Inflammation is a natural, protective part of the immune response and helps speed the process of healing. However, inflammation can become painful and problematic if allowed to go on for too long unchecked. Also, chronic low-level inflammation has become a topic of interest for its potential involvement in a variety of disease processes. A variety of herbs have purported ability to reduce inflammation. Consult your doctor before using herbs to treat an inflammatory condition.
Cat's Claw
Cat's claw, botanical name Uncaria tomentosa, inhibits inflammation by targeting a particular pro-inflammatory molecule that regulates immune cells, according to a study published in the February 2010 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology." Cat's claw has been shown to inhibit production of pro-inflammatory molecules when combined with a type of white blood cell known as a monocyte. The researchers concluded that the results of their study combined with further research into the anti-inflammatory mechanism of cat's claw may result in the potential for development of a new anti-inflammatory drug. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends cat's claw at doses of up to 30 mg three times per day and cautions against use of cat's claw if you take blood pressure or blood-thinning medications. Talk to your doctor before using cat's claw.
Turmeric and Ginger
Turmeric, ginger and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory arthritis drug indomethecin were compared for their relative anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, in a study published in the December 2010 issue of the journal "Inflammation." The laboratory animal study used doses of 200 mg per kg body weight, and researchers observed that both herb extracts showed significant ability to suppress inflammation and reduce arthritis severity. Turmeric was as much as 8 percent more efficient than ginger and 10 percent more effective than indomethecin at reversing arthritis, in the study. The researchers concluded that the results of their preliminary animal study support the uses of turmeric and ginger in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine and offer evidence that turmeric and ginger may also provide anti-inflammatory benefits in humans. Ask your doctor before using these herbs.
Boswellia
A drug called Aflapin, derived from gum resin of the herb Boswellia serrata, showed anti-inflammatory properties along with a high level of safety, in a study published in the November 2010 issue of the journal "Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods." The researchers of this laboratory animal study reported that Aflapin provided significantly more anti-inflammatory benefits than other commercially available boswellia extracts. Doses up to 2,500 mg per kg body weight were found to exert no observable adverse effects. Get medical clearance from your doctor before taking boswellia.
Ashwaghanda
Ashwagandha, botanical name Withania Somnifera, decreased inflammation and sped wound healing, in a study on laboratory animals published in the December 2006 issue of the journal "Chemico-Biological Interactions." In the study, doses of 500 mg and 1,000 mg per kg body weight of ashwagandha root powder increased levels of enzymes that reduce inflammation and facilitate wound healing and also showed pain-relieving and fever-reducing effects. Additionally, ashwagandha proved safe, with no stomach upset noted in this preliminary animal study. Discuss taking ashwaghanda with your doctor to ensure your safety.
References
- "Inflammation"; Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Versus Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Rhizomes in Rat Adjuvant Induced Arthritis; G. Ramadan, et al.; December 2010
- "Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods"'; Safety and Toxicological Evaluation of Aflapin: A Novel Boswellia Derived Anti-Inflammatory Product; A.V. Krishnaraju, et al.; November 2010
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Uncaria Tomentosa Acts As a Potent TNF Alpha Inhibitor Through Nf KappaB; L. Allen Hall, et al.; February 2010
- "Chemico-Biological Interactions"; Suppressive Effect of Withania Somnifera Root Powder on Experimental Gouty Arthritis: An In Vivo and In Vitro Study; M. Rasool, et al.; December 2006
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