With concerns arising over side effects from conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), many people are looking for alternative methods for treating pain and inflammation, reports the Arthritis Today website. After drug manufacturing giant Merck removed Vioxx from the market, many questions arose about the safety of NSAIDs compared to that of common food supplements with similar anti-inflammatory properties. Herbs and supplements may have side effects and individuals should consult with a health care practitioner for guidance on before using natural remedies for inflammation.
Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme extracted from pineapples, whose reputation is growing in regards to its medicinal effects for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and other musculoskeletal conditions. The PubMed website reviewed various clinical studies and presents reports attesting to the efficacy and safety of this enzyme for treatment of pain and inflammation in osteoarthrits, especially for arthritis of the knee.
Research suggests that bromelain not only helps relieve inflammation, but also has analgesic properties as well as being helpful for edema and thromboses. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings.
Garlic
Garlic has been used since ancient times for its medicinal qualities, such as its ability to fight infections with anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. Reports from Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute now indicate that garlic has organosulfur compounds, which are currently under scrutiny for their disease-preventing ability. Alternative practitioners and herbalists have known about the efficacy of garlic for the treatment of disease for centuries.
The organosulfur compounds are present in the whole garlic cloves whose active ingredient is called allicin. Studies reveal garlic has compounds that prevent the formation of cholesterol and red blood cell platelet aggregation as well as acting as an anti-inflammatory agent protecting against cardiovascular disease, report Linus Pauling. Further studies are necessary to discover more details of the effects of garlic on the cardiovascular system.
Turmeric
An ancient medicinal and culinary herb, turmeric was used as a spice and medical preparation in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as far back as 4,000 years ago, explains the University of Maryland Medical Clinic. The bright yellow herb shows promise for a variety of medical conditions including treatment of certain digestive disorders, and for treating cancer and inflammation. Additional research and testing must be conducted to verify these claims, according to UMMC.
The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin. Bromelain increases the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin, and for this reason, they are often taken together to reduce pain. Turmeric can be consumed by a variety of methods. The recommended dose is 400-600 mg, three times per day, according to UMMC.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric
- PubMed Central: Evidenced-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Vol.1, Issue 3, Sarah Brien, December 2004: Bromelain as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: a Review of Clinical Studies
- Linus Pauling Institute: Garlic and Organosulfur Compounds
- Arthritis Today: Drug Guide NSAIDs
