Ankylosing Spondylitis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by inflammation and stiffness of the joints in the spine and other areas of the body, leading to severe pain and limited mobility.

It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, with a family history and certain genetic markers increasing the risk of developing the condition. If left untreated, ankylosing spondylitis can lead to serious health complications, including bowel problems, eye inflammation, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Herbal remedies, such as turmeric containing curcumin, ginger, and boswellia, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate symptoms and reduce pain.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they can interact with other medications and exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of ankylosing spondylitis, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of ankylosing spondylitis?

The main causes of ankylosing spondylitis are still not fully understood, but research suggests that it is a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.

The condition is associated with the presence of HLA-B27 gene, which is found in about 90% of people with ankylosing spondylitis. However, having the gene does not guarantee the development of the disease, and other genetic and environmental factors are also involved. Inflammation in the body, particularly in the spinal joints, is a key component of ankylosing spondylitis, and it is thought that the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissue, leading to inflammation and damage.

Additionally, some research suggests that certain infections, such as gastroenteritis, may trigger the onset of ankylosing spondylitis in genetically predisposed individuals.

• HLA-B27: HLA-B27 is a specific protein marker that significantly increases the risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis, particularly in individuals of Caucasian and European descent.
• Genetics: Genetics play a crucial role in the development of ankylosing spondylitis, with family history and specific genetic mutations, such as those in the ERAP1 and IL23R genes, contributing to the risk.
• Infection: Infection, particularly with bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, has been suggested to trigger the onset of ankylosing spondylitis in genetically predisposed individuals.
• Tobacco use: Tobacco use has been identified as a potential trigger for ankylosing spondylitis, possibly due to its ability to induce inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals and physical stress, may contribute to the development of ankylosing spondylitis, although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood.
• Autoimmune response: An autoimmune response, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, is thought to play a role in the development of ankylosing spondylitis, particularly in the inflammation and damage of spinal and sacroiliac joints.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for ankylosing spondylitis?

The main medicinal herbs used for ankylosing spondylitis are Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Boswellia serrata, Ginkgo biloba, Silybum marianum, Cinchona officinalis, Equisetum arvense, Rheum palmatum.

Curcuma longa has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, inhibiting NF-κB and COX-2 enzymes, which contribute to inflammation and pain in ankylosing spondylitis. Zingiber officinale, or ginger, has anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerol and shogaol that inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing inflammation and pain. Withania somnifera, or ashwagandha, has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects that may help reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response in ankylosing spondylitis.

Other herbs, such as Boswellia serrata, Ginkgo biloba, Silybum marianum, Cinchona officinalis, Equisetum arvense, and Rheum palmatum, also possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help alleviate symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation, pain, and oxidative stress.

• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, helps with ankylosing spondylitis by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, such as COX-2 and iNOS, which contribute to joint inflammation and damage.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, helps with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing pain and inflammation through the inhibition of COX-2 and lipoxygenase enzymes, and by blocking the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• Withania somnifera: Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha, helps with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and by modulating the immune response to prevent joint damage.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, helps with ankylosing spondylitis by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, and by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation through its antioxidant properties.
• Boswellia serrata: Boswellia serrata, also known as frankincense, helps with ankylosing spondylitis by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, such as COX-2 and lipoxygenase, which contribute to joint inflammation and damage.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba, also known as ginkgo, helps with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to the joints, which may help to reduce pain and stiffness.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum, also known as milk thistle, helps with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation through its antioxidant properties, and by protecting the liver from damage caused by anti-inflammatory medications.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, also known as cinchona, helps with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation and pain through the inhibition of COX-2 and other pro-inflammatory enzymes, and by improving blood flow to the joints.
• Equisetum arvense: Equisetum arvense, also known as horsetail, helps with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation and pain through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and by improving bone density and joint health.
• Rheum palmatum: Rheum palmatum, also known as Chinese rhubarb, helps with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation and pain through the inhibition of COX-2 and other pro-inflammatory enzymes, and by improving blood flow and reducing oxidative stress in the joints.

What are the main herbal preparations used for ankylosing spondylitis?

The main herbal preparations used for ankylosing spondylitis are Decoction, Capsule, Tincture, Salve, Gel, Cream, Suppository, Ointment, Poultice, Elixir.

Decoction of herbs like Turmeric and Ginger is used to reduce inflammation and pain due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Capsules of Willow Bark contain salicylic acid, a natural pain reliever, making them a useful treatment for ankylosing spondylitis. Tinctures of Boswellia and Ashwagandha are used to reduce inflammation and promote relaxation, which helps in managing the condition.

Other preparations like Salve, Gel, Cream, Suppository, Ointment, Poultice, and Elixir are often used to apply topical treatments directly to the affected areas, providing localized relief from pain and inflammation.

• Decoction: A decoction of Willow (Salix alba) bark, which contains salicin, helps with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation and relieving pain through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Capsule: Capsules containing the herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) help with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation, improving joint health, and alleviating stress through its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Tincture: A tincture of Turmeric (Curcuma longa), which contains curcumin, helps with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation and alleviating pain through its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Salve: A salve of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) helps with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation and alleviating pain through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as its ability to reduce muscle spasms.
• Gel: A gel of Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) helps with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation and alleviating pain through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as its ability to reduce joint inflammation and improve mobility.
• Cream: A cream of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) helps with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation and alleviating pain through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as its ability to reduce nausea and improve digestion.
• Suppository: A suppository of Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) helps with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation and alleviating pain through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as its ability to reduce muscle spasms and improve joint mobility.
• Ointment: An ointment of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) helps with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation and alleviating pain through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as its ability to reduce fever and improve respiratory function.
• Poultice: A poultice of Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) helps with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation and alleviating pain through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as its ability to reduce fever and improve digestion.
• Elixir: An elixir of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) helps with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation and alleviating pain through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as its ability to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.