There are a number of herbs (botanicals) that work synergistically to reduce chronic joint inflammation such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

• Major constituent: harpagoside, a monoterpene glycoside.
• Manifests anti-inflammatory activity, comparable to phenylbutazone, as well as analgesic effects.
• Anti-inflammatory effects are more evident in chronic rather than acute inflammation.
• Does not inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins from cell membrane arachidonic acid, as do NSAIDs.
• Induces a reduction in pain sensitivity and increase in joint flexibility among rheumatoid patients.

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)

• Major constituents: boswellic acids (pentacyclic triterpenic acids) and essential oils
• Used traditionally in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to alleviate symptoms of chronic rheumatic inflammation.
• Inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes by the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase.
• Reduces the degradation of glycosaminoglycans, major components of connective tissue, in experimental models with lab animals.

Bromelain

• Mixture of digestive enzymes from the stem of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus).
• Reduces pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, trauma, or sports injury.
• Prevents edema after traumatic incident or surgery.
• Prevents and reduces edema by inhibiting formation of fibrin within damaged tissue, allowing lymph fluids to pass with less obstruction.
• May interfere with the arachidonic acid cascade, thereby impeding the formation of inflammatory eicosanoids.
• Blocks synthesis of kinin compounds that increase edema and pain.

Turmeric (Curcumin)

• Yellow pigment of turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa).
• Acts as a powerful antioxidant against active oxygen moieties.
• Displays anti-inflammatory effects equivalent to some NSAIDs in acute models of inflammation and half as potent in chronic inflammation.
• Inhibits lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase and the formation of inflammatory leukotrienes and prostaglandins.
• Promotes fibrinolysis.
• Inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory peroxynitrite radicals and nitrite.
• Stabilizes lysosomal membranes.
• Inhibits pro-inflammatory gene expression.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

• Inhibits cellular phospholipases, which prevents release of arachidonic acid from cell membranes for the production of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
• Flavonol and flavone methyl ethers inhibit the major pathways of arachidonate metabolism in leukocytes in vitro.
• The flavonoid tanetin could contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the generation of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids.
• Inhibits both cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase metabolic products in vitro.

Licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra)

• Major constituents: glycyrrhetinic acid (Be aware of hypertensive mineralocorticoid effects with long-term use).
• Inhibits synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins in a manner similar to cortisone.
• Inhibits liver breakdown of endogenous and exogenous anti-inflammatory corticosteroids.
• Inhibits kidney conversion of cortisol to cortisone, thereby diminishing excretion of endogenous corticosteroids.
• Inhibits of superoxide anion production and cyclooxygenase activities.
• Traditional Chinese medical indications
• Dissipates heat and alleviates fire toxicity.
• Modulates, harmonizes, and optimizes the effects of other botanical medicines.

Nettles (Urtica dioica)

• Used internally and externally for rheumatic complaints.
• Inhibits synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.
• Inhibits the expression of cellular transcription factors implicated in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory gene products.

Dosage

Harpagophytum procumbens (5% harpagosides), 200mg
Boswellia carteri (65% boswellic acids), 200mg
Bromelain (2400gdu/gm), 200mg
Curcumin (90%), 200mg
Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew) extract (Standardized to contain 0.7% parthenolide), 200mg
Glycyrrhiza glabra (16-18% glycyrrhizin), 100mg
Urtica dioica (Nettle Leaf Extract 5:1), 100mg
Recommended dosage: 2 capsules 2 to 4 times per day.

To order our natural joint health, anti-inflammatory botanical formula (“Joint Ease”) by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.