Let's find out how to relieve joint problems with plant extracts.
Joint problems are quite common phenomena, which, to varying degrees, can affect the vast majority of the population over the course of their lives.
But to better understand the basis of this type of problem, a more precise definition is needed. Joints can be defined, in simple terms, as junctions between two bones connected by connective tissue, which provide varying degrees of mobility depending on the situation.
Structure of the joints
From this we can understand how joints are rather complex structures that must reconcile two diametrically opposed needs in the simplest way possible: stability and mobility.
This is achieved precisely with the help of stabilizing elements of connective tissue, the so-called "ligaments" and movement elements (which allow for the reduction of friction), namely cartilage, very complex structures formed by extremely hydrated substances and in most cases constantly lubricated.
The complexity of these structures explains both their strengths (mobility and stability) and their weaknesses related to all the situations in which inflammatory and/or degenerative phenomena can arise, due for example to factors such as repetitive, wearing movements, load imbalances, antalgic postures and autoimmune phenomena.
These situations can occur both following common activities, such as work, and following sports practice.
How to prevent joint inflammation
There are several nutraceuticals that can promote the prevention and, in some cases, the treatment of joint disorders, employing a variety of approaches. First, to promote rapid relief, anti-edema and anti-inflammatory approaches can be used.
Plant-based anti-inflammatories
Bromelain
Pineapple extract, rich in bromelain It appears to be very interesting due to its notable anti-edema properties. It is in fact a proteolytic enzyme capable of promoting the resolution of edema and acting as an antiplatelet factor. These effects, by contributing synergistically, show excellent capabilities in promoting the resolution of inflammatory phenomena due, for example, to tendinitis, fibromyositis, sprains, hematomas, and post-trauma.
Ginger
A particularly happy association can be made with ginger extract, as several authors identify in gingerols (in particular in [6]-gingerol) molecules capable of acting on elements characterising the inflammatory response, such as cyclo-oxygenases and lipo-oxygenases, showing at the same time an anticoagulant-antithrombotic effect synergistic with that of bromelain.
Along the lines of ginger, there are also numerous other plant extracts capable of exerting a profound anti-inflammatory effect, such as curcumin, famous for acting on practically all elements of the inflammatory cascade, but which requires administration in particular formulations (liposomal, phytosomal, micellar) to be properly absorbed and/or simultaneous administration with black pepper extract.
Harpagophytum extract (or devil's claw), as effective as ginger at the level of cyclooxygenase 2, or like boswellia extract which is able to effectively intervene on lipooxygenase.
The action of these anti-inflammatory plant extracts is complemented by lipoic acid, a molecule naturally present in our body with a strong antioxidant effect, capable of promoting cellular energy metabolism and therefore particularly useful when it is necessary to protect the nervous elements co-affected by joint problems such as herniated discs, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.
Given the anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous approach, the "structural" approach remains to be examined, which allows us to prevent cartilage depletion and promote its integrity by providing the basic substances used by the body in cartilage synthesis.
They prove to be very important for this purpose. chondroitin sulfate and the glucosamine they prove to be fundamental elements in the constitution of cartilage tissue, proving to be responsible due to the peculiar properties of the cartilage's resistance to compression and the maintenance of a correct state of hydration and joint lubrication.
Their intake can be done either at preventive purpose either following a problem already established (for example in conjunction with the anti-inflammatory principles just discussed) with the aim of providing the “supply material” by promoting the production of cartilage tissue.
Methylsulfonylmethane
The use of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) instead shows a “hybrid” purpose; in fact, by proving to be a good source of zinc in an organic form (i.e. highly absorbable and therefore bioavailable) it provides a micronutrient useful both in the cartilage synthesis processes and in the modulation of inflammatory processes.
So whether the need arises to address a distinctly inflammatory or structural issue, or whether both approaches are required, for prevention or treatment, the world of nutraceuticals offers numerous tools, which can be used in different combinations to address everyone's needs.
