Joint inflammation pain, often associated with conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can be a chronic and debilitating condition. The inflammation of the joints and tissues throughout the body is common today. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis affect around one in every fifty people throughout the UK, and gout-based arthritis affects one in 200 people.
Traditionally, joint inflammation treatment has focused on using anti-inflammatory products, NSAIDs, and other common medications for the treatment of symptoms. Undergoing physical therapy treatments and lifestyle changes can also drive positive outcomes, reducing pain and inflammation while improving flexibility.
Unfortunately, traditional treatment options are often deemed ineffective for long-term conditions. Chronic over-use of NSAIDs as anti-inflammatories can disrupt the gut microbiota, increasing the risk of future infection, while causing an increased risk of ulcers, and gastrointestinal problems. Medicinal mushrooms offer a natural alternative to minimise potential risks.
A Natural Joint InflammationTreatment
Around 24% of the EU population, according to OAFI foundation members, currently undergoes long-term medical interventions for muscle, bone, and joint problems. Among this population, a significant number of those receiving traditional joint inflammation treatment will experience negative side effects.
Alternatively, research into natural treatment demonstrates an opportunity to alleviate inflammation and improve immune system response, without risk. Researchers have discovered the ability of compounds and enzymes in medical mushrooms for the treatment of joint pain and inflammation.
Dietary changes and exposure to natural-based solutions for nutritional treatment are already common in the treatment of joint inflammation. Antioxidants are widely regarded as a valuable tool to fight inflammation and support the immune system. Vitamins A, C and K can also protect the cells from free radical damage and contribute to bone health.
Medicinal mushrooms are a valuable source of natural antiinflammatories, immunomodulators, vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds for nutritional health. These substances include polysaccharides, phenolic compounds and terpenoids, which directly influence inflammation in the human body.
Studies demonstrate that various species of medicinal mushrooms have the ability to fight back against dangerous sources of inflammation in the body, with:
- High levels of essetial amino acids, vitamins, and minerals
- Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral compounds
- Immunomodulation support (to reduce the inflammatory immune system response)
Medicinal Mushrooms for Joint Inflammation Treatment
There are various kinds of mushrooms capable of supporting the body via immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory activities. One of the most impressive variants discovered in recent studies is the Cordyceps sinensis.
Research demonstrates this kind of mushroom has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Studies are beginning to reveal that the compounds in Cordyceps mushrooms can reduce pain and prevent the condition from progressing, without using the standard methods of anti-inflammatory pain killers. Experts believe this “new class of painkiller”, could deliver relief to treatment-resistant patients.
Cordyceps research highlights the expression of a protein factor in osteoarthritis conditions called polyadenylation factor CPSF4. This causes the activation of macrophages for inflammation. Using Cordyceps can effectively supress the mechanisms set into motion by increased CPSF4 levels, and supress inflammation positively as a result.
Further study in the UK has discovered that Cordycepin from Cordyceps mushrooms can effectively deliver pain relief without the side effects of common anti-inflammatories.
Elsewhere, Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), can attack and reverse immunosenescence, improving the natural performance of the immune system through polysaccharides, triterpenes, and immunomodulatory proteins. This helps to promote healthier immune systems against infections and pain, while suppressing the risk of excessive or chronic inflammation – like that we see in joint inflammation.
Reishi mushroom, Grifola frondosa (Maitake), Lentinula edodes (Shiitake), and Agaricus blazei (Royal Sun Agaricus) are also effective at reducing the natural signals for inflammation within the body that occur in people with chronic conditions like inflammatory joint diseases. These mushrooms are apoptogenic substances, capable of adapting to the needs of the body. What’s more, they promote the stabilization of the natural immune system cycle, reducing the growth of dendritic cells and macrophages responsible for long-term inflammation.
Addressing Both Immunomodulation and Inflammation
The majority of joint inflammation treatments in the traditional pharmaceutical environment look for tools to reduce the inflammation in the human body and minimise pain. While medicinal mushrooms can also reduce inflammation and pain in people with this condition, they also go beyond the management of inflammatory substances to address the underlying immune system issues that can prompt further pain in the future.
Research into medicinal mushrooms as a solution for joint inflammation finds that its bioactive molecules can improve the performance of the immune system on a significant level. Reishi mushrooms, for instance, can suppress inflammatory cytokines common during chronic inflammation for people with rheumatoid arthritis, without suppressing the rest of the immune system responses. In chronic conditions like joint inflammation, medicinal mushrooms can improve overall body performance, while improving quality of life for the patients.
Studies already demonstrate the power of medicinal mushrooms in organic, concentrated extracts for the natural relief of inflammation and joint pain. These substances are safe, free from unnecessary side effects, and available to use as a complement to existing therapies.