Natural Treatments Could Improve Osteoarthritis Symptoms

According to research, natural treatments could help improve the quality of life for more than 21 million osteoarthritis sufferers.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting nearly 27 million people in the United States. Osteoarthritis is an extremely common disorder, increasing with age and is often referred to as “wear and tear” of the joints in the body, occurring when cartilage in the joints deteriorates over time. Osteoarthritis causes localized joint inflammation, often with crippling effects. Taking steps to actively manage osteoarthritis could help alleviate osteoarthritis pain.

Conventional medicines used to treat osteoarthritis include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, which can cause gastric injury. Alternative osteoarthritis treatments such as rofecoxib and valdecoxib increase the rise of cardiovascular dysfunctions, including stroke and had to be withdrawn from the market. The new natural arthritis treatments do not have these side effects, making them more appealing to those with arthritis symptoms.

Studies show that UC-II, a novel undenatured type II collagen derived from chicken sternum cartilage, decreased arthritis pain scores by 33 percent, compared to 14 percent in groups treated with glucosamine and chondroitin. "In addition, the UC-II continued to work even after the glucosamine-chondroitin results plateaued, making it more effective over time," said Manashi Bagchi, study author.

In studies with arthritic dogs and horses, daily treatment with UC-II markedly alleviated arthritis symptoms as well. The natural supplements were tolerated well with no adverse effects.

These natural treatments may also help other maladies with inflammatory components, including cancer and stroke, according to Cameron Rink, assistant professor from Ohio State University. For example, glutamate, the most abundant neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, is released during pathological insults (such as a brain injury or stroke). This results in the loss of glutathione, the cell's innate antioxidant. A demethylated derivative of curcumin, from the Indian spice, was shown to be potent in protecting the loss of glutathione. "We are now looking for ways to increase its bioavailability," said Dr. Rink.

Another study showed boswellic acid, a gum resin also known as Indian Frankincense, reduced inflammation and elicited a marked reduction in edema levels in arthritis patients.

Other supplements such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Avocado and soybean oils also eased symptoms. "An extract composed of 1/3 avocado oil and 2/3 soybean oil inhibits inflammatory cytokine and stimulates collagen production," said Debasis Bagchi, from the University of Houston. Other promising anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving arthritis treatments include New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels, ginger, nobiletin (a citrus flavonoids isolated from tangerines), bromelain (from pineapple), nettle leaves, hyaluronic acid, and glucosamine.

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References:
1. Institute of Food Technologists.