Hops Extract for Joint Pain
How Perluxan, a special extract of hops, beats over-the-counter pain relievers-without the side effectsPain relievers such as ibuprofen (in Advil and Motrin) and naproxen (in Aleve) are known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because they relieve pain by reducing inflammation. They come with potential side effects especially if used long-term for chronic conditions such as arthritis, including stomach upset, heartburn, ulcers, and skin rashes, .
Perluxan, a special extract of hops found in a variety of supplements, is an effective but safer natural alternative.
The Reason for Drug Side Effects
"NSAIDs work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes that produce inflammatory substances. These enzymes fall into two categories: COX 1 and COX 2. The COX 2 enzymes are the ones that produce pain and the COX 1 enzymes actually protect the stomach and enable blood to clot to prevent dangerous bleeding. Over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory drugs suppress both types of enzymes, and suppression of protective COX 1 exposes the stomach to damage and increases risk of bleeding."
Why Perluxan Is Safer
"Lab, animal, and human studies have found that Perluxan is a more selective anti-inflammatory than conventional NSAIDs. It effectively treats pain by inhibiting the pain-stimulating COX 2 enzymes, but only slightly inhibits the protective COX 1 enzymes. Consequently, pain is relieved with significantly less risk of stomach damage and bleeding. Perluxan is also a strong antioxidant, which may help with pain relief, as there is evidence that free radicals-damaged molecules that are neutralized by antioxidants-are an additional mechanism underlying pain."
Hops Is Put to the Test
In studies where Perluxan was compared to ibuprofen it was found to be just as effective. In one study, people took either Perluxan or ibuprofen, and samples of their blood were tested during the following nine hours. Both substances inhibited harmful COX 2 inflammation to the same degree. But compared to ibuprofen, Perluxan inhibited the action of beneficial COX 1 enzymes to only a slight degree. Researchers concluded that, "Hops extracts may represent a safe alternative to ibuprofen for non-prescription anti-inflammation." - Perluxan Study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Another study tested Perluxan for osteoarthritis knee pain among 36 people. One-third took a placebo and the others took either 1 or 2 grams of Perluxan per day. Pain relief occurred within two hours for those taking 2 grams, and on day two for those taking 1 gram. Within 14 days, both dosages delivered considerable pain relief.
Although research has focused on Perluxan for joint pain, people taking the supplement have also reported relief from other types of pain, including sprains, strains, muscle soreness, and headaches. Some reports also indicate that it helps reduce fever, much like ibuprofen.
Uses for Hops
Uses: Joint pain, muscle pain, headaches, sprains, strains, or any other instance when you would take an over-the-counter pain-relieving drug.
Boswellia
Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is an herbal extract taken from the Boswellia serrata tree.Resin made from boswellia extract has been used for centuries in Asian and African folk medicine. It’s believed to treat chronic inflammatory illnesses as well as a number of other health conditions. Boswellia is available as a resin, pill, or cream.
Studies show that boswellia may reduce inflammation and may be useful in treating the following conditions:
- osteoarthritis (OA)
- rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- asthma
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Because boswellia is an effective anti-inflammatory, it can be an effective painkiller and may prevent the loss of cartilage. Some studies have found that it may even be useful in treating certain cancers, such as leukemia and breast cancer.
Boswellia may interact with and decrease the effects of anti-inflammatory medications. Talk to your doctor before using boswellia products, especially if you’re taking other medications to treat inflammation.
How boswellia works
Some research shows that boswellic acid can prevent the formation of leukotrienes in the body. Leukotrienes are molecules that have been identified as a cause of inflammation. They may trigger asthma symptoms.
Four acids in boswellia resin contribute to the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties. These acids inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), an enzyme that produces leukotriene. Acetyl-11-keto-ß-boswellic acid (AKBA) is thought to be the most powerful of the four boswellic acids. However, other research suggests other boswellic acids are responsible for the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Boswellia products are generally rated on their concentration of boswellic acids.
On Osteo Arthritis
Many studies of boswellia’s effect on OA have found that it’s effective in treating OA pain and inflammation.
One 2003 study published in the journal Phytomedicine found that all 30 people with OA knee pain who received boswellia reported a decrease in knee pain. They also reported an increase in knee flexion and how far they could walk.
Newer studies support the continued use of boswellia for OA.
Another study, funded by a boswellia production company, found that increasing the dosage of enriched boswellia extract led to an increase in physical ability. OA knee pain decreased after 90 days with the boswellia product, compared to a lesser dosage and placebo. It also helped reduce the levels of a cartilage-degrading enzyme.
On Rheumatoid Arthristis
Studies on the usefulness of boswellia in RA treatment have shown mixed results. An older study published in the Journal of Rheumatology found that boswellia helps to reduce RA joint swelling. Some research suggests that boswellia may interfere with the autoimmune process, which would make it an effective therapy for RA. Further research supports the effective anti-inflammatory and immune-balancing properties.
On Iritable Bowel Syndrome IBD
Due to the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties, boswellia may be effective in treating inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC).
A 2001 study compared H15, a special boswellia extract, to the anti-inflammatory prescription drug mesalamine (Apriso, Asacol HD). It showed that the boswellia extract may be effective in treating Crohn’s disease.
Several studies found the herb could be effective in treating UC as well. We’re just beginning to understand how the anti-inflammatory and immune-balancing effects of boswellia can improve the health of an inflamed bowel.
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