Flavonoids are a class of natural compounds reaching into the thousands.
Given the different chemical structures of these compounds there are likely many different mechanisms as they are each unique.
The quick answer is yes, flavonoids can reduce symptoms of inflammation.
For example, a compound found in skull cap has been shown in several clinical trials to reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis – you can read it here.
Here are some different mechanisms of flavonoids for relieving arthritis
– Flavonoids can reduce inflammation by altering the metabolism of arachidonic acid
– Flavonoids inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)
– Flavonoids inhibit cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2)
– Flavonoids decrease the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) – these enzymes can break cartilage down)
COX-2 inhibitors and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are considered effective for treating osteoarthritis.
Examples of NSAIDs include naproxen and ibuprofen. An example of a COX-2 inhibitor is celecoxib.
However, it is important to point out that flavonoids are different than COX-2 inhibitors and NSAIDs in term of the mechanism.
Here are some more studies of plant extracts tested in clinical trials for arthritis.
Inflammation is another problem that has been tested using plant extracts in clinical trials.
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: Antioxidant, Arthritis, Inflammation
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Doubled blind clinical trial tested Chinese skullcap and Catechu against naproxen for osteoarthritis of the knee