Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by pain and inflammation in at least one joint. It often affects the big toe, but other joints in the body can be affected, too. It occurs when uric acid, normally excreted by the kidneys, builds up and forms crystals in the joints. If you suffer from gout, your doctor may prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, a corticosteroid or a drug called colchicine to help reduce inflammation and ease pain. Some herbs may have anti-inflammatory effects, although there is little scientific evidence to prove that they can successfully treat gout. Talk to your doctor before self-treating with herbs, as they can interact with other drugs and cause side effects.
Examples
The herbs cat's claw and turmeric may help to ease inflammation and reduce pain in gout sufferers, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Cat's claw is a woody vine that grows in Central and South America, and turmeric is used to flavor foods and as a clothes dye.
Efficacy
Clinical studies examining the role of both cat's claw and turmeric in the treatment of gout are lacking. However, a study published in the April 2006 issue of "Inflammation Research" shows that curcumin, a substance found in turmeric, can reduce crystal-induced forms of arthritis. An article published in the February 2007 issue "Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice" notes that cat's claw may reduce the body's production of pro-inflammatory chemicals.
Use
Both cat's claw and turmeric can be taken in capsule or tablet form, or you may prefer to consume these herbs as a beverage. UMMC suggests taking 20 mg of a standardized extract of cat's claw three times daily to reduce inflammation and boost immunity. Alternatively, you may prefer to take 300 mg of a standardized extract of turmeric three times daily. These doses should be used only as a guideline; consult your doctor about the best dose and treatment plan for you.
Side Effects
When taken at recommended dosages, cat's claw has few side effects, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports. However, rare side effects may include dizziness, vomiting and headaches. Turmeric may cause allergic dermatitis, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Contraindications
Do not use cat's claw if you are pregnant as it may have abortive effects. Also avoid this herb if you have an immune disorder, because it may stimulate the immune system. Stop taking cat's claw if you are scheduled to undergo surgery as it may interfere with blood pressure control, NCCAM warns. Turmeric interacts with a large number of drugs including anticoagulants, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin. Talk to your doctor before using either of these herbs to treat gout.
References
- NHS Choices: Gout
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Cat's Claw
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric
- PubMed: The Antioxidants Curcumin and Quercetin Inhibit Inflammatory Processes Associated with Arthritis
- PubMed: Cat's Claw: An Amazonian Vine Decreases Inflammation in Osteoarthritis
