Yucca Herb For Inflammation

Yucca, a genus in the agave family, includes plants that have a range of sizes and shapes, from shrub-like to tree-like. Smaller yucca plants are commonly used as ornamentals for their long pointed leaves and striking stalk of white flowers. Parts of some yucca species are edible, and some are purported to have medicinal benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects. Consult your doctor before using yucca to treat inflammation.

Yucca Bark Extract

Yucca contains phenolic antioxidants that provide several benefits, such as free-radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory effects and blood-thinning effects, according to a study published in the October 2008 issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry." Resveratrol, the antioxidant in grapes and wine, famous for its substantial health benefits, is present in yucca, along with active compounds called yuccaols. In the study, yucca bark extract was found to inhibit the pro-inflammatory COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. The researchers concluded that yucca's anti-inflammatory benefits come from its inhibitory effect on enzymes that promote inflammation.

Yuccaol

A study published in the journal "Life Science" in August 2004 showed that yuccaol contributes significantly to the anti-inflammatory properties of yucca. In the tissue culture study of white blood cells exposed to E. coli bacteria, three forms of yuccaol inhibited inflammation in different ways and at different concentrations. The researchers concluded that the results of their study support the traditional use of yucca as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Kaposi's Sarcoma

Yuccaols outperformed resveratrol at inhibiting Kaposi's sarcoma cell growth in a study published in the May 2006 issue of the journal "Biochemical Pharmacology." Yuccaols have unusual structures that partly resemble resveratrol. In the study, yuccaols completely inhibited platelet-activating factor -- a pro-inflammatory molecule -- and reduced cancer cell migration. The researchers said that their study was the first to demonstrate anti-tumor and anti-invasive properties of yuccaol.

Gloriosaols

Yucca root extract showed strong antioxidant activity in a study published in the August 2007 issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry." The study revealed three new compounds, called gloriosaols, which showed potent antioxidant ability in a test-tube evaluation. The researchers concluded that yucca root extract shows potential for use as a source of antioxidants.

Arthritis

Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of yucca were reported in a study published in the March 2006 "Journal of Inflammation." Yucca is known to have steroidal effects that may benefit arthritis symptoms by suppressing pathogens in the digestive tract that cause joint inflammation. Antioxidant phenols and polyphenols in yucca provide anti-inflammatory and free radical-scavenging benefits. The researchers called for further studies on yucca's potential anti-arthritic benefits.