patients, as well as in vitro and in vivo models. Ginger treatment reduces the production of prostaglandins and regulates the activation of normal immune T cells.

Several clinical trials have been conducted to assess the effects of ginger in relieving osteoarthritis pain. 250 mg of ginger extract reduces pain and morning stiffness in patients. Another study indicates that two daily tablets of 500 mg of ginger improves pain scores and significantly increased patient satisfaction.

Another study revealed that ginger extract was associated with knee pain reduction, although in some cases mild gastrointestinal side effects appeared.

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