Arthritis breakthrough as Brazilian plant shows unexpected power against symptoms

The Brazilian research team found the plant extract reduced swelling, promoted healthier joints, and showed signs of protecting tissue from damage.

The discovery could help millions of sufferers interested in natural remedies, as the extract also displayed a promising safety profile during testing.

This discovery could open doors for new plant-based treatments targeting inflammatory conditions.

The study brought together researchers from three major Brazilian universities: the Federal University of Grande Dourados, the State University of Campinas, and São Paulo State University.

Their work, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, kicked off with a thorough chemical breakdown of the plant.

Pharmacist Marcos Salvador from UNICAMP's Institute of Biology led the effort to identify which active compounds were present in an ethanolic extract made from the plant's above-ground parts.

Once they knew what they were working with, pharmacologist Cândida Kassuya and her team at UFGD tested how well it tackled inflammation in experimental arthritis models.

The laboratory results showed that the plant extract brought down inflammation in test animals quite substantially.

"In the experimental models, we observed reduced oedema, improved joint parameters, and modulation of inflammatory mediators, suggesting antioxidant and tissue-protective actions," said Arielle Cristina Arena, associate professor at UNESP's Botucatu Campus.

But researchers noted Joseph's Coat appears to do more than simply ease swelling; it may also shield joint tissue and reduce the kind of damage that comes with inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

Arena coordinated the toxicological testing phase, ensuring the team understood both the benefits and any potential risks of the extract.

The safety profile looks encouraging at the doses tested, which is good news for potential future use in humans.

But the researchers are clear that we're not there yet.

Before anyone can use this extract as a treatment, more toxicological testing, proper human clinical trials, and standardised methods for preparing the extract all need to happen first.

"This research is part of an ongoing line of investigation developed by UFGD, UNESP, and UNICAMP, and our purpose is to value Brazilian biodiversity and traditional knowledge, but with a rigorous scientific basis, promoting the safe and rational use of natural products," explained Arena.