AN ANCIENT herbal remedy could reduce pain and inflammation and limit damage caused by arthritis, a new study showed. 

Its effects were “comparable” to common medications used to treat the condition, which causes sore, stiff and swollen joints.

There are several different types of arthritis, which affect older people, as well as children and teens.

Around 10 million people in the UK are thought to have the condition, according to Arthritis UK. 

The most common type is osteoarthritis, where protective cartilage in joints wears down.

Doctors recommend exercise, weight management, physiotherapy and painkillers to help manage symptoms, but they can still be difficult to cope with. 

New research suggests a traditional Brazilian medicinal plant – known as alternanthera littoralis or Joseph’s Coat – may be safe and effective at reducing pain and swelling and protecting against arthritis. 

Brazilian researchers conducted tests on mice, finding that parts of the plant “demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-arthritic effects, with comparable efficacy to prednisolone in several parameters”. 

Prednisolone is a prescription steroid medicine used to treat various types of arthritis. 

It reduces swelling and calms down the immune system in the case of rheumatoid arthritis – where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. 

A. littoralis grows naturally along Brazil‘s coastline and has long been used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation, infections, and parasitic illnesses.

The plant is also consumed as a wild leafy vegetable or seasoning.

Despite its widespread use, there had been little scientific research confirming the plant’s medicinal properties and whether it was safe. 

Writing in the journal Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers from the Federal University of Grande Dourados, said A. littoralis showed “significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-arthritic effects” in tests. 

“These results reinforce the traditional use of alternanthera littoralis and underscore its potential as a safe and effective therapeutic candidate for the management of inflammatory conditions.”

Scientists stressed that further clinical tests are needed before doctors can begin recommending the plant – but they said their findings were nonetheless encouraging. 

They conducted phytochemical analyses of the plant to identify its bioactive compounds – natural substances that can have beneficial effects on health. 

Then they evaluated the anti-inflammatory impact of these compounds in lab tests involving more than a dozen mice with arthritis. 

Over a follow-up of 28 days, they took blood and urine samples from the rodents to assess how the plant impacted their heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, spleen and joints. 

Arielle Cristina Arena, associate professor at São Paulo State University, who helped conduct the study, said: “In the experimental models, we observed reduced oedema [swelling], improved joint parameters, and modulation of inflammatory mediators, suggesting antioxidant and tissue-protective actions.”

The findings also suggested that it could help protect joint tissue and limit damage associated with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. 

Researchers said they showed the plant’s medicinal potential and established a solid scientific basis for future research and the possible development of herbal products.

But, researchers added: “Although these results are promising, the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear and warrant further investigation to isolate and characterize the active compounds involved.

“Despite the pharmacological benefits observed, a rigorous toxicological assessment is crucial prior to any therapeutic consideration.”

Osteoarthritis – the most common type of the condition – often develops in people in their mid-40s or older.

It’s more common in women and people with a family history of the condition, but it can occur at any age due to injuries, gout or rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis initially affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint. This makes movement more difficult than usual, leading to pain and stiffness.

Once the cartilage lining starts to roughen and thin out, the tendons and ligaments have to work harder.

This can cause swelling and the formation of bony spurs called osteophytes.

Severe loss of cartilage can lead to bone rubbing on bone, altering the shape of the joint and forcing the bones out of their normal position.

This can cause throbbing pain in the hands, knees, spine and hips, as well as other joints. 

Source: The Sun