6/30/09

Arthritis and medicinal plants

Arthritis are a number of joint ailments that generally produce joint tissues inflammation, with the consequent pain and the possible degeneration of those tissues. In fact, the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which affects both hard and soft joint tissues.

Except for the arthritis due to injuries, mostly are due to chronic slow development processes. Many herbal treatments have been tested, either with plant extracts administration or by including some of those on special diets.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) and other plants that contain glutathione, an antioxidant compound that reduces the arthritis symptoms. This compound is also present in cauliflower, asparagus, potatoes, purslane and tomatoes. Avocado, peaches, oranges, grapefruit and watermelon also contain glutathione.

Brazil nut and sunflower (Bertholettia excelsa and Helianthus annus) contain s-adenosil-methionine, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of ibuprofen. The consumption of both seeds is highly recommended in cases of arthritis.

Ginger and Turmeric (Zingiber oficinalis and Curcuma longa). Roots or rhizomes of these plants contain compounds that have shown high anti-inflammatory efficacy in relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis, this activity has been equally or more potent than that of ibuprofen, due to phytosteroids.

Rosemary and Oregano (Rosmarinus officinalis and Origanum vulgare). Powerful antioxidants, apparently due to its Rosmarinic acid contents that interfere with free radicals involved in the inflammatory and degenerative arthritis processes . Their consumption as a condiment should be encouraged and also drink ing herbal teas or decoctions.

Nettles (Urtica dioica). It is well known nettles extracts from leaves and roots anti-inflammatory activity and furthermore, the presence of the mineral boron help to low arthritis lesions. Herbal teas or tinctures have been successfully used.

Peppers (Capsicum spp). The fruits contain capsaicin, which besides of being responsible for the pungent taste, is responsible for the decline of pain, due to release of endorphins stimulus. Pepper can be included in the diet, drinking herbal teas or include the alcoholic or aqueous extracts in creams for external use.

Pineapples (Ananas comosus). Bromelain, existing in this plant fruit, has been linked with a decrease in arthritis inflammation. The mechanisms are related to their antigenic activity, preventing an autoimmune reaction and its fibrinolytic activity, which assists in the inflamed tissues dissolution.

Willow (Salix spp). Especially the white willow contains salicin and salicylic acid in the bark, with anti-inflammatory effects similar to those of aspirin. The gastric effects are smaller than those of the known tablets but they still exists, and a moderate tendency to an increased blood pressure in prolonged use, so the addition of ginger and garlic in this preparation is highly recommended.

These plants are used universally, here I add, because of its importance, the carqueja (Baccharis trimer, genisteloides) due to the potent anti-inflammatory activity of their extracts. It is a plant that is located in the southern temperate South America region but is also being exported to several countries.

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