Joint Relief 911 - Scientific Research & Evidence

Andrographis paniculata

Efficacy of an Andrographis paniculata composition for the relief of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: a prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall ex Nees (Acanthaceae) possesses anti-inflammatory effects, attributed to the main constituent andrographolide proposed as alternative in the treatment of autoimmune disease. A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was performed. Tablets (Paractin) made of an extract of A. paniculata (30% total andrographolides) were administered three times a day for 14 weeks, after a 2-week washout period to 60 patients with active RA. The primary outcomes were pain intensity measured using a horizontal visual analog pain scale (VAPS). In addition, ACR, EULAR, and SF36 clinical parameters were recorded. The intensity of joint pain decreased in the active vs placebo group at the end of treatment, although these differences were not statistically significant. A significant diminishing for week in tender joint -0.13 95% confidence interval (CI; -0.22 to 0.06; p = 0.001), number of swollen joints -0.15 95%CI (-0.29 to -0.02; p = 0.02), total grade of swollen joint -0.27 95%CI (-0.48 to -0.07; p = 0.010), number of tender joints -0.25 95%CI (-0.48 to -0.02; p = 0.033), total grade of swollen joints -0.27 95%CI (-0.48 to -0.07; p = 0.01), total grade of tender joints -0.47 95%CI (-0.77 to -0.17; p = 0.002) and HAQ -0.52 95%CI (-0.82 to -0.21; p < 0.001) and SF36 0.02 95%CI (0.01 to 0.02; p < 0.001) health questionnaires was observed within the group with the active drug. Moreover, it was associated to a reduction of rheumatoid factor, IgA, and C4. These findings suggest that A. paniculata could be a useful "natural complement" in the treatment of AR; however, a larger trial and a more extended period of treatment is necessary in order to corroborate these results.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19408036/

Harnessing the medicinal properties of Andrographis paniculata for diseases and beyond: a review of its phytochemistry and pharmacology

Andrographis paniculata has been extensively used as traditional medicine in India, China and Southeast Asia. The aerial parts possess most of the medicinal properties and are used to treat snakebites, insect stings, fever, sore throat, cough and stomachache. Phytochemical study revealed that diterpenoid lactones which are the major phytochemical constituents and flavonoids have been isolated from the aerial parts of this specie. Miscellaneous compounds such as xanthones, rare noriridoids and trace/macro elements have been isolated from the roots. Different types of formulations, extracts and pure compounds obtained from this plant have been shown to possess biological activities including anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, cytotoxicity, immune modulatory, sex hormone modulatory, liver enzyme modulatory, anti-malaria, anti-angiogenic and hepato-renal protective activity.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4032030/

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid, an efficient biomacromolecule for treatment of inflammatory skin and joint diseases: A review of recent developments and critical appraisal of preclinical and clinical investigations

Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays multifaceted role in regulating various biological processes and maintaining homeostasis into the body. Numerous researches evidenced the biomedical implications of HA in skin repairmen, cancer prognosis, wound healing, tissue regeneration, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulation. The present review was aimed to summarize and critically appraise the recent developments and efficacy of HA for treatment of inflammatory skin and joint diseases. A thorough analysis of the literature revealed that HA based formulations (i.e., gels, creams, autologous graft, thin sheets, soaked gauze, gauze pad, tincture, injection) have shown remarkable efficacy in treating a wide range of inflammatory skin diseases. The safety, tolerability, and efficacy of HA (as intra-articular injection) have also been well-documented for treatment of various types of joint disease including knee osteoarthritic, joint osteoarthritis, canine osteoarthritis, and meniscal swelling. Intra-articular injection of HA produces remarkable reduction in joint pain, synovial inflammation, and articular swelling. A remarkable improvement in chondrocyte density, territorial matrix appearance, reconstitution of superficial amorphous layer of the cartilage, collagen remodelling, and regeneration of meniscus have also been evident in patients treated with HA. Conclusively, we validate that the application/administration of HA is a promising pharmacotherapeutic regimen for treatment of inflammatory skin and joint diseases.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29772338/

Hyaluronic acid in knee osteoarthritis: preliminary results using a four months administration schedule

Subjects with knee osteoarthritis received, after a weekly injection of 32 mg/2 mL hyaluronic acid for 3 weeks, a single injection of 50 mg/2.5 mL hyaluronic acid (not cross-linked, molecular weight 800-1200 kDa) at 4-month interval (4, 8 and 12 months). Clinical assessment (visual analogic scale [VAS] for pain at rest and during activities, Lequesne Index [LI], Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and monthly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug consumption) was performed at baseline, and after 1, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 14 months. In the 15 knees treated, pain decreased (baseline vs. 14 months: VAS at rest, 3.7 ± 1.7 vs. 1 ± 0.7 [P < 0.000]; VAS activities, 6.2 ± 1.7 vs. 2.6 ± 1.3 [P < 0.000]) and function improved (baseline vs. 14 months: KOOS, 51.9 ± 15.3 vs. 70.2 ± 13.7 [P < 0.000]; LI, 10 ± 3.8 vs. 5.4 ± 2.4 [P < 0.000]) significantly. Conclusions: This schedule provides persistent positive results in terms of reduced pain and improved function, optimizing the protective properties of the hyaluronic acid used.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25944257/

Hyaluronic acid production and its applications-A review

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is naturally present in the human body. It is found in the highest concentrations in fluids in the eyes and joints. The hyaluronic acid that is used as medicine is extracted from rooster combs or made by bacteria in the laboratory. People take hyaluronic acid for various joint disorders, including osteoarthritis. It can be taken by mouth or injected into the affected joint by a healthcare professional. The FDA has approved the use of hyaluronic acid during certain eye surgeries including cataract removal, corneal transplantation, and repair of a detached retina and other eye injuries. It is injected into the eye during the procedure to help replace natural fluids. Hyaluronic acid is also used as a lip filler in plastic surgery. Some people apply hyaluronic acid to the skin for healing wounds, burns, skin ulcers, and as a moisturizer.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305150786_Hyaluronic_acid_production_and_its_applications-A_review