Back in October I reported on the benefits of sea cucumber
(also known as Beche-de-Mer) for relief of various types of
arthritic pain. I now have become aware of other natural compounds which
dramatically complement the use of sea cucumber in holistic arthritis therapy.
Although sea cucumber alleviated arthritic pain and helped reduce suffering
overall, these benefits were primarily observed in early stages of arthritis
and were generally classified as mild to moderate cases. Osteoarthritis (also
known as degenerative arthritis, often correlated with injury or joint
overuse) patients seem to respond rapidly to sea cucumber therapy, averaging
noticed improvement often within days. However, in more severe cases such as
rheumatoid arthritis (a debilitating and deforming type of arthritis involving
a dysfunction of the immune system), the onset of benefits from sea cucumber
supplementation often took much longer.
Unfortunately, typical "orthodox" medical treatment used for moderate to
severe cases of arthritis commonly induce dangerous side-effects and may cause
a "new batch of problems". Some of these side effects include bleeding ulcers,
liver and kidney damage, elevated blood pressure, steroid induced diabetes and
even weakening the immune system. Drugs potentially responsible for these
serious ailments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as
aspirin and ibuprofen), steroids (oral and injectable cortisone), and gold
compounds.
As mentioned earlier, oral supplementation of sea cucumber
has been shown to be an effective, natural anti-inflammatory. These benefits
are due to its contents of "joint lubricating" and "joint rebuilding"
properties such as mucopolysaccaride and chrondroitin sulfate molecules.
Others natural compounds demonstrated to enhanced the value of sea cucumber
are several phyto-medicines ("phyto" meaning plant) commonly used in European
medical practice. These herbal enhancers are the standardized extracts of
Boswellia serrata, Curcuma longa, and Harpagophytum
procumbens. Also, the "good" fat known as gamma-linolenic
acid (G.L.A.) derived from the oil of the Borage plant, significantly
increases the medicinal activity of sea cucumber.
Boswellia serrata (also known as Indian Frankincense) is a
large branching tree found through-out India and Nepal. The medicinal
properties occur in the gum resins or "guggals" of the plant. This unique
material contains essential oils, terpenoids (bioflavanoid like molecules),
and various polysaccharide (starch like) gums. Researchers in India extracted,
isolated, and purified compounds from the gum resins known as boswellic acids.
These plant acids have been found to be beneficial in suppressing the
proliferating tissue found in inflamed areas of soft connective tissues such
as joints, tendons, and ligaments. Studies have shown that boswellic acids may
also prevent the breakdown of connective tissue. Due to these naturally
occurring molecules (boswellic acids), Boswellia serrata had been
shown in clinical trials to improve blood supply to the joints thus aiding in
the healing process of arthritis.
Gamma linolenic acid (or G.L.A.) is a fatty acid critical to
human biochemistry which naturally occurs in Borage oil. G.L.A. has been shown
to play an important role in the regulation of the inflammatory process. The
problem is that G.L.A. is very difficult (if not impossible) to obtain through
the modern day diet and only has a few sources (i.e., evening primrose oil,
black currant seed oil, borage oil, and mother's milk). Gram for gram, oil of
borage is the most abundant. G.L.A. is also manufactured from specific
essential fatty acids found in flax seeds, rapeseed (canola) and to a lesser
extent, some fish body oils.
G.L.A. reduces swelling by converting into an anti-inflammatory chemical known
as prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). This "good" prostaglandin has a "bad relative"
called prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) which actually promotes swelling and pain.
Studies have shown G.L.A. not only to minimize arthritic inflammation by
increasing levels of PGE1, but also reduces the levels of the pro-inflammatory
chemical PGE2.
Borage oil is much more than just a source of assets to the
arthritis victim. Borage oil is rich in essential fatty acids often deficient
in the diet. These essential fatty acids act as joint lubricants by promoting
the production of synovial fluid and also aid in the integrity maintenance of
tissues such as cartilage. Sadly enough, most people have diets rich in
saturated and/or hydrogenated fats which only increase levels of PEG2 (the bad
relative) and do nothing to elevate serum amounts of PEG1 (the good relative).
Curcuma longa (also known as Turmeric) is a staple
in Indian cuisine and a major spice used in various curry recipes. Main
portions of the plant used for cooking and medicinal purposes are the primary
and secondary roots. These plant roots contain pigment chemicals (deep yellow
in color) which have been found to inhibit biochemical pathways that
contribute to the inflammatory process. These molecules, known as
curcumminoids, also have anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic properties, as
well as potent antioxidant activity. The free radical scavenging/antioxidant
effects of Curcuma longa aid in reducing pain and inflammation associated with
trauma, as well as providing potent cell protection from future damage. From
the kitchen cabinet to the medical pharmacy, Tumeric has not only added spice
to our life, it has also added spice to our health!
Harpagophytum procumbens (also known as Devil's
Claw) had been a standard in phyto-medicinal dispensed in Europe for a variety
on inflammatory disorders for over twenty-five years. Even with the name
Devil's Claw, the plant's popularity is ever increasing, perhaps due to the
many scientific articles validating its use. The angelic properties of Devil's
Claw include potent pain reduction and anti-inflammatory, thus making it a
fine choice for the arthritis suffer.
As I previously mentioned, sea cucumber supplementation has significantly
benefited my arthritic patients. As a physician who chooses to practice
natural medicine, I am always looking for new research on natural compounds,
especially herbal combinations scientifically proven to be effective. I truly
believe that part of nature's healing wisdom is a harmony and synergism among
natural agents. Lack of this "wisdom" is obvious when dealing with synthetic
pharmaceutical drugs. Dangerous side-effects and even life threatening
repercussions can be the result of multiple prescription drugs used at the
same time. Sea cucumber, Boswellia serrata, Gamma linolenic acis,
Curcuma longa, and Harpagophytum procumbens make a safe and highly effective
combination of natural compounds for the individual suffering from moderate to
severe forms of arthritis. Perhaps the only way to improve upon nature is
through combining therapy...natural combination therapy!
Jose A. Rivera, M.D. is a board certified member of the
International Federation of Holistic Medicine. He is a practicing physician
specializing in nutrition, homeopathy, and botanical medicine. Dr. Rivera has
lectures internationally regarding homeopathy and nutritional biochemistry.
Selected References
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Herbs That Heal-1994 Michael A. Weiner and Janet Weiner. Quantum Books.
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Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill-1993 Udo Erasmus. Alive Books.
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Physicians Desk Reference-1996 edition.
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Dr. Suzette M. Scarlatescu. Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy. Bucharest,
Romania.