FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter October 2004
Cox 2 inhibitors
Editors note: This was going to be my October newsletter before the news of Vioxx came out. Timing is everything.
Also, for those of you who are web savvy , we have a BLOG (weB LOG for those of you who aren’t) with all the old newsletters on it. Log on to www.mrdrpilot.blogspot.com
We often get asked if there is any alternative to the vioxx and celebrex that patients are taking for their arthritis pain. While they might be getting some pain relief many did not like the side effects of the drug. With the worst being GI and respiratory. The other problem are the studies that show long term use may actually increase the arthritic degeneration.
We have a product called Zyflamend that we have been using that is a combination of 10 herbs all with some cox 2 activity. Being whole herbs each one also have synergistic activity involved.
The herbs are listed as follows with some of the synergistic properties:
Holy Basil reduces inflammation and supports liver detox pathways by increasing glutithione S- transferase.
Tumeric anti inflammatory antioxidant. Also works with green tea in cell protection. (ie chondrocytes)
Ginger anti inflammatory and helps other herbs absorb.
Green Tea highly anti inflammatory and supports joint function
Rosemary anti inflammatory and supports liver detox function
Hu Zhang anti inflammatory and has reseratorol (the healthy ingredient in red wines.)
Barberry anti inflammatory ,cell protection and anti viral activity
Chinese Goldthread similar to Barberry
Oregano anti inflammatory supports normal platelet function
Scutellaria anti inflammatory , antioxidant and aids in detox pathways.
The herbs are in a capsule in an olive oil base.
Additionally to the joint pain usage there is a study with this product showing reduction in prostate inflammation and tumor reduction.
We hope this helps some of the pain management for people especially in light of the Vioxx news.
Sincerely
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Complementary Medicine
