Arthritis is a degenerative inflammatory disease that affects the joints. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the deterioration of cartilage, forcing the joint to rub against bone. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the soft tissue that cushions joints. The assault is systemic, meaning it occurs throughout the body. Certain supplements may help to slow the progression of arthritis. Ask your doctor which supplements might benefit your condition and how to integrate them into your treatment plan.
Borage Seed Oil
Borage seeds contain up to 25 percent gamma-linoleic acid, or GLA. GLA increases production of prostaglandin-E, which sets off a cascade of anti-inflammatory events. According to a study published in "International Immunopharmacology," this triggers a signaling molecule called cAMP to suppress tumor necrosis factor-alpha, an immune system chemical that causes widespread inflammation.Do not take this supplement during pregnancy because prostaglandin E agonists may induce premature labor. In addition, borage contains trace amount of an unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloid called amabiline, which is toxic to the liver. You can purchase certified UPA-free borage oil, but check with your physician before using if you have a history of liver problems.
SAM-e
SAM-e is short for S-adenosylmethionine, a compound manufactured by the liver. A study published in the "Journal of Rheumatology" reports that SAM-e supplementation reduces overall pain in people with knee osteoarthritis. According to Carlo Di Padova, M.D., author of a clinical review published in "The American Journal of Medicine," SAM-e stimulates the production of proteoglycans, specialized proteins found in cartilage. These effects are similar to those produced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but SAM-e is better tolerated. Do not take SAM-e if you have bipolar disorder or take antidepressants because this supplement may increase serotonin levels.
Curcumin
Curcumin, a component of turmeric, blocks various chemicals responsible for causing inflammation, such as lipoxygenase enzyme and COX-2. Curcumin also suppresses the activation of nuclear factor-κB, a protein complex involved in many inflammatory reactions. Curcumin increases bile flow and may produce hormonal effects, so don't take this supplement if you have a history of a hormone-driven cancer or gallbladder disease. Consult your physician before taking this supplement if you take other medicines because curcumin increases the metabolism of certain drugs in the liver.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate
Glucosamine and chondroitin are usually taken together to counter arthritis. Glucosamine increases the production of specialized molecules in cartilage called proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, or GAGs. According to a study published in "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases" in June 2011, chondroitin sulfate protects the synovial membrane and cartilage from deterioration. Check with your doctor before taking these supplements if you are allergic to shellfish, have diabetes or if you take anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin.
References
- "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines"; Thomas Brendler, et al.; 2007
- "International Immunopharmacology"; Borage Oil Reduction of Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity May be Mediated by Increased cAMP That Suppresses Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; R.E. Kast; Nov. 2001
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Borage
- "Journal of Rheumatology"; A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial of Intravenous Loading with S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) Followed by Oral SAM Therapy in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis; J.D. Bradley, et al.; 1994
- "The American Journal of Medicine"; S-adenosylmethionine in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis. Review of the Clinical Studies; C.S. di Padova; Nov. 1987
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: SAM-e
