A recent Brazilian study revealed the potential use of a traditional Brazilian plant known as «Joseph's Coat» (Alternanthera littoralis) in alleviating pain and stiffness in joints caused by degenerative arthritis (Osteoarthritis), affecting about 10 million people in Britain and 33 million in the United States.
Degenerative arthritis, also known as «wear and tear arthritis,» occurs when the protective cartilage at the ends of bones gradually breaks down, leading to bone friction, swelling, pain, and difficulty moving.
The knee is the most affected joint, representing more than half of the cases, and doctors usually recommend exercise, weight management, and physical therapy, but these methods are often insufficient to control the pain and stiffness. Current pain relief options are limited and short-term, and their benefits are often minimal.
In experiments conducted by Brazilian researchers from the Federal University of Grande Dourados, in collaboration with other universities, on mice with arthritis, an ethanolic extract from the aerial parts of the plant showed significant anti-inflammatory effects, pain relief, and anti-arthritic properties.
The extract reduced swelling, improved joint function, impacted inflammatory mediators, with evidence of antioxidant properties and tissue protection.
Alternanthera littoralis, which grows naturally in the coastal regions of Brazil, is part of the traditional folk medicine for treating infections and bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections.
The study was published in the «Journal of Ethnopharmacology», and researchers confirmed that the results support the traditional use of the plant and indicate its potential as a safe and effective treatment for inflammatory conditions, with a good safety profile at therapeutic doses.
However, the scientists emphasized that the exact molecular mechanisms are still not entirely clear, and rigorous toxicity evaluations and clinical trials on humans are necessary before any therapeutic use.
Joint replacement is a long-term option for advanced cases, but waiting lists are long, and recovery takes a long time.
In recent years, experts have recommended lifestyle changes, such as consuming fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties, or following a Mediterranean diet, which studies have shown reduces signs of inflammation and cartilage breakdown, and improves knee flexibility.
