09/15/2018 / By Michelle Simmons
Cat’s whiskers, an herb traditionally used to treat gout, arthritis, and other conditions related to inflammation, has been confirmed to improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. A team of researchers from Malaysia and Italy looked at the potential of cat’s whiskers extract to treat rheumatoid arthritis in a study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
For the study, the research team used 50 percent ethanol extract of cat’s whiskers to treat rheumatoid arthritis. In order to assess the effects of cat’s whisker against rheumatoid arthritis, the team used the in vitro heat denaturation test and arthritic mice.
Based on the results of the study, treatment with cat’s whiskers ethanol extract inhibited paw edema in acute and chronic models of inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, treatment substantially suppressed the production of inflammatory signaling cytokines: tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 1 (IL-1), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In addition, the treatment prevented paw edema and reduced the serum levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1.
Based on the X-rays of the mice’s synovial joint of the hind leg, the team observed considerable improvement in joint strength and recovery of foot and ankle bones from degeneration and osteoporotic lesions. The cat’s whiskers ethanol extract also demonstrated significant protection of cartilage and soft tissue. Furthermore, the team discovered that cat’s whiskers ethanol extract contains anti-arthritic effects and powerful antioxidant activity, as well as high phenolic and total flavonoid content.
The research team concluded that cat’s whiskers ethanol extract could potentially be used as an alternative medicine for the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory disorders.
Cat’s whiskers are widely used for various medicinal purposes. This herbal plant contains anti-inflammatory activities. It is available in the form of dried leaves, tablets, extracts, tea sachets, and capsules. Listed below are some of the health benefits cat’s whiskers offer:
Read more news stories and studies on alternative treatments for arthritis and similar conditions by going to AlternativeMedicine.news.
Sources include:
Tagged Under: anti-inflammatory, arthritis, cat's whiskers, herbal medicine, Herbs, inflammation, natural cures, natural healing, natural remedies, rheumatoid arthritis
Herbs.News is a fact-based public education website published by Herbs News Features, LLC.
All content copyright © 2018 by Herbs News Features, LLC.
Contact Us with Tips or Corrections
All trademarks, registered trademarks and servicemarks mentioned on this site are the property of their respective owners.