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, no to mention lack of cartilage. 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. Müller-Fasbender H, et al. Glucosamine sulfate compared to
ibuprofen in osteoarthritis. Osteo Cartilage 1994; 2: 61-69.