sarsaparilla 1 of nature's replacements for COX-2 inhibitors

[Analog6]

From: http://www.newstarget.com/020627.html

(NewsTarget) The sarsaparilla herb may be the answer for people who have joint pain but want a natural remedy for eliminating it.
Sarsaparilla is a woody vine with black, red and blue berry-like fruits that have given the indigenous peoples of Central and South America results for centuries. They have used sarsaparilla for sexual impotence, skin ailments and even for helping rid the feeling of general physical weakness that plagues some people.

The sarsaparilla plant was first recognized as a pain relief treatment in Peru, where the vine’s extract was used for headaches, joint pain and ailments associated with the common cold. Additionally, the sarsaparilla plant has been used both internally and externally for leprosy and other skin problems, including psoriasis and dermatitis.

In addition to external uses, the flavonoids in sarsaparilla have been documented to have immune modulation and even live protective activities. A patent was granted in the U.S. in association with sarsaparilla’s apparent effectiveness in treating autoimmune diseases and inflammatory reactions using immunomodulating effects.

The patent includes animal studies that also showed smilagenin – part of the sarsaparilla plant -- reversed the decline of brain receptors in aged mice and restored the receptor levels to those observed in young ones. The animal research also showed that these mice had a reversal in the decline in cognitive function, and enhanced memory and learning. Results of these studies have only been published in the context of the patent so far, and have not yet appeared in any peer-reviewed journals.

Sarsaparilla is now available in a variety of tablets, capsules and tincture products in many modern natural and health food stores. In addition, sarsaparilla is found as a component ingredient in various herbal remedies made for skin disorders, libido enhancement, hormone balancing and even sports nutrition formulas. The sarsaparilla herb itself is available from www.Rain-Tree.com or in various Amazon Herb products like Recovazon.

"This herb is one of nature's many replacements for COX-2 inhibitor drugs like Vioxx," said Mike Adams, a holistic nutritionist and proponent of natural medicine. "It reduces inflammation naturally, and unlike prescription drugs, it won't cause you to have a heart attack and die. That's important to some consumers and even a few doctors," Adams said.

[Thelma]

do you know of anyone who has tried this for arthritis and other types of inflammation? If so, what have been the results?

[Health Dr. 1]

Sarsaparilla is often used in conjunction with other herbs and nutraceuticals to help maintain healthy inflammation levels. One of the main ways that it works is by helping to inhibit the COX-2 enzyme, the same enzyme that many newer pharmaceuticals are reported to work on. There are many natural substances that can help to control inflammation in the body, especially in relation to arthritis. Usually, a combination of ingredients produces the best results, and, remember, quality counts! Cheap, inferior-quality products usually do not produce optimum results.

Herbs such as boswellia, ginger, turmeric, white willow bark, yucca, devil’s claw, and many others have been used traditionally for their various roles in managing the inflammatory response. Systemic enzymes, such as those found in Zymitol and other formula are important for inflammation, helping to control the immune response, and aiding in circulation. Other agents such as Glucosamine sulfate, Chondroiton sulfate, hydrolyzed collagen, MSM, and CMO (cetyl myristoleate) can help provide the raw materials necessary so that the body may begin to naturally rebuild cartilage. A good formula that includes many of these ingredients is called ArthroAid by Nutra Research. Of course, a diet that is high in raw, organic fruits and vegetable and lots of clean water is also very important. Many processed vegetable fats and animal fats, not to mention trans-fats, can actually work to increase inflammation in the body.

[Thelma]

Thanks for your reply.

When you mention vegetable fats, are you referring to corn oil, soybean oil, etc? What about olive oil?

What about peanut butter?

[Health Dr. 1]

Generally, yes. Nearly all mass market oils are refined and deodorized so that they can have a much longer shelf life. The heating process actually damages the oil considerably and alters many of the fatty acids that they contain; they are also stripped of nearly all the vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial elements that they contain. The poly-unsaturated oils that can help with inflammation are most sensitive to this type of heating and oxidation. Olive oil, specifically virgin olive oil, is processed at relatively low heat and should still retain most of its beneficial constituents. Make sure that you purchase the virgin or extra-virgin and preferably organic version of this oil to get the most out of it. Keep in mind that it has fewer of the poly-unsaturated and super-unsaturated fatty acids than do the other oils mentioned. For many vegetable oils it is the manner in which they are processed that makes them undesirable. If they were pressed at a low heat and protected from the elements, they would retain much more of their healthy aspect.

Peanut butter is a little bit of a controversial topic. Peanuts are notorious for a particular type of Aspergillus mold that thrives on it and produces aflatoxin, a known carcinogen. Reports vary as to how much aflatoxin is present in most peanut butters. Peanut butter often contains sugar and preservatives to liven up the flavor as well so be sure to read the label. Concerning the fats, many peanut butters contain some amount of hydrogenated fats that should be avoided. Remember that other nuts can also be made into butters: cashew, macadamia, almond, and hemp butters are all very tasty. The hemp butter is the most nutritious of all of these. Again, remember that the processing and beginning ingredients make a huge difference in the quality of the final product.