Herbs that might stop arthritis

Arthritis plagues more than 50 million Americans. But a study at the University of Montreal shows a combination of herbs may help reduce arthritic inflammation and ease arthritis pain.

The Canadian research was carried out on 32 dogs that had been diagnosed with arthritis. The dogs were all large dogs, weighing over 40 pounds.

Two formulas were tested. The first combination included: Indian frankincense (Salai), bromelain from pineapple, camomile, willow bark, curcumin, devil’s claw and black currant. The second formula contained all of those natural ingredients as well as dietary ingredients:  omega-3 fatty acids, glutamine and chondroitin sulfate.

While the herbs were designed to slow inflammation, the dietary ingredients were meant to help regenerate healthier joints.

To evaluate the worthiness of the formulas, half of the 32 dogs in the study received the first formula for a month and before consuming the second formula during the next month.  The other 16 dogs received a placebo for the length of the research.

To test how the herbs and nutrients affected arthritis, the scientists filmed the dogs walking on a platform that measures paw strength. A specially designed electronic collar tabulated the dog’s daily movements.

By the end of the first month of the study, dogs receiving the herbal formula were improving. All moved around more and had added strength.

“After the eight-week course, on average, the strength of the dogs receiving treatment had improved to the equivalent of a kilo (more than two pounds) of extra strength per paw… None of these dogs saw their health decline, unlike 35.8 percent of the dogs who were given the placebo,” says researcher Maxim Moreau.

The researchers believe that the same formula may relieve arthritis in humans and are planning clinical trials.