It happens due to auto-immune mechanisms which result in an excessive production of chemical mediators called citochines, which act as pro-inflammatory agents.

Citochines act mediating complex interactions between the lymphoid cells, inflammatory cells and onomatopoeic cells. Among the inflammatory citochines we have: tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa ), interleukin1, interleukin 6 and others.

A conventional treatment usually starts with the use of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, usually abbreviated to NSAIDs (natural or synthetic) that inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and/or steroids, with the purpose of quickly improving the symptoms and then, anti-rheumatic drugs are used to modify the illness.

Recent advances in the comprehension of the illness have allowed developing more specific treatments to modify the progress of the illness. These include drugs that inhibit or block the TNF-a (etanercept and infliximab) and antagonists of the interleukin 1.

Clinical trials have shown the anti-inflammatory and immune-modulator efficiency of several medicinal plants in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and other chronic diseases related to the joints. These clinical trials offer a scientific base for their use.

Some plants with anti-inflammatory effects

Harpagophytum procumbens decreases the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.

Uncaria tomentosa (Cat's claw)and the Zingiber officinalis lowers the production of TNF-a and also the production of prostaglandins.

Astragalus mambranaceus lowers the secretion of interleukin 6 and TNF-a.

Morinda citrifolia (Noni) lowers the secretion of TNF-a, interleukin 1-ß and increases the production of interleukin 10, which has anti-inflammatory effect. It also lowers the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.

Combinations of herbs

Under the supervision of a physician trained in Systemic Medicine, the use of the appropriate dose and combination of these plants lowers pain, rigidity and lack of joint function, inflammation, deformity and progress of the illness. Besides, many patients require a smaller dose of synthetic drugs or end up quitting conventional therapies due to their adverse side effects.

The systemic therapy option using adaptogens and other natural products is feasible, effective, and does not produce any side effects or intolerance to the treatment. This is why; it constitutes an important part of our therapeutic arsenal against this disabling illness, which does not respond, in an adequate form, to the current synthetic drugs prescribed.