Ifeoluwa Tugbobo May 6th , 2016

Writing For The Sciences Deeadra Brown

Effectiveness of Herbal Treatment on Arthritis Pain: A Review of Literature

 

Abstract

Herbal medicines are a growing market amongst those with rheumatoid arthritis so there is a equal desire to assess their efficacy. The objective of this review was to investigate the use of several herbal therapies for arthritis using the results and conclusions from randomized clinical trials. A computerized search of electronic databases and the bibliographies of identified articles resulted in 4 studies meeting the criteria for this literature review.There is support that several of the treatments-OTC Reumalex, Hyben Vital, rosehip oil- for a reduction in pain, tender joints, and stiffness whereas one of the investigated treatments (Stephania tetrandra) did not show any clear correlation in a clinical response. The various  herbal medicines had only a single study accessible. In general, the researchers stated that the preparation of the herbal therapies were safe to consume. Further evidence is needed to support, however, that herbal medicines are effective and safe for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition that affects over 1.3 million Americans and about 1% of the world population (1 or 2). Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive, inflammatory disorder that irreversibly affects the joints, especially those in the hands and feet, which causes extremely painful swelling.  Common symptoms include painful joints/back/muscles, stiff/swollen/tender/ weak joints, whole body fatigue, anemia, lumps, redness, a consistent sensation of pins and needles, dry mouth and swollen hands. Over time, the inflammatory processes involved in RA can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. RA is distinguished from other inflammatory illnesses in the bone loss in the joints, somatic bone loss, and thinning of the tissue around the joints persisting over time Joint erosion, one of the symptoms of RA, has been linked to functional disability and bone fracture amongst RA sufferers (3). As for RA treatment, there is no known cure or way to prevent developing RA. (5) The American College of Rheumatology advocates that patients get diagnosed as early as possible  and recommends treatment with modifying antirheumatic agents, including Otezla and Arava, to hinder the magnitude of joint damage. Current medications for RA are limited in their efficacy and are frequently toxic (5).

The importance of herbal therapies as a potential avenue for medicine is understanding that man-made medicine may cause more detrimental effects than positive effects. The benefits of herbal medicine may outweigh the detrimental effects of traditional medicine. Herbal medicine is considered more affordable, often easier to obtain,  and has been known to have fewer side effects than conventional drugs. An increased use of plant materials for medicine for a variety of human illnesses has been influenced by the world population increase, rising cost of treatment and overall negative side effects of synthetic drugs and the resistance of pathogens to currently used drugs for communicable diseases.(4)

With thorough investigation and extensive research, the literature review provides information about the effectiveness and efficacy of herbal treatments as a method for treating rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and back pain when compared to manufactured counterparts. Therefore, the purpose of this literature review was to examine the current clinical trials for the use of herbal medicines for RA based on randomized clinical trials of herbal therapies against placebos. Recent research has indicated that when compared to current conventional treatments for RA, herbal therapies are safer and more cost effective to consume.