Osteoarthritis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in joints, leading to bone-on-bone contact, pain, and stiffness.

Caused by wear and tear, age, obesity, genetics, and previous joint injuries, osteoarthritis can significantly impact quality of life. If left untreated, it can lead to limited mobility, chronic pain, and even depression.

To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies like turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory compound curcumin, and ginger, known for its pain-relieving properties, can be used. Additionally, willow bark, rich in salicylic acid, and boswellia, an anti-inflammatory agent, can provide relief.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they may interact with medications or have adverse effects in certain individuals, particularly those with allergies or underlying health conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of osteoarthritis, 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 osteoarthritis?

The main causes of osteoarthritis are age-related wear and tear on joints, leading to cartilage breakdown and bone-on-bone contact.

Genetic predisposition, with certain genetic variants associated with an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis. Joint injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can also contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. Obesity and excessive weight-bearing activities, like repetitive knee bending, can put additional stress on joints and accelerate cartilage degradation.

Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

• Trauma: Trauma to a joint can lead to osteoarthritis as the cartilage and surrounding tissues may be damaged, causing inflammation and degeneration of the joint over time.
• Genetics: Genetics play a significant role in the development of osteoarthritis, with certain genetic mutations affecting the production or structure of cartilage, leading to an increased risk of developing the condition.
• Overuse: Repetitive overuse of a joint, such as in athletes or individuals with physically demanding jobs, can cause wear and tear on the cartilage and surrounding tissues, leading to osteoarthritis.
• Age: As people age, the cartilage in their joints naturally wears down, making age a common cause of osteoarthritis, particularly in individuals over the age of 60.
• Obesity: Excess weight can put additional stress on joints, particularly in the hips, knees, and spine, leading to osteoarthritis due to the increased wear and tear on the cartilage and surrounding tissues.
• Joint Misalignment: Joint misalignment or abnormal joint mechanics can cause uneven wear on the cartilage, leading to osteoarthritis, as the joint is subjected to abnormal stress and pressure.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause inflammation and damage to the joints, increasing the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
• Infection: Certain infections, such as septic arthritis, can cause inflammation and damage to the joints, leading to osteoarthritis in some cases.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalances, such as those that occur during pregnancy or with hypothyroidism, can cause changes in the joints, leading to osteoarthritis in some cases.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for osteoarthritis?

The main medicinal herbs used for osteoarthritis are Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Boswellia serrata, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Equisetum arvense, Capsicum annuum, Harpagophytum procumbens, Ginkgo biloba, Angelica sinensis, Cassia alata.

Curcuma longa contains curcumin which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, thereby reducing joint inflammation and pain. Zingiber officinale and Boswellia serrata have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to reduce joint pain and inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and blocking pain pathways. Glycyrrhiza glabra, Equisetum arvense, and Capsicum annuum have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that help to reduce joint pain and inflammation, while Harpagophytum procumbens has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to reduce joint pain and inflammation.

Ginkgo biloba, Angelica sinensis, and Cassia alata have antioxidant properties that help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the joints.

• Curcuma longa: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) helps with osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and pain due to its bioactive compound curcumin, which has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, thereby alleviating symptoms of the condition.
• Zingiber officinale: Ginger (Zingiber officinale) helps with osteoarthritis by reducing pain and inflammation due to its bioactive compounds gingerol and shogaol, which have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, and also have antioxidant properties that help to reduce oxidative stress in the body.
• Boswellia serrata: Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) helps with osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and pain due to its bioactive compound boswellic acid, which has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, thereby alleviating symptoms of the condition, and also has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce oxidative stress in the body.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps with osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and pain due to its bioactive compound glycyrrhizin, which has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, thereby alleviating symptoms of the condition, and also has anti-oxidant properties that help to reduce oxidative stress in the body.
• Equisetum arvense: Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) helps with osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and pain due to its bioactive compounds silica and flavonoids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thereby alleviating symptoms of the condition, and also help to improve joint mobility and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
• Capsicum annuum: Capsicum (Capsicum annuum) helps with osteoarthritis by reducing pain due to its bioactive compound capsaicin, which has been shown to inhibit the production of substance P, a neurotransmitter that transmits pain signals to the brain, thereby alleviating pain and discomfort associated with the condition.
• Harpagophytum procumbens: Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) helps with osteoarthritis by reducing pain and inflammation due to its bioactive compounds harpagoside and procumbide, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thereby alleviating symptoms of the condition, and also help to improve joint mobility and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not directly help with osteoarthritis, but its antioxidant properties may help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, which can contribute to the development and progression of the condition.
• Angelica sinensis: Angelica (Angelica sinensis) helps with osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and pain due to its bioactive compounds ferulic acid and ligustilide, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thereby alleviating symptoms of the condition, and also help to improve joint mobility and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
• Cassia alata: Senna (Cassia alata) does not have any established benefits for osteoarthritis, and its use may even exacerbate the condition due to its laxative properties, which can lead to dehydration and worsen joint symptoms.

What are the main herbal preparations used for osteoarthritis?

The main herbal preparations used for osteoarthritis are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Salve, Cream, Gel, Suppository, Ointment, Softgel, Poultice.

Tincture, a concentrated liquid extract, is effective for immediate relief as it contains bioactive compounds like glycosides and terpenoids from herbs like Willow bark and Ginger, which inhibit inflammatory enzymes and pain pathways. Decoction, a liquid extract made by boiling herbs, is beneficial for long-term management as it contains antioxidants and flavonoids from herbs like Turmeric and Ginger, which reduce inflammation and improve joint health. Capsule, Softgel, and Ointment preparations of herbs like Boswellia and Devil's Claw are used for systemic and topical delivery of anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds.

Additionally, Salve, Cream, Gel, and Suppository preparations of herbs like Willow bark and Wintergreen are used for topical application to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected joints, while Poultice, a paste applied to the skin, is used to reduce inflammation and pain through the application of heat.

• Tincture: A tincture of Boswellia serrata or Harpagophytum procumbens helps with osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and pain through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which are extracted into the solvent and then concentrated.
• Decoction: A decoction of Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) helps with osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and pain through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which are extracted into the water and then concentrated.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the standardized extract of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) helps with osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and pain through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which are bioavailable to the body when ingested.
• Salve: A salve made from the extract of Willow bark (Salix alba) helps with osteoarthritis by reducing pain and inflammation through its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which are applied topically to the affected area.
• Cream: A cream containing the extract of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) helps with osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and pain through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which are applied topically to the affected area.
• Gel: A gel made from the extract of Boswellia serrata helps with osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and pain through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which are applied topically to the affected area.
• Suppository: A suppository containing the extract of Willow bark (Salix alba) helps with osteoarthritis by reducing pain and inflammation through its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which are absorbed through the rectal mucosa and then distributed systemically.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the extract of Capsicum (Capsicum annuum) helps with osteoarthritis by reducing pain and inflammation through its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which are applied topically to the affected area.
• Softgel: A softgel containing the standardized extract of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) helps with osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and pain through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which are bioavailable to the body when ingested.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the extract of Willow bark (Salix alba) helps with osteoarthritis by reducing pain and inflammation through its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which are applied topically to the affected area and then absorbed through the skin.