01/29/2019 / By Michelle Simmons
Traditionally, South African geranium (Pelargonium sidoides) has been used to treat diseases, such as respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, dysmenorrhea, and liver disorders. On the other hand, Chinese goldthread (Coptis chinensis) root has been traditionally used to treat gastroenteric disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and liver injuries. The combination of these two herbs can be used to treat diseases related to inflammation, according to a study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
The study was carried out by researchers from South Korea who investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of a combination of South African geranium and Chinese goldthread root through test tube and animal experiments. They treated RAW 264.7 cell line with lipopolysaccharide to imitate the inflammatory process. For the animal trial, they induced paw edema in mice. Then, they treated the cells and mice with the combination of South African geranium and Chinese goldthread root extract. The researchers measured the levels of nitric oxide, inflammatory cytokines, and prostaglandin E2.
The results revealed that the combination of South African geranium and Chinese goldthread root extract treatment exhibited anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and suppressing inflammatory pathways. In the mice experiment, the combination of South African geranium and Chinese goldthread root extract demonstrated anti-edema and anti-inflammatory effects. It inhibited paw swelling, skin thickness, infiltrated inflammatory cells, mast cell degranulation, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines.
Overall, a combination of South African geranium and Chinese goldthread root extract exhibited powerful anti-inflammatory effects by regulating inflammation marker proteins and transcription factors in RAW 264.7 cells.
The researchers concluded that the combination of South African geranium and Chinese goldthread root can be a potential agent for treating inflammation-related diseases. (Related: Inflammation: What to Eat to Reduce Your Risk of Many Diseases.)
Inflammation is the body’s defense mechanism to remove harmful stimuli and start the healing process. However, inflammation can sometimes persist longer than necessary, which can cause more harm than good. It can last for months and even years, which can eventually lead to diseases and conditions, such as asthma, tuberculosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and many more. Fortunately, there are many herbs that can help reduce or prevent inflammation in the body. Here are some of them:
Read more news stories and studies on natural anti-inflammatory medicines by going to AlternativeMedicine.news.
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Tagged Under: alternative medicine, Chinese goldthread, Coptis chinensis, herbal medicine, Herbs, inflammation, inflammation-related conditions, natural cures, natural healing, natural medicine, natural remedies, Pelargonium sidoides, South African geranium
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