Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease):

Helpful Natural Supplements and Treatments

OVERVIEW

Osteoarthritis (OA) is marked by inflammation and swelling of the bone joints. The joints affected include the neck and spine, hips, knees, and fingers and toes. Symptoms include stiffness and pain.

Osteoarthritis is commonly seen in people in their 60s and older. It may be caused, in part, by the years of wear and tear on the joints, resulting in the cartilage deteriorating. Without the protective layer of cartilage, which is smooth and slippery, the bones of the joints rub together, causing the symptoms.

Other causes of OA include joint injury and genetics. Also, more women than men get osteoarthritis.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

There are many natural supplements that can help with osteoarthritis. Consult with your healthcare provider to see which of the following supplements may be appropriate for you.

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) – A member of the B-complex family, vitamin B3 exists in two common forms: niacin and niacinamide. The “amide” form does not dilate the capillaries and cause a flushing of the skin, as does the straight niacin. It is helpful for osteoarthritis, whereas the niacin form is helpful in lowering elevated cholesterol levels. Niacinamide may be helpful for cataracts, diabetes, memory loss, and osteoarthritis.

Vitamin C – Classified as a water-soluble vitamin, vitamin C maintains intracellular cement substance with preservation of capillary integrity, and is important in immune response, wound healing, and allergic reactions. It also increases absorption of nonheme (plant source) iron. Vitamin C may be helpful for allergies, asthma, cancer (gastric), cataracts, common cold, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, immune function, infection, macular degeneration, memory loss, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, ulcers, and wound healing.

Boron – Boron is classified as a trace mineral. It influences macromineral metabolism, works with vitamin D and magnesium for adequate bone growth and development, and may increase estrogen levels. Boron may be helpful for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

Less helpful supplements: vitamin E, copper, manganese, selenium.

Other Supplements

Bromelain – Bromelain comes from the pineapple plant, primarily from the stem. Its health benefits come from the proteolytic enzymes (protein digesting) contained in the uncooked plant. For it to be helpful, bromelain must be taken on an empty stomach, or at least away from protein. Bromelain may be helpful for allergies, angina pectoris, cancer, immune function, inflammation, osteoarthritis, sinusitis, and wound healing.

Chondroitin Sulfate / Glucosamine Sulfate – Chondroitin sulfate (CS) and glucosamine sulfate (GS) are found in connective tissue (cartilage, tendons, bone, skin, and arterial walls). They belong to a family of polysaccharides called glycosaminoglycans (formerly called mucopolysaccharides). These in turn are combined with protein to form proteoglycans. Chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates may be helpful for coronary heart disease (CS), inflammatory bowel disease (GS), inflammation (CS & GS), kidney stones (CS), and osteoarthritis (CS & GS).

MSM – MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a sulfur-containing compound that is naturally present in the body. It is similar to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), but is easier to use and safer. Unlike DMSO, MSM is odorless and tasteless. MSM is a source of sulfur, which can be converted into the amino acids, methionine and cysteine. Limited research indicates it may be helpful for osteoarthritis.

SAMe – S-Adenosyl-Methionine (SAMe) is the first metabolite of the essential amino acid, L-methionine. SAMe functions primarily as a methyl donor (CH3), and is involved in the synthesis of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA), carnitine, melatonin, creatine, catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine), niacinamide (vitamin B3), phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine), and glutathione. It is also involved in myelin maintenance and nerve function. SAMe is produced in the body by combining methionine with ATP (adenosine triphosphate). SAMe may be helpful for depression, fibromyalgia, HIV/AIDS (myelopathy), liver support, memory loss, and osteoarthritis.

Herbs

Boswellia – Boswellia is native to India, the Middle East, and Northern Africa. It is also called Indian frankincense, and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine. Boswellia may be helpful for asthma, inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, and osteoarthritis.

Cat=s Claw – Cat=s Claw is a plant native to the highlands of the Peruvian Amazon. Another common name for it is Una de Gato, although this name is also used for many other plants. This plant has many active ingredients. Cat’s Claw may be helpful for cancer, immune function, inflammation, memory loss, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Cayenne (topical) – Cayenne pepper is native to Central and South America, and the plant belongs to the nightshade family. Also called chili pepper, its pepper relatives include habanero, jalapeno, bell, and paprika. Cayenne (capsaicin cream) applied topically works by releasing substance P, which is involved in pain transmission. Initial application causes pain, but then substance P becomes depleted.

Devil=s Claw – Devil=s claw is an herb native to South Africa. Its fruit is covered with small, anchor-like hooks (claws). Like Cat’s Claw, this herb has many active ingredients. Devil’s Claw may be helpful for inflammation and osteoarthritis.

Ginger – Ginger root (rhizome) is often used as a spice in many parts of the world, especially Asia. Ginger is beneficial for the GI tract, being particularly helpful with nausea. Ginger is used to treat indigestion and flatulence, and it has a broad range of action against intestinal parasites. Ginger also has antioxidant properties. Ginger may be helpful with coronary heart disease, headache (migraine), high cholesterol, inflammation, morning sickness, motion sickness, nausea, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and vertigo.

Stinging Nettle – Stinging nettle is found in most temperate regions around the world. The stems and leaves have hollow hairs filled with a stinging liquid that can produce a burning sensation on the skin. The sting usually lasts only a few minutes. Stinging Nettle may be helpful for osteoarthritis (leaves), prostate problems (root), and urinary tract infections (leaves).

Yucca – There are about 30 species of yucca. As a group, they are stiff-leaved, evergreen shrubs and trees, native to North America. Two of the more common ones used therapeutically are the Spanish bayonet (Yucca aloifolia) and the Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia). Native Americans used yucca for skin ailments and injuries, and yucca extract is used as a flavoring agent in some beverages. The active ingredients include saponins and resveratrol. Yucca may be helpful for osteoarthritis.

COMMENTS

Conventional treatment includes cold or heat (pads, bottles, baths), NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), corticosteroids, and surgery. Some alternative treatments include relaxation techniques, yoga, and acupuncture. If overweight, you should lose weight. Follow a low-impact (swimming or walking) exercise plan.

References
Jellin, JM, editor. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2005.
Pillepich, JA. The Nutraceutical Reference Guide, 2005.

For OSTEOARTHRITIS, consider these supplements:

A good multivitamin: Age-Less Paks, Osteo Paks, or Wellness Paks

Boswellin w/Curcumin

C-500 Complex

E-400 w/Selenium

Glucosamine & Chondroitin

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