Science Proves the Benefits of a Traditional Brazilian Plant for Treating Arthritis

SadaNews - Researchers in Brazil have revealed that a coastal plant used for generations in folk medicine has genuine abilities to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of arthritis, according to recent scientific findings that support what traditional practices have conveyed for many years.

The study, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, showed that the plant known as "Joseph's Coat" (scientifically named Alternanthera littoralis) possesses anti-inflammatory properties and helps protect joints, with preliminary indications of a good safety profile at studied doses, according to a report published on the scientific site "ScienceDaily".

From Folk Medicine to the Lab

The "Joseph's Coat" plant grows naturally along Brazilian coastlines and is traditionally used to treat inflammation, infections, and some parasitic diseases. Despite its widespread use in folk medicine, it has lacked precise scientific verification of its efficacy and safety, an issue that the new study aimed to address.

The research was conducted in collaboration with the "Federal University of Grande Dourados", the "State University of Campinas", and the "University of São Paulo", with support from the Research Support Foundation of the State of São Paulo (FAPESP).

The study began with a detailed chemical analysis of the ethanolic extract prepared from the aerial parts of the plant, aimed at identifying the bioactive compounds that could explain its therapeutic effects. This phase was led by researcher Marcos Salvador, a pharmacy specialist from the Institute of Biology at the "State University of Campinas".

Subsequently, the study moved on to bioassays to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect. A team led by researcher Candida Kasuya from the School of Health Sciences at the "Federal University of Grande Dourados" conducted experiments on laboratory models of arthritis, alongside assessing the toxicological safety of the plant extract.

Encouraging Results at the Joint Level

The experiments showed that the ethanolic extract of the plant significantly contributed to reducing swelling, improving joint health indicators, and alleviating tissue damage associated with inflammation.

Researcher Ariel Cristina Arena from the "University of São Paulo" explains that the results showed "a notable reduction in swelling, an improvement in joint parameters, as well as modulation of what is known as 'inflammatory mediators' (which are blood factors that induce inflammation), indicating antioxidant properties and the ability to protect tissues".

These results suggest that the plant's effects are not limited to alleviating superficial symptoms but may also contribute to reducing the progression of joint damage associated with chronic inflammations such as arthritis.

Additional Studies

In addition to efficacy, toxicity tests showed that the extract possesses a promising safety profile at studied therapeutic doses, which is a crucial factor in any future direction towards developing a plant-based treatment.

However, researchers emphasized that these results, despite their significance, do not mean that the extract is ready for direct medical use in humans at this time. There is a need for further studies including clinical trials on humans, setting precise standards for preparing the extract and controlling its dosages, along with obtaining necessary regulatory approvals.

Researcher Arena confirmed that this work falls within a broader research pathway aimed at harnessing Brazilian biodiversity and traditional knowledge, but within a strict scientific framework that ensures the safe and rational use of natural products.

She noted that "our goal is to reinforce the scientific value of traditional medicinal plants by subjecting them to modern research tools, allowing for the development of effective and safe natural treatments".

Future Therapeutic Prospects

In light of the widespread prevalence of arthritis diseases and the increasing need for therapeutic alternatives with fewer side effects than traditional medications, these results open the door for the development of new anti-inflammatory plant treatments that could potentially improve the quality of life for millions of patients around the world.

Although the road remains long before transitioning to clinical use, the study represents an important step towards integrating traditional medicine with modern scientific research, transforming folk heritage into evidence-based medical solutions.