Arthritis and COX-1 & COX-2

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a progressive disorder of the joints characterized by:
• Pain • Stiffness • Restriction of motion • Inflammation.

There are over 100 types of arthritis. The forms range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as Osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system (such as Rheumatoid arthritis). Together, the many forms of arthritis make up the most common chronic illness in the United States, with at least 49 million adults affected according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Understanding COX-1 & COX-2 and inflammation:

There are several COXs (Cyclooxygenases) produced by the body and COX-1 and COX-2 are the most important. COX-1 produces Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1,) which causes pain and inflammation, but also plays a role in protecting the stomach lining. COX-2 produces PGE2, which causes pain and inflammation, but it does not have a role in protecting the stomach lining.

Most NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) like Aspirin, Advil, Aleve, etc., inhibit (block) both COX-1 and COX-2 and so, while they relieve pain and inflammation, they can cause varying degrees of gastric ulcerations, perforations or obstructions in one-third to almost one-half of patients taking them.

This is why substances that selectively inhibit COX-2 without interfering with the protective aspects of COX-1 are preferable.

Problem with prescription COX-2 drugs:

Prescription COX-2 inhibitors are bio-chemically engineered substances and have been shown to cause serious cardiovascular effects including heart attacks and death. A recent review published in the journal, Pharmacotherapy concluded that COX-2 inhibitors, like COX-1 inhibitors can cause kidney failure, especially in susceptible individuals.

Why plant-based COX-2 Inhibitors?

Because we need to selectively inhibit COX-2 while preserving the stomach-lining protective function of COX-1. We also need to avoid the serious potential side effects of prescription COX-2 inhibitors. Plant-based COX-2 inhibitors, like those in PreArthos, also have cardiac and gastro-intestinal protective properties. These natural ingredients have no reported adverse effects on kidneys. So, PreArthos and PreArthos + are recommended for effective and safe relief of inflammatory pain and to enhance the use of joints.

Is PreArthos Safe?

Balanced by natural components found within the ingredients in PreArthos, cardiovascular risks can be decreased.

• Curcumin, Rosemary, and Oregano demonstrate the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation thereby decreasing clot formation. Rosemary itself is considered a cardio-tonic with circulatory benefits and has been used for high blood pressure.

• Chinese Goldthread (1-4) is good for arrythmias. Studies on Berberine in Chinese Goldthread suggest in can protect the heart from ischemic and reperfusion injury as well (2-4)

• Ginger is a potent circulatory stimulator via its vasodilatory properties (3-4) and has been reputed to have blood thinning and cholesterol lowering effects (4-4) Resveratrol from the herb Hu Zhang can increase the heart healthy nitric oxide that is depressed in a high cholesterol diet and can inhibit coronary plaque building thrombin (5-4)

REFERENCES:

1-4 "Cardiovascular actions of berberine.", Cardiovasc Drug Rev. 2001 Fall;19(3):234-44.

2-4 Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.

3-4 "Ginger: inhibition of thromboxane synthetase and stimulation of prostacyclin: relevance for medicine and psychiatry." Med Hypotheses. 1986 Jul; 20(3):271-8.

4-4 Fuhrman B, Rosenblat M, Hayek T, Coleman R, Aviram M. "Ginger extract consumption reduces plasma cholesterol, inhibits LDL oxidation, and attenuates development of atherosclerosis in atherosclerotic, apolipoprotein E-deficient mice." J Nutr . 2000;130(5):1124-1131.

5-4 (thrombin) Wang Z, Huang Y, Zou J, et al. "Effects of red wine and wine polyphenol resveratrol on platelet aggregation in vivo and in vitro." Int J Mol Med. 2002 Jan;9(1):77-9.