The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which affects 27 million Americans, according to the Arthritis Foundation. OA causes the breakdown of cartilage between the joints, causing your bones to rub together, resulting in stiffness, pain and inflammation. Over time it may also damage muscles, ligaments and menisci. Alternative anti-inflammatory supplements are gaining popularity to counteract the inflammation and reduce the discomfort associated with arthritis. However, a doctor should be consulted first.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine plays a role in the formation of cartilage. The most commonly studied is glucosamine sulphate that is derived from the exoskeletons of marine animals. According to Florida State University, glucosamine improves joint symptoms and improves the existing joint composition. Glucosamine may even slow the process of arthritis and possibly reverse the damage, but further studies are needed. Glucosamine does have some side effects that include nausea, diarrhea, heartburn and possible increased blood sugar. It may also cause allergic reactions to people who have allergies to shellfish.
Chondroitin Sulphate
Chondroitin sulphate comes from naturally occurring animal cartilage. Chondroitin works on your joints by improving the cartilage and thus arthritis symptoms, although it may take up to four months before improvement is seen. Chondroitin does not appear to improve the joint's overall structure, but further studies are needed, Florida State University notes. Some of the side effects of chondroitin sulphate include diarrhea, nausea and occassionally, allergic reactions.
Cat's Claw
The bark and root of the herb cat's claw have been used in South America since the Incas for arthritic pain. A 2001 article in "Inflammation Research: Official Journal of the European Histamine Research Society," cites a study using cat's claw on 45 individuals with arthritis of the knee. Of the 30 that received the cat's claw and not the placebo, pain was reduced with little or no side effects. This led the study to conclude that cat's claw is an effective alternative treatment for OA. Cat's claw may act as a diuretic, help relax muscles, lower blood pressure and act as an antioxidant, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Ginger
Ginger root has been used in Asia to treat numerous maladies for over 2,000 years. Ginger has also been used to help relieve the symptoms of arthritis. The active components of this thick, knotted underground stem are its phenol compounds and oils. In the "Journal of Medicinal Food," a July 20, 2005, article cites studies that show ginger inhibits the inflammatory process and may even have fewer side effects than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDS.
References
- Arthritis Foundation: Osteoarthritis
- Florida State University: Glucosamine/Chondroitin; Phillip Treadwell, PharmD
- "Inflammation Research: Official Journal of the European Histamine Research Society"; Efficacy and safety of freeze-dried cat's claw in osteoarthritis of the knee: mechanisms of action of the species Uncaria guianensis.; J.Piscoya, et al.; Sept.2001
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cat's Claw
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Ginger---An Herbal Medicinal Product with Broad Anti-Inflammatory Actions; Reinhard Grzanna, et al.; Jul.2005
