ANSWER
Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints that affect older and young people as well. The common forms of arthritis are:
a) Osteoarthritis
Seen especially among older people. The surface cartilage in the joints breaks down and the bone rubs together.
b) Rheumatoid arthritis
Known as an autoimmune disease, because the immune system attacks the tissue of the joint.
Anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory plant extracts includes Aloe Vera which consists of some of the active components that are beneficial against arthritis.
Active Substances of Aloe Vera Extract for Joint Health
Phytochemical substances present in aloe vera display mainly three functions in arthritis which are the regeneration of cells in wound healing, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent.
1. Anthraquinones
The anthraquinone compounds – emodin, aloe-emodin, aloin, aloesin, chrysophanic acid, P-coumaric acid help to stimulate the immune system and exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory agents to ease joint pain.
2. Polysaccharides
Mannose-6-phosphate, acemannan and glycomannan have wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects. It helps the body to gain relief from inflammation of joints.
3. Enzymes
Bradykinase is an enzyme of aloe vera that has anti-inflammatory activity and can ease the pain of joints.
4. Sterols and other phytochemicals of Aloe vera
Luperol and salicylic acid act as analgesic agents. Fatty acids, cholesterol, campesterol and β-sitosterol may reduce inflammation in joints.
5. Minerals
Aloe vera contains manganese, zinc, calcium and iron that promotes enzyme reaction in joints, allowing them to heal faster.
6. Vitamins
Aloe vera is full of vitamin A, B, C and E that are anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.
Effective Dosage
Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of aloe vera for the treatment of inflammation of joints. However, there are animal data on the anti-inflammatory effect on arthritic mice. Studies showed that mice injected with a 150mg/kg suspension of anthraquinones once a day for 13 days resulted in a 48% inhibition of inflammation and 72% inhibition of the immune response (the arthritis) (Davis et al., 1986).
References
Davis, R., Agnew, P., & Shapiro, E. (1986). Antiarthritic activity of anthraquinones found in aloe for podiatric medicine. Journal Of The American Podiatric Medical Association, 76(2), 61-66. https://doi.org/10.7547/87507315-76-2-61
Rahmatullah, M., Nahain, A., Rahman, T., Jahan, R., & Chowdhury, A. (2014). Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Aloe barbadensis in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Journal Of Autoimmune Diseases And Rheumatology, 2(1), 35-44. https://doi.org/10.12970/2310-9874.2014.02.01.6
