Research

Nirgundi

Nirgundi is an erect plant, which grows 2 – 8 m high. The bark of the plant is reddish brown and is mainly found in the Indian subcontinent. From fruit to the root, all the parts of this tree possess a range of phytochemical secondary metabolities that are responsible for the extraordinary medicinal properties. It is recommended for a range of disorders. Hence, it is a widely used ingredient in a number of herbal formulations.

It exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Traditionally, the leaves of nirgudi are tied on the affected region to reduce scrotal swelling, headache and arthritic pain. Being an analgestic, nirgundi acts as a tonic and eases vata. It is the best source of Vitamin C, which makes this herb the best antibiotic and anti-inflammatory herb. It is therefore considered beneficial for people suffering from inflammatory diseases such as endometroiss, orchitis, pharyngitis and tonsillitis.

Boswella Serrata (Shallaki)

Boswellia or Shallaki has Boswellic acid, as the principal constituent. This pyrazoline derivative supports the natural inflammation response of the body essential for maintaining healthy joints. This is a safe and natural herb, which is effective for maintaining optimum joint health.

Preclinical and clinical researches have confirmed the potent anti-inflammatory properties of shallaki. During pharmacological assessment of Boswellia serrata extract in the experimental animals, the herb displayed significant anti-inflammatory action in different models such as carrageenan-induced oedema in mice and rats. The placebo-controlled studies that involved 81 participants with rheumatoid arthritis showed considerable decrease in pain and swelling over a period of three months.

Guggul

Guggul is a sticky resin, which is derived from the Mukul tree. It is widely used in Ayurveda. The active chemical compounds in Guggul include guggulsterone and guggulipid, the two powerful antioxidants.

The link between chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, arthritis, neurological illness and inflammation has been extensively studied in the last three decades. It has been discovered that excess production of pro-inflammatory molecules is the main reason for developing arthritis.

Scientists have identified NF-kappaB (Nuclear Factor- kappaB) as the main pro-inflammatory molecule, which regulates the inflammatory reaction in the body. It is naturally neutralized by Guggul.

Researchers at the Southern California University have found that patients suffering from knee arthritis experienced significant improvement in stiffness, swelling and pain after using guggul for one month.

Ginger

Ginger plant is native to West Africa, South East Asia, China and the Caribbean. There are manifold benefits of using ginger for arthritis. It is a versatile herb, which exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.

Some laboratory experiments on animals have found that the extracts of ginger could decrease the production of many chemical substances like leukotrienes, which promotes joint inflammation. The body transforms salicylates in ginger into a chemical compound, known as salicylic acid, which suppresses production of prostaglandins.

Ginger has been widely used in the Ayurvedic medicine. Dr. Krishna Srivastava, a renowned researcher at the Denmark’s Odense University has conducted extensive study on the anti-pain properties of the herb. In one of the studies on arthritic patients, Dr. Srivastava gave them small quantity of ginger every day for three months. Most of them showed considerable improvement in swelling, pain and morning stiffness.

Dr. Srivastava found that the herb was much better than non-steroidal drugs like Advil or Tylenol because they work only at one level blocking the creation of inflammatory compounds. However, ginger not only blocks the creation of inflammatory compounds such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins, but it also has antioxidant effect, which knows in breaking down acid-producing and pro-inflammatory chemicals in the fluid present within the joints.

Aswagandha

Withania Somnifera is an Adaptogenic herb, which is also popularly referred to as Indian Ginseng. The herb was a subject of several studies, which have proved the beneficial properties of Ashwagandha in aiding relaxation and rejuvenation.

Scientists at the Texas University of health science have studied ashwagandha. They found that the herb’s activity was same as GABA, which explains the plants effectiveness in reducing anxiety.

Animal studies have shown that Ashwagandha is a potent anti-inflammatory herb, and in fact, studies have revealed that the herb is more powerful than hydrocortisone (a steroid). Ashwagandha is believed to be effective than steroid in decreasing swelling as well as in reducing risk of degenerative bone changes. A clinical trial was conducted on 77 participants, who were given three grams of ashwagandha three times per day orally with milk. About 75% of the participants showed moderate to very good improvement in the symptoms.

Guduchi

Tinospora Cordifolia is also known by the common name guduchi. It has powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-bacterial properties. In the traditional Ayurvedic medicine, guduchi is recommended for a number of ailments such as urinary diseases, dyspepsia, fever and general debility. It is considered good for brain. Charaka Samhita describes guduchi as Medhya Rasayana (meaning Mental rejuvenative)

Guduchi is used by other cultures too. The natives in Philippines use Tinospora, as a general tonic. The plant is known as Makabuhay (means, you may live). Guduchi has been widely studied. The results of these studies are published in different medical journals. Beta-sitosterol is the active constituent of guduchi.