Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — not to be confused with
osteoarthritis
— affects an estimated 1.5 million people in the U.S. As an autoimmune
disorder, it develops when the immune system starts attacking the body’s
own tissue, affecting people at any age (but most frequently in middle
age and up) with joint inflammation and pain, among many
other symptoms,
that often come and go in so-called flares. While there are currently
drugs to treat the disease, including methotrexate, they sometimes don’t
work. Now, a new study finds that a Chinese herbal remedy may be able
to treat people with RA more effectively.
Originating in ancient China,
traditional Chinese medicine
has been implemented in many parts of the world for thousands of years.
It includes various practices of well-being, including acupuncture, tai
chi, qi gong, and the use of Chinese herbs for treating disease. Many
Chinese “herbs” aren’t actually herbs either, and sometimes include
minerals or animal products that are formulated into teas, capsules,
liquid extracts, and powders.
“
Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) is used in traditional
Chinese medicine for the treatment of joint pain, fever, chills,
oedema, and local inflammation,” the researchers wrote. It’s sometimes
called the
Thunder God Vine and
is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the
ability to suppress the immune system and possibly fight cancer. Its
ability to remedy these ailments, according to researchers of the new
study, come from its chloroform-methanol extract and compounds — some of
over 300 — derived from it, known as diterpenoids.
Known as the Thunder God Vine, tripterygium wilfordii Hook F might be better at treating rheumatoid arthritis than current medications.
Looking to see just how effective this ancient remedy is, the
researchers split a group of 207 patients with RA into three groups.
Some took the RA medication methotrexate (12.5 milligrams once a week),
while another group took 20 milligrams of TwHF three times a day, and
the last group took a combination of both. The treatment period lasted
24 weeks — 84 percent of participants got to the end.
Of these participants, the researchers found that 46.5 percent of
patients treated with methotrexate reached ACR 50, a level of response
defined by the American College of Rheumatology indicating that
symptoms
were relieved by 50 percent. By comparison, 55 percent of patients who
took the TwHF supplements, and 77 percent of patients who took both
reached ACR 50.
The results are promising because all groups of patients showed
similar patterns of symptom reduction. Meanwhile, those who took TwHF
were more likely than the others to experience irregular periods — a
known side effect — so the researchers said it would be best for
postmenopausal women and those who are no longer interested in having
children to take it. Furthermore, they said that 12.5 milligrams of
methotrexate was lower than some doses given to RA patients in the U.S.,
and that it was unclear, though unlikely, whether higher doses would
sway the results. For patients who can’t afford methotrexate, TwHF may
be a more affordable option if longer term studies prove their safety
and efficacy.
Tony Burris, L.Ac.,
is an 18-year practitioner of
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is an expert in safe and effective
acupuncture therapy and herbal remedies. He is the only practitioner in the
United States that offers a “Painless Acupuncture- Or Your Money Back!”
Guarantee. Tony helps frustrated and injured athletes and chronic pain sufferers
discover a unique therapy system that often provides long-lasting or even
permanent pain relief. His patients include members of the San Diego Chargers,
Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. Tony also
treats members of the Seattle Mariners, Olympic medalists, mixed martial
artists and NCAA competitors. Contact Tony @ tony@eagleacupuncture.com