Osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis is caused due to degeneration and breakdown of cartilage. Thinning of cartilage causes friction leading to pain, inflammation and limitation in mobility which stimulates new bone outgrowth near joints resulting in osteoarthritis. Traditional treatment of osteoarthritis concentrated heavily on medicinal and surgical means. With the exception of hyaluronic acid injection, painkiller medicines do not cure the disease but just act on the symptoms and help reduce the pain. In case of severe osteoarthritis, surgery is performed to replace the old cartilage tissue with a newer one. Supplementing the conventional treatment procedures are the nutritional supplements which are more safe, devoid of any side effect and are more effective in suppressing osteoarthritis. While nutritional supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have gained importance as an effective means for treatment of osteoarthritis but there is a whole gamut of nutritional supplement which is still obscure to the average person.
Of the innumerable dietary supplements that assist in treatment of osteoarthritis the most effective ones are discussed in the following.
1. Turmeric
Turmeric as a spice is a household name in India. It is also cultivated around Asia and Africa. Research has proved that curcumin present in turmeric contains anti inflammatory and anti oxidant properties which help relieve osteoarthritis pain.
2. Boswellia
Boswelia serrata is a commonly found medicinal tree in India. The gum obtained from Boswelia is known for its therapeutic value. The Boswelic acid present in the gum is anti inflammatory and anti arthritic. It has a long lasting soothing effect on osteoarthritis.
3. Devil’s claw
Found in South Africa, devil’s claw is a perennial shrub. It contains herpagoside which has effective anti inflammatory properties. Taking devil’s claw alone or along with some NSAIDs significantly reduces osteoarthritis pain.
4. Fish oil
Fish oil consists of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that work against the pain and swelling caused due to osteoarthritis. EPA also curtails the enzymatic reactions which stimulate cartilage damage or degeneration.
5. Sea cucumber
Considered as a Chinese treasure sea cucumber has been successfully used as an anti inflammatory cure. Sea cucumber has an ability to balance prostaglandins which regulate the inflammatory process and block new vessel growth in the inflammed portion.
6. Celadrin
Celadrin contains a mixture of fatty acids which help in free movement of joint. Celadrin can be taken either orally in the form of gel capsules or can be applied as a cream.
7. Oral hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is considered as an arthritic wonder drug. Hyaluronic acid replace the poor synovial fluid thus lubricating the joint that helps in increased joint movement among patients. This drug also improves the functional properties of the joint cartilage.
8. Green lipped mussel extract
Green lipped mussel is a New Zealand shell fish. Its extract contains a mixture of glucosamine, omega 3 fatty acid and minerals and has a dual effect on osteoarthritis. It not only helps recede the pain due to its anti inflammatory properties, but also improves the lubrication of joints.
9. Oral collagen type II
Collagen is an important protein that helps shape tissues including cartilage. Oral collagen type II is administered as a supplement to compensate for the loss of this fibrous tissue which leads to osteoarthritis. Oral collagen type II helps the cartilage to recuperate and regain its complete functionality.
10. Shark cartilage extract
Shark cartilage extract contains chondroitin sulfate and mucoploysaccharides which help cartilage growth and prevent further damage.
