Quick Tips for Osteoarthritis
By Shane Ellison M.Sc.
2004 All rights reserved
With respect to osteoarthritis, joint pain is often the result of
chemicals in our body known as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, not
to mention lack of cartiladge. Understanding these pain causing
biochemical's affords us the ability to properly treat sore joints
without dangerous
NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitors.
Within our body, production of prostaglandins is due to oxygenation
of arachidonic acid (AA). Arachidonic acid is then metabolized by
two enzymatic pathways, the cyclooxygenase (COX) and the 5-
lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway. Once metabolized by COX and 5-LO, AA
is converted into the "pain causing chemicals" prostaglandin PGE2
and leukotriene LTB4, respectively.(1)
Both of the aforementioned compounds serve as highly sought targets
for managing joint pain. For instance, the popular COX-2 inhibitors
and NSAID's successfully block pain by inhibiting conversion of AA
to PGE2. These drugs act as a roadblock to AA, preventing its
arrival to "PGE2 Avenue". When blocked, the users feel a relief in
pain.
Unfortunately, due to the negative side effects associated with COX-
2 inhibitors and NSAIDS, they are not a viable choice for long term
use. In fact, at least 16,500 NSAID-related deaths occur each year
among arthritis patients as reported in The American Journal of
Medicine. (2) This figure, as reported by Dr. Gurkirpal Singh, is
comparable to the number of deaths from the acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS] and shows that NSAIDS contribute to
as many deaths as multiple myeloma, asthma, and cervical cancer
combined!
Rather than remove these deadly yet lucrative drugs from the market,
more than 200 potential synthetic drug alternatives have been tested
in an attempt to find one that inhibits both prostaglandins (PGE2)
and leukotrienes (LTB4). None have been found to be safe.
Not to fear, Mother Nature has come to the rescue. Naturally
occurring compounds found in Zingiber officinale (ginger root) have
shown to be a potent inhibitor of both prostaglandins (PGE2) and
leukotrienes (LTB4)!(3)
One study conducted by the Department of Environmental Medicine in
Denmark showed that of 56 patients (2 with rheumatoid arthritis, 18
with osteoarthritis, and 10 with muscular discomfort) taking
Zingiber officinale, 75% experienced relief in pain and swelling
without any adverse effects.(4) Numerous studies bring validation
to these findings by showing specific in-vitro inhibition of
cyclooxygenase (COX) and the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) by the naturally
occurring compounds found in Zingiber officinale.
These finding are extremely exciting and represent a new era for
treating osteoarthritis naturally, especially when combined with
cartiladge-building glucosamine sulfate. When used in the proper
doses, Zingiber officinale and glucosamine sulfate offer relief and
the reversal of osteoarthritis.(5-7)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shane holds a Master's degree in organic chemistry and has first-
hand industry experience with drug research, design and synthesis.
He knows that American's want and deserve education, not
prescriptions! His natural formulas can be found at www.health-
fx.net. His book at www.healthmyths.net
References
1. Srivastava, KC. et al. Ginger (Zingiber officianale) in
rheumatism and musculoskeletal disorders. Med Hypotheses. 1992 Dec;39
(4):342-8
2. Singh Gurkirpal, MD, "Recent Considerations in Nonsteroidal Anti-
Inflammatory Drug Gastropathy", The American Journal of Medicine,
July 27, 1998, p. 31S
3. Kiuchi, F. et al. Inhibition of prostaglandin and leukotriene
biosynthesis by gingerols and diarylheptanoids. Chem Pharm Bull
(Tokyo). 1992 Feb;40(2):387-91.
4. Srivastava, KC. et al. Ginger (Zingiber officianale) in
rheumatism and musculoskeletal disorders. Med Hypotheses. 1992 Dec;39
(4):342-8
5. Pavelka, Karel. et al. Glucosamine Sulfate Use and Delay of
Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis. Arch Intern Med. Vol 162, Oct
14, 2002.
6. Alternative Medicine Review. Volume 4, Number 3. 1999.
7. M³ller-Fasbender H, et al. Glucosamine sulfate compared to
ibuprofen in osteoarthritis. Osteo Cartilage 1994; 2: 61-69.
