A Brazilian plant shows promise for the treatment of arthritis in a lab study

A plant used in Brazilian medicine has scientific potential to help people with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Researchers tested Joseph’s Coat (Alternanthera littoalis) in lab studies and found that it reduced inflammation, protected joint tissue, and appeared to be safe at the doses used.

Joseph’s Coat grows naturally along the coast of Brazil. Local communities often use it to relieve inflammation, infection, and parasites. So far, however, there is no solid scientific evidence to show that it is effective or safe.

The new research was conducted by teams from universities across Brazil, including the Federal University of Grande Dourados, State University of Campinas, and São Paulo State University. They published their findings in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

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The scientists first examined the chemical composition of the stem and leaves of the plant growing above the ground. They prepare an ethanolic extract, which means they use alcohol to extract the active compounds of the plant.

In lab models of arthritis, this extract reduces visible inflammation.

“In experimental models, we observed reduced edema, improved joint parameters, and the modification of inflammatory mediators, which suggests antioxidant and tissue protection actions,” Arielle Cristina Arena, associate professor in the Department of Structural and Functional Biology at the Institute of Biosciences at UNESP’s Botucatu Campus, in a statement.

It also affects inflammatory processes and symptoms of oxidative stress, which can damage tissues during chronic inflammation.

Animals treated with the extract showed less inflammation and healthier joint tissue than untreated controls, suggesting the potential of the plant’s effect on humans. (Stock)

Joints exposed to the extract showed fewer signs of degeneration and significantly better health than untreated controls.

The research team also conducted toxicology tests to assess safety. At the doses tested, the plant extract did not cause harmful effects in the laboratory animals used in the study, suggesting a promising safety profile.

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If further research confirms these results, researchers say Joseph’s Coat could be a source of new plant-based anti-inflammatory drugs.

The study examined an extract-based extract made from the leaves and stems of the plant. (Stock)

Today’s arthritis drugs can work but often have side effects that limit long-term use. The team says natural compounds with fewer side effects could provide alternatives or complements to future treatments.

The research was conducted on animals, not humans, so the findings cannot be directly applied to patients with arthritis.

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People’s bodies process compounds differently, and treatments that work in lab models don’t always mean safe or effective treatments in humans.

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The study also focused on specific extracts prepared under controlled conditions, meaning store-bought or homemade versions of the plant can vary greatly in potency and safety.

More research is needed to identify effective compounds and test the treatment in humans. (Stock)

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In addition, research does not identify which specific compounds in the plant are responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects.

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Without this information, it is difficult to estimate doses or predict long-term effects.

Scientists realize that more research is needed to isolate the active ingredients, assess long-term safety, and eventually conduct clinical trials on humans.

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