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The most common human musculoskeletal condition and a leading cause of disability in elderly populations around the world is osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative age-related disease affecting the joints. Osteoarthritis symptoms include discomfort, morning stiffness, and swelling of the joint, reduced range of motion, diminished physical activity, limitation of social activities, and/or impaired work capacity. Clinically recommended dosages of some natural extracts can help in reducing these symptoms.

All-Natural Supplements for Joint Pain Relief

          1.) Curcumin

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) has been identified as a potent anti-inflammatory agent and is a bright yellow chemical extracted from the turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) rhizome. Many clinical trials have tested the clinical effectiveness of curcumin in osteoarthritis [1]. A 2006 study showed that turmeric was more effective in preventing joint inflammation than in reducing joint inflammation. A 2010 clinical study found that in 100 patients with knee OA, a turmeric supplement named Meriva (standardized to 75% curcumin in combination with phosphatidylcholine) provided long-term improvement in pain and function [2].

The gum-resin extract of Boswellia serrata Roxb. Ex Celebr. Celebr. The tree is used for the treatment of asthma, rheumatism, dysentery, skin ailments, ulcers, blood purification, etc. in Ayurvedic medicine. Boswellia’s anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities are largely due to Boswellic acid. The results of several randomized, placebo-controlled trials of different Boswellia serrata extracts indicate that alternative treatments for the management of osteoarthritis may be successful and secure [1]. Current medicine and pharmacology emphasize its use as an anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemia (blood lipid control), antiatherosclerotic (anti-coronary plaque), analgesic (pain reliever) and hepatoprotective (liver protection) care [3].

          3.) Ginger Root

Ginger root supposed ability to minimize inflammation, swelling, and pain is one of the many health statements attributed to ginger. [6]-gingerol, a dried ginger extract, and a dried gingerol-enriched extract, have all been reported to have potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Ginger has been proposed to be protective against inflammation, rheumatism, and osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, inconsistencies in clinical trials have led to controversy about the efficacy and protection of ginger for arthritis care [4]. 

          4.) Omega 369

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oil. Inflammation that causes swelling and pain can be minimized by EPA and DHA. The Research Trusted Source has shown that both acids could suppress the immune system of the body. A 2016 study Trusted Source, however, indicates that instead, DHA could boost immune function. DHA is more effective than EPA in reducing inflammation, but there is a role for both [5].

           5.) Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronate is a ubiquitous molecule with a high molecular weight that exists naturally within the cartilage and synovial fluid. Its joint functions include lubrication, acting as a space filler to enable the joint to remain open, and controlling cellular activities such as protein binding. Studies have shown that both local injections and oral HA supplementation, especially for those with early osteoarthritis, can combat OA symptoms [6].

          6.) AstraGin

AstraGin is a 100 % natural product that is a mixture of two finely fractionated plant extracts, carefully blended. Panax notoginseng and Astragalus membranous are these plant extracts. Within the traditional medicine culture, ginseng and Astragalus are very strong and well respected herbs. Along with other supplements AstraGin helps with recovery and even injuries [7].

References:

1.) Haroyan, A., Mukuchyan, V., Mkrtchyan, N., Minasyan, N., Gasparyan, S., Sargsyan, A., Narimanyan, M., & Hovhannisyan, A. (2018). Efficacy and safety of curcumin and its combination with boswellic acid in osteoarthritis: A comparative, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-017-2062-z

2.) What is the minimum effective dose & optimal dosing schedule of curcumin for rheumatoid arthritis treatment by intraarticular/parenteral route? (n.d.). ResearchGate. Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_the_minimum_effective_dose_optimal_dosing_schedule_of_curcumin_for_rheumatoid_arthritis_treatment_by_intraarticular_parenteral_route

3.) Siddiqui, M. Z. (2011). Boswellia Serrata, A Potential Antiinflammatory Agent: An Overview. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 73(3), 255–261. https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-474X.93507

4.) Bode, A. M., & Dong, Z. (2011). The Amazing and Mighty Ginger. In I. F. F. Benzie & S. Wachtel-Galor (Eds.), Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (2nd ed.). CRC Press/Taylor & Francis.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/

5.) How Fish Oil Supplements Can Provide Relief from Arthritis. (2014, February 27). Healthline.https://www.healthline.com/health/arthritis-fish-oil-omega-3

6.) Bowman, S., Awad, M. E., Hamrick, M. W., Hunter, M., & Fulzele, S. (2018). Recent advances in hyaluronic acid based therapy for osteoarthritis. Clinical and Translational Medicine, 7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40169-017-0180-3

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Living with arthritis or indeed, any form of chronic inflammation can be quite disconcerting and disruptive to one’s life.

Arthritis is an autoimmune and sometimes degenerative  condition, meaning that the symptoms generally worsen over time, characterized by inflammatory flares and typically running a chronic clinical course.

It is imperative therefore, to take very good care of yourself in order to as much as possible, relieve the pain, improve function, as well as successfully cope with the associated difficult emotions.

As a matter of fact, for people living with arthritis, experts recommend not only medication, but also non-drug treatments. Some of these methods include:

          1.) Dietary Modifications

          2.) Weight Loss

          3.) Physical Therapy

          4.) Complementary Therapies (like acupuncture, hot and cold therapy massage, etc.)

Of the recommended dietary changes, one which comes strongly recommended is turmeric (Curcuma longa).

Turmeric is a herb that has been in use for long in Ayurvedic medicine, which is a traditional system of treatment in India.

It predominantly contains curcuminoids, a class of compounds which may be of help in reducing pain from arthritis, as also improve cholesterol levels, and regulate blood sugar levels, among other benefits.

Research suggests that turmeric and its components are potentially able to alleviate arthritis inflammation and pain. [1][2]

Several studies suggest that curcumin may provide relief for some individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other inflammatory arthritic conditions. [3][4]

The drawback may be in the fact that Curcumin accounts for only about 3-5% of turmeric, which means that the individual with arthritis would need to ingest more of it than is available in the regular diet, hence the recommendation for dietary supplementation (95% Curcumin Extract is the standard).

These Curcumin supplements usually comprise of curcumin (diferuloylmethane), and other chemicals which are found naturally in turmeric, including demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, and these compounds are believed to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties.

How 95% Curcumin Extract Helps To Fight Inflammation:

A lot of studies have been cited which support the anti inflammatory effects of Curcumin. So how does it work?

          1. Curcumin Is An Antioxidant

Researchers suspect that certain types of inflammatory tissue injury including painful arthritis inflammation, are mediated by reactive free radicals in the body.  These free radicals lead to oxidative stress, which is also linked to inflammation. Therefore, foods like turmeric which are rich in antioxidants are great for neutralizing free radicals.

          2. Curcumin Acts As A TNF-Inhibitor

TNF is a protein produced by the immune system which contributes to inflammation. Curcumin may help to suppress the body’s response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF). [5] Research is still ongoing regarding Curcumin’s role in inhibiting TNF as this is as yet, not fully understood.

          3. Curcumin Acts As A COX Inhibitor

Typical drugs used in pain relief such as ibuprofen, (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) act by blocking the effects of COX-2 enzymes which influence inflammation that can result in pain. Curcumin posesses the chemical properties of a COX inhibitor and is able to provide reasonable pain relief. [6]

5 Ingredients To Pair With Curcumin Extract To Blast Away Arthritis Pain:

As much as curcumin holds a lot of promise as a therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of several disorders, its major drawback is its poor bioavailability, majorly due to its poor absorption, chemical instability, rapid metabolism, and rapid systemic elimination. [7]

Therefore, efforts have been made to enhance its efficacy by increasing the bioavailability. This is achieved through pairing it with other ingredients.

Some of these include:

          1. BioPerine

Bioperine is a patented extract from black pepper which is standardized to contain 95% of piperine.

Consuming  curcumin with piperine enhances the absorption of curcumin by up to 2,000%, by inhibiting a reaction in the body which eliminates curcuminoids. [8]

The best and very effective curcumin supplements there are, usually contain piperine.

          2. Boswellia Serrata

Combining Curcumin with Boswellic acids which are gotten from the Boswellia Serrata plant gum is another way to enhance the bioavailability through increasing the absorption of the active components of the herb, as it makes it water and lipid soluble.

This increase can be up to 185 times compared to standard extracts. [9]

          3. AstraGin

AstraGin is a patented, completely natural plant extract which enhances absorption of nutrients, and promotes a healthy gut environment.

Consuming curcumin supplements together with an absorption-boosting supplement like AstraGin® has been shown to boost its uptake by up to 90% with no side effects.

          4. Meriva

Curcumin is better absorbed when taken with a high fat meal.

Meriva is a patented formulation of turmeric extract with lecithin, which is a type of fat that has been shown to improve curcumin absorption in humans by up to 29 times, compared to other extracts. [10]

This type of fat is also found in foods such as soybeans and eggs.

          5. Fenugreek

Curcumin’s absorption and efficiency is also enhanced when taken with a high fibre nutrient like Fenugreek seeds.

There is a type of fiber from fenugreek seeds known as galactomannans, which improve the absorption of curcuminoids. [11][12]

This combination allows slow absorption of the colloidal curcuminoids as they are released into the intestines, thereby delivering the greatest amounts of ‘free curcuminoids’ to the blood-stream.

The Bottom Line:

Turmeric is a potent herb that may be beneficial for inflammation arthritis and other conditions. Due to its poor bioavailability, it’s best taken together with ingredients that enhance its bioavailability and efficacy.

—

References:

1.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25634758/

2.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16562833/

3.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24853120/

4.) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/

5.) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3753829/

6.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11566484/

7.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17999464/

8.) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3918523/

9.)https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326181864_Bioavailable_curcumin_formulations_A_review_of_pharmacokinetic_studies_in_healthy_volunteers

10.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21413691/

11.) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464612000059

12.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27043120/