Natural Anti-Inflammatories for Joint Pain
Written by Dr. Stephanie Liebrecht | November 14, 2020
Naturopathic medicine offers a variety of natural anti-inflammatories found within herbal medicine, eating certain foods (or not eating certain foods), vitamins and minerals, and acupuncture - to name a few. These therapies have been used for centuries and modern research is exploring just exactly HOW they work! Two of my favourite anti-inflammatories to use are Boswellia and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Boswellia serrata
This plant is most recognized by it’s common name Frankincense. It has long been used as an anti-inflammatory in herbal medicine, and modern research has found that it contains 4 types of boswellic acids. Boswellic acids are the active compounds in this plant giving it its anti-inflammatory effects.
One way inflammation is produced in the body is through the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase. Research in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis has found that 5-lipoxygenase plays a major role in the pain produced in these conditions (1,2). Multiple studies indicate that Boswellia inhibits the production of 5-lipoxygenase, therefore decreasing pain and inflammation, and improving joint mobility.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) (ex. aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) used for pain relief, are known to disrupt glycosaminoglycan production and therefore accelerate articular damage in arthritic conditions (3). On the contrary, Boswellia has been shown to significantly decrease the breakdown of cartilage (glycosaminoglycans) in joints, therefore preserving joint integrity (2). Boswellia’s positive effect on joint health is a promising find, as many patients are looking for ways to help support and maintain cartilage in joints.
Boswellic acids:
β-boswellic acid,
acetyl-β-boswellic acid,
11-keto-β-boswellic acid
acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
When tissue injury or infection occurs, one way the body responds is with the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are responsible for the pain, swelling, and inflammation that occurs. NSAIDs are designed to block the production of prostaglandins and therefore reduce inflammation and pain.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been researched as an alternative treatment to NSAID’s. There are 3 main types of Omega-3 fatty acids - alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found in foods such as flaxseed and walnuts, while EPA and DHA are found in fish (and fish oil). Both EPA and DHA demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the production of prostaglandins.
Research comparing ibuprofen and Omega-3 fatty acids in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis has found Omega-3’s to have an equivalent effect in pain management to NSAIDs (4). Studies show that daily fish oil consumption can help reduce the symptoms of joint pain including morning stiffness, tenderness, swelling, and discomfort (5). In a study of patients using fish oil supplements for neck and back pain, 59% were able to discontinue their NSAID medications. 60% of patients stated their joint pain improved, and 60% stated their overall pain had improved. Eighty eight percent said they would continue using fish oils (4).
Due to the negative effects of long term NSAID use (ex. stomach ulcers), it is becoming more important to find safer yet effective alternatives to pain management. If you are looking for help with pain management, Naturopathic Medicine offers researched, safe, and effective therapies to improve function and mobility.
* Please speak with your Naturopathic Doctor to ensure these supplements are right for you.
References
1. Gheorghe, K. R., Korotkova, M., et al. (2009). Expression of 5-lipoxygenase and 15-lipoxygenase in rheumatoid arthritis synovium and effects of intraarticular glucocorticoids. Arthritis research & therapy, 11(3), R83. https://doi.org/10.1186/ar2717
2. Burnett, B. P., & Levy, R. M. (2012). 5-Lipoxygenase metabolic contributions to NSAID-induced organ toxicity. Advances in therapy, 29(2), 79–98. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-011-0100-7
3.Siddiqui M. Z. (2011). Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview. Indian journal of pharmaceuticalsciences, 73(3), 255–261. https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-474X.93507
4. Maroon JC, Bost JW: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) as an anti-inflammatory: an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for discogenic pain. Surg Neurol 2006 Apr; 65(4):326-31
5. Rajaei, E., Mowla, K., Ghorbani, A., Bahadoram, S., Bahadoram, M.,& Dargahi-Malamir, M. (2015). The Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Receiving DMARDs Therapy: Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Global journal of health science, 8(7), 18–25. https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v8n7p18
Dr. Stephanie Liebrecht
Naturopathic Doctor
