Arthritis is a general term that defines inflammation of the joints. All forms of arthritis are characterized by pain, stiffness, limited range of motions and various degrees of swelling in the affected joints. Nettle, scientifically known as Urtica doica, is a medicinal herb that showed positive results in improving symptoms of some of the most common forms of arthritis, which are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. However, more research is needed to fully confirm the benefits of nettle for joint diseases. If you suffer from arthritis and consider taking natural supplements like nettle, you should first talk to your health care provider.
Osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, affecting around 27 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you suffer from this condition, nettle may help you, according to a study discussed in the June 2000 issue of the "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine." This was a randomized controlled study involving 27 participants suffering from osteoarthritis who used nettle extracts for a 12-week period. The authors found remarkable improvement in pain and disability after only one week in the group of subjects using nettle, compared with a placebo group.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is another common type of arthritis with an estimated 1.5 million adult Americans having rheumatoid arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A novel product derived from nettle leaf extracts was found to have strong anti-inflammatory effects and may represent a promising remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, suggest a German medical team from Freie University, Berlin. Their conclusion is based on a research study that was conducted in vitro.The results of this research were published in April 2002 issue of "Histology and Histopatology "
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by deposits of acid uric crystals in the joints and high levels of uric acid in the blood. The affected joints are extremely painful and inflamed during an acute attack. A research team from the University of London evaluated a number of 27 herbs for potential antioxidant benefits. Nettle was one of them, and beside antioxidant properties, it was also found beneficial against gout and hyperuricemia, which defines high blood levels of uric acid. This study was published in August 2002 issue of " Phytotherapy Research."
Conclusions
Consult a qualified health care provider to find out optimal dosage of nettle, possible side effects and drug interactions. Nettle is not approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat arthritis, thus this supplement does not replace any conventional medication you are currently taking.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Preventions: Arthritis
- "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine"; Randomized Controlled Trial of Nettle Sting for Treatment of Base-of-thumb Pain; C. Randall, et al.; June 2000
- "Histology and Histopatology"; Effects of the Antirheumatic Remedy Hox Alpha--a New Stinging Nettle Leaf Extract--on Matrix Metalloproteinases in Human Chondrocytes in Vitro; J. Schulze, et al; April 2002
- "Phytotherapy Research"; In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of non-Cultivated Vegetables of Ethnic Albanians in Southern Italy; A. Pieroni, et al.; August 2002
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