Joint Health
13/11/2006

JOINT HEALTH

DEVIL'S CLAW

At the beginning of the last century, European researchers discovered Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) in Nambia, being used as a remedy for the aged. Many studies have since confirmed Devil's claw to be a potent anti-inflammatory. The standardised active ingredient, harpagosides, was studied in 50 patients; arthritis symptoms and severity of pain were markedly decreased. Controlled clinical research in Europe compared the efficacy of a standard anti-arthritic drug, phenylbutazone, with that of Devil's claw. Devil's claw was more effective in reducing pain and inflammation, without the unpleasant side-effects associated with the drug.

CELADRIN AND GLUCOSAMINE COMBINED

Use Celadrin to stop inflammatory process that is causing joint destruction and add glucosamine sulphate to repair the damage that has already occurred.

Celadrin is effective at halting the joint-damaging process (whether due to RA or OA), while glucosamine can repair damage already done to those joints affected. Celadrin works by providing continuous lubrication and allowing the cell membrane to repel inflammatory messengers from the immune system. It also stops the cascade of inflammation and the assaults on the membrane, which cause stiffness.

"Celadrin helps glucosamine perform faster and more efficiently in building joint cartilage" says Lorna. "The dual action of Celadrin and glucosamine will provide rapid joint cushioning, quickly alleviate inflammation, build cartilage and restore the entire joint area. Cartilage repair usually begins within two months. Spectacular results have been experienced by those individuals with RA who have adopted the combination treatment."

FISH OILS

The first scientific paper describing the use of fish oil for treating rheumatoid arthritis was published in the 18th century. Since then, laboratory and clinical studies have revealed the beneficial effects of fish oil on various forms of arthritis. The benefits were attributed to the Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA being incorporated into the cellular membranes and competing with arachidonic acid for the enzymes responsible for the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.

Studies show that Omega-3s decrease inflammation and degradation and help to prevent the cartilage damage that occurs in the joints. This can slow the progression of degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis.

Adnormalities of fatty acid composition in synovial fluid in the joints have been documented in rheumatoid arthritis patients. In a 1999 study of 39 arthritic patients, synovial cell fluid samples were obtained from nine of the patients. Decreased levels of EPA and total Omega-3 fatty acids were observed in the blood and joint fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers concluded that the fatty acid pattern found in those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (decreased levels of Omega-3s) may explain the beneficial effect of fish oil.

A 1998 review of the research confirmed the beneficial effects of fish oil in the treatment of arthritis. Fish oil reduces arthritis symptoms such as pain, number of affected joints and morning stiffness in a dose-dependent manner. Clinical benefits were seen after twelve weeks, with a dosage of 3g of EPA and DHA per day.

It also appears that fish oil will help arthritis sufferers reduce the amount of NSAIDs needed, and some patients may be able to discontinue use completely. The first study of fish oil and RA patients examined NSAID requirements in 37 of 64 patients who were given fish oil at a dose of 1.7g per day of EPA and 1.1g per day of DHA in randomised, double-blind, crossover study. At three-month mark, a 41% reduction in NSAID usage was achieved. Overall, patients taking fish oil had a dramatic reduction in their symptoms.

TURMERIC

Esteemed by Ayurvedic practitioners for centuries, turmeric contains anti-inflammatory curcuminoids. These reduce pain by blocking the enzymes that cause inflammation. Turmeric also inhibits the breakdown of arachidonic acid. Several double-blind studies have shown dramatic improvements in symptoms experienced by rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Turmeric is also an antioxidant. Researchers at the University of California found that curcumin, in both low and high doses, reduced the inflammatory immune factors IL-1 and IL-6 secreted by microglia cells. This finding means turmeric shows great promise for the prevention of Alzheimer's and memory decline.

GREEN-LIPPED MUSSEL EXTRACT

Green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) is a New Zealand shellfish; an extract has been shown to inhibit inflammation in cases of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Not all research using green-lipped mussel for OA and RA has demonstrated therapeutic benefits, but some have been positive.

In one trial, both freeze-dried powder and lipid extract of green-lipped mussel were effective at reducing symptoms in 70% of people with OA and 76% of people with RA. A similar study of people showed green-lipped mussel extract reduced pain in 50% and 67% of the patients respectively, after three months of supplementation.

MSM

MSM is a major source of sulphur, which is especially important for healthy joint function. It stabilises the connective tissue matrix of cartilage, tendons and ligaments. As early as the 1930s, researchers found that arthritic patients were deficient in this essential nutrient. By simply adding sulphur to the diet, arthritis symptoms improved. Sulphur also promotes proper liver function and improves insulin's action.

Research reported in The Journal of Anti-aging Medicine found that when eight patients were given 2,250mg of MSM daily and six patients were given a placebo, after six weeks those taking MSM had better than 80% reduction in pain.