A new potential arthritis remedy that could help ease the pain for millions of people has been identified. It is estimated that around 10 million people in the UK are impacted by the condition, medically known as osteoarthritis, which can lead to crippling joint pain.
Research has now unveiled that an ancient herb could help tackle the pain caused by arthritis. Tests on mice have shown the plant alternanthera littoralis, which is commonly known as Joseph’s Coat, could reduce joint swelling, inflammation and stiffness. The medicinal herb grows in the coastal regions of Brazil and has previously been used to treat bacterial and fungal infections.
As reported by the Daily Mail, scientists now believe Joseph’s Coat could be used by people who suffer from arthritis. However, they have acknowledged that further tests are crucual to prove its potential benefits.
Researchers at the Federal University of Grande Dourados said in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology that the herb demonstrated “significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-arthritic effects”.
They added: “These results reinforce the traditional use of alternanthera littorali and underscore its potential as a safe and effective therapeutic candidate for the management of inflammatory conditions.”
The researchers also suggested the herb could help protect joint tissue. They explained that while the results are “promising”, the “precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear and warrant further investigation.”
They said: “Despite the pharmacological benefits observed, a rigorous toxicological assessment is crucial prior to any therapeutic consideration.”
While most doctors recommend exercise and weight management to fight against arthritis, these are sometimes not enough to manage the pain. Most pain relief options are also limited and short term.
According to charity Arthritis UK, around 10 million people are affected by arthritis in the UK while this figure is 33 million in the US. The condition occurs when the protective cartilage on the end of bones breaks down over time.
The knee is the most likely joint to be affected, impacting over half of all osteoarthritis conditions. Surveys from Arthritis UK show a third of people with osteoarthritis experience severe pain every day.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
