CURCUMIN the yellow pigment from the plant Curcuma longa, has been used traditionally to treat sprains and inflammation. Studies show that curcumin inhibits leukotriene synthesis, platelet aggregation, and neutrophil inflammatory response, blocks activation of NF Kappa B, and promotes fibrinolysis. Curcumin may potentiate endogenous corticosteroids, thus having indirect anti-inflammatory actions as well. Curcumin was as effective as cortisone or phenylbutazone in models of acute inflammation, but only half as effective in chronic models. However, while phenylbutazone and cortisone are associated with significant toxicity, curcumin displayed virtually no toxicity.

BROMELAIN was introduced as a medicinal agent in 1957, and since that time over 400 scientific papers on its therapeutic applications have appeared. Bromelain has been reported in these studies to exert a wide variety of beneficial effects, including reducing inflammation in cases of joint disease, sports injury or trauma, and preventing swelling after trauma or surgery. Bromelain selectively stimulates the production of the anti-inflammatory Prostaglandin E1 and inhibits the production of the pro-inflammatory Prostaglandin E2.

NOTE: Bromelain may enhance the anticoagulant activity of such drugs as warfarin and aspirin.

WHITE WILLOW BARK is traditionally used to treat pain. The efficacy of this botanical is due mainly to the proportion of salicin present. The salicin, which is a precursor to salicylic acid, works as an antipyretic, antiphlogistic and as an analgesic.

GUGGUL has been used traditionally for inflammation of the mouth and pharynx. Currently guggul is recommended for chronic inflammatory conditions.

BIOFLAVONOIDS have been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and vasoprotective actions. Hesperidin appears to inhibit phospholipase A2, lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase inflammatory mediators as well as inhibit histamine release.

GINGER inhibits platelet thromboxane formation, lipoxygenase, Arachidonic acid metabolism, leukotriene and inflammatory prostaglandin production. Ginger has anti-inflammatory actions. In one small study, consisting of 10 patients, complaining of chronic muscular pain and discomfort, ginger relieved the pain and swelling in 100% of the patients. These patients were evaluated for periods ranging from 3 months to 2.5 years.

ROSEMARY has traditionally been recommended for muscular rheumatism. Rosemary also has antioxidant actions.

PAPAIN, TRYPSIN AND ALPHA CHYMOTRYPSIN are proteolytic enzymes. Administration of proteolytic enzymes may speed healing of injuries. Proteolytic enzymes have allowed athletes to return to performance sooner than control groups. Chymotrypsin, and trypsin have been shown to reduce edema and inflammation. ... Click here to continue reading