Arthritis is a chronic disease characterized by pain, stiffness and inflammation in the joints. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, which is a degeneration of bone cartilage, and rheumatoid arthritis, which is an inflammation in the membrane that protects and lubricates the joints. Conventional treatment includes corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for inflammation and pain. Herbs can provide a safe and economical alternative treatment by reducing the chronic inflammation that triggers arthritis pain. It is important to consult a professional before beginning herbal therapy for arthritis and to be aware of potential herb-drug interactions.
Clasping-Leaf Borage
Clasping-leaf borage, or Trichodesma amplexicaule, is a hairy plant with blue-purple flowers native to India. It is known as chhota kulpha in Ayurvedic medicine, and the leaves and flowers are used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, dysentery and fever. The plant's chemicals include terpenoids, alkanoic acid and alkane, which are potent anti-inflammatories. A study published in the February 2006 issue of "Phytomedicine" found that the terpenoids in clasping-leaf borage inhibited painful joint inflammation in arthritic animals in both short-term and long-term tests.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola, or Centella asiatica, is a small herb native to Asia and popular in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. It is an "adaptogen"---an herb that helps the body resist stress and fatigue. Ayurvedic medicine also uses gotu kola as a cerebral stimulant to increase memory and circulation. Gotu kola contains powerful anti-inflammatory chemicals, including asiaticoside, madecassoside and kaempferol. A study published in the 2008 issue of "International Immunopharmacology" found that the triterpenoid madecassoside in gotu kola is likely the major active ingredient against arthritis. It combats arthritis pain by acting on the immune system to reduce inflammation and by protecting against joint destruction.
Turmeric
Turmeric, or Curcuma domestica, is a cooking herb from the ginger family native to Asia. The root is used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to treat wounds, gastrointestinal problems, skin disorders and inflammation. Turmeric contains a group of compounds called curcuminoids, which are potent anti-inflammatories. A study in the August 2009 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" compared a turmeric extract to ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory pain killer, in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Both medications reduced inflammation and pain. The researchers state that there is no significant difference between turmeric and ibuprofen regarding pain reduction and safety.
References
- "Phytomedicine"; Anti-inflammatory activity of alkanoids and triterpenoids from Trichodesma amplexicaule Roth; Singh B, Sahu PM, Lohiya RK, Sharma MK, Singh HL, Singh S; February 2006
- "International Immunopharmacology"; Anti-rheumatoid arthritic effect of madecassoside on type II collagen-induced arthritis in mice; Liu M, Dai Y, Yao X, Li Y, Luo Y, Xia Y, Gong Z; November 2008
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis; Kuptniratsaikul V, Thanakhumtorn S, Chinswangwatanakul P, Wattanamongkonsil L, Thamlikitkul V; August 2009
