11/29/2018 / By Michelle Simmons
People who regularly suffer from the effects of knee osteoporosis might want to give Thai black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) a shot for relief. In a study published in the Journal of Natural Medicines, scientists found that this type of ginger has been found to reduce the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
Thai black ginger is a plant native to Southeast Asia that looks similar to the ordinary ginger, except that the inner portions of black ginger are purple-black in color. This herb has been used in both food and medicine, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. In Thailand, it’s used to boost testosterone production, improve vitality, and treat metabolic problems. However, no study has been made on its effect on osteoarthritis. A team of researchers from Japan took on the task, investigating the effects of Thai black ginger extract against osteoarthritis.
For the study, the team looked at the effect and mechanism of Thai black ginger extract on mice with knee osteoarthritis. The results revealed that the Thai black ginger extract reduced pain and decreased the severity of osteoarthritic cartilage lesions. In addition, the Thai black ginger extract and its active components, particularly 5,7-dimethoxyflavone and 5,7,4?-trimethoxyflavone, reduced the expression matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs are the main extracellular matrix enzymes responsible for the degradation of collagen within cartilage. Overall, the Thai black ginger extract suppressed knee osteoarthritis and inhibited MMPs.
Based on the findings of the study, the researchers concluded that Thai black ginger can alleviate the effects of knee osteoarthritis. (Related: Purify your body: Yoga basti found to remedy osteoarthritis symptoms.)
Knee osteoarthritis, no matter what the cause is, will always result in pain and a decreased ability to live an active life. Fortunately, there are ways to relieve pain and even delay — or prevent — knee replacement surgery without the use of pharmaceutical drugs. These include the following:
The ideal way to apply these tips is being knowledgeable about your disease, such as knowing what is beneficial and what is not. For example, in exercise, one should recognize the difference between beneficial exercise between activities that stress joints. Bending, stooping, kneeling, soccer, and downhill skiing are some examples of activities that may do more harm than good in people with knee osteoarthritis. Understanding one’s physical limitations is important in preventing the condition from worsening.
Read more news stories and studies on natural treatments for osteoarthritis by going to AlternativeMedicine.news.
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Tagged Under:
alternative medicine, bone health, Bones, herbal medicine, Herbs, joint disease, joints, Kaempferia parviflora, knee osteoarthritis, natural cures, natural medicine, Osteoarthritis, Thai black ginger
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