Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that is caused by inflammation in joints limiting mobility.
Because the main traits of rheumatoid arthritis are caused by inflammation natural ingredients including plant extracts that can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief may be very beneficial.
Pomegranate is a fruit native to the Middle East and India and is rich in flavonoids and other polyphenols.
A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition compared pomegranate to placebo for relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
The results suggest pomegranate extract was able to reduce swollen and tender joints, pain intensity, morning stiffness and more.
Here are the study details
Study design: Double blind randomized placebo controlled trial
Patients: 55 Human subjects were enrolled in the study. Patients were over 40 years old who suffered from joint pain and swelling even though they were receiving methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, and prednisolone).
Study agent: Patients received pomegranate extract (POMx) capsules that contained 40% ellagic acid. Patients received 2 capsules for a total daily dose of 500 mg of pomegranate extract.
Study length: The study lasted 8 weeks
Here are more clinical studies of plant extracts studied for reducing inflammation.
Here are the main results
Swollen joints decreased over 8 weeks by an average of 2.6 joints
Tender joints decreased over 8 weeks by an average of 2.1 joints
Average time of morning stiffness decreased by 36 minutes
The disease activity score 28 (DAS28) decreased by an average of 0.9
Here are comments by the authors
The findings of the present study are in agreement with those of the study conducted by Rasheed et al.19 which indicated that POMx inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines production via inhibiting the gene expression.
Take away message
The results of this study suggest that pomegranate could decrease markers of inflammation and joint symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The dose of pomegranate extract was 500 mg per day with the product being standardized to 40% ellagic acid.
More studies will be needed to confirm the results of this study, however, the results suggest that phytochemicals in pomegranate could improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Reference
Ghavipour M et al. Pomegranate extract alleviates disease activity and some blood biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2017; Volume 71 (Issue 1): Pages 92-96.
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Arthritis, Clinical Trials, Inflammation
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