Inflammation and nutraceuticals
Inflammation is characterized by swelling, pain, redness and heat, and is the response of body tissues to irritation or injury. Nutraceuticals that their influence on osteoarthritis has been tested are ginger, soybean, unsaponifiable, glucosamine, chondroitin, S-adenosylmethionine. Although they are safe and well tolerated, however, the results are hampered by heterogeneity of the studies and inconsistent results. Vitamins C and D are micronutrients for which evidence of benefit exists. Cat’s claw is a potent antiinflammatory agent. Scientists have attributed the efficacy of cat’s claw to compounds called oxindole alkaloids; however, water-soluble cat’s claw extracts that do not contain significant amounts of alkaloids do not possess strong antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects.
Resveratrol that is present in the fruits of Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium angustifolium, Vaccinium ashei, and Vaccinium corymbosum shows the strongest sirtuin-like deacetylase action of any known phytochemical. Sirtuins are chemicals that inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 enzyme and can extend the lifespan of yeast and fruit flies. They possess antiinflammatory and antifungal activities.
The omega-3 and omega-6 series have a significant role on diseases by generating potent modulatory molecules for inflammatory responses, including prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and interleukins. Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is produced in the body from linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid of omega-6 series. GLA is a nutraceutical used for treating problems with inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Preformed GLA is present in trace amounts in nuts, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, such as seed oil, borage oil, Oenothera biennis oil, blackcurrant and hemp seed oil. GLA is metabolized to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid which undergoes oxidative metabolism by lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase enzymes to produce antiinflammatory eicosanoids.
Herbal nutraceuticals with antiinflammatory activity are also available. Gentianine, present in Gentian root, is an effective antiinflammatory agent. Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme found in extracts of stinging nettle, turmeric, pineapple, teas and extracts of turmeric or curcumin has antiinflammatory activity.
Osteoarthritis is a debilitating joint disorder which affects the number of people. In 2004, the costs associated with all forms of arthritis were approximately 86 billion dollars. Joint discomfort from any joint
disorders may reduce physical activity in subjects, resulting in energy imbalance and weight gain. Increased weight can exacerbate existing problems, through additional stress on joints.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are widely used to alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis. These nutraceuticals seem to regulate gene expression and synthesis of NO and PGE2, providing a plausible explanation for their antiinflammatory activities.