Herbs & Spices in Joint Supplements
Prolonged use of some herbs has proven to be life-threatening. And JUST THE USE of others may help a normal person under normal circumstances, but trigger the "N" (in RANTS).
Medicinal herbs are plant-derived drugs. They do not belong in a daily nutritional joint supplement. This page collects the safety information, the full list of herbs to avoid for prolonged daily use, and the reasons MD’s Choice formulated Arthrosamine without them.
Some of the most common herbs used in joint products, and the type of chemicals they contain... or produce... are:
YUCCA:
Yucca contains steroid saponins. These chemicals are related to the steroids. In the animal's body they decrease pain and inflammation. They also decrease the immune response, and steroids have been shown to slow the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAG's), which are a major component of joint tissues.
The main use of Yucca in animal feeds has been to promote feed efficiency and growth, while lowering the amount of ammonia in the manure (so that it won't smell as bad).
Science has proven that animals with daily prolonged use of Yucca have joints that appear to age much quicker. However, because these animals have a limited life expectancy, the results are ignored. For livestock, it probably doesn't matter... but for people, human joints, and those animals that are supposed to live longer than 2 or 3 years, it should absolutely matter!
Herbs are Drugs
Boswellia, White Willow's Bark, and Snake Root.
These are all herbs containing chemicals that act as NSAID's. These drugs decrease pain and inflammation and are known to cause severe gastrointestinal (GI) problems such as ulcers. These drugs should not be used in people or animals with GI problems; or daily for prolonged periods of time.
Remember, in people, gastric ulcers digestive problems are already common because of our fast food diets, junk food, alcohol, sodas, and irregular eating habits.
Plant derived drugs
Bromelain
This is an enzyme found in pineapples. Yes, it has been shown to reduce the amount of swelling present in some experimental animals and people. However, Bromelain can enter the body intact because it eats away the outer lining of the GI tract (something any body with digestive issues should absolutely avoid). In addition, in cancer patients, it has been shown to stimulate the body's own immune system to kill the body's own cells. Since it is a protein, it can cause allergic reactions. People who merely handle bromelain on a daily basis for a few months have become highly allergic to it.
pineapple pain killer
Devil's Claw
This herb contains several chemicals that are reported to decrease pain. They do not decrease inflammation and are similar in structure to steroids. It is generally easier on the digestive tract than Bute, or many of the other common herbal pain killers.
However, Serious WARNING: This herb should not be used with any female (human or animal) that is pregnant, or actively breeding with the purpose of getting pregnant, as it has been reported that it can cause abortions by stimulating uterine contractions. There is over 4,000 years of evidence, in African Culture and Chinese medicine, of this particular herb being used to terminate pregnancies in the early stages and induce labor in the later stages. Yet you'll see it in many American joint supplements, sometimes without any such critical warning.
Is it because they don't know any better, or just plain don't care?
herbs are drugs