Traditional Brazilian Plant Shows Promise Against Arthritis

A research team in Brazil has found strong evidence that the Joseph's Coat plant, known scientifically as Alternanthera littoralis, is both safe and effective at reducing inflammation, easing pain, and protecting against arthritis.

The study was conducted by scientists from the Federal University of Grande Dourados, the State University of Campinas, and Sao Paulo State University. Joseph's Coat grows naturally along Brazil's coastline and has been used in traditional medicine for treating inflammation, infections, and parasitic illnesses.

However, prior to this research, there had been little scientific verification of these benefits. The study, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, began with a detailed chemical analysis of the plant's aerial parts to identify its bioactive compounds, led by Marcos Salvador, a pharmacist at UNICAMP.

Following the identification of these compounds, the research progressed to biological testing. This phase was led by pharmacologist Candida Kassuya from UFGD, who evaluated the extract's efficacy in reducing inflammation in experimental arthritis models.

Toxicological testing was performed under the supervision of Arielle Cristina Arena, an associate professor at UNESP's Botucatu Campus. The findings revealed that the ethanolic extract of A. littoralis significantly lowered inflammation in laboratory animals, showing reduced edema and improved joint parameters, while suggesting antioxidant and tissue-protective actions.

Arena commented that these results indicate the plant may help protect joint tissue and limit damage associated with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Despite these promising results, the researchers caution that the extract is not immediately ready for clinical application.

Additional toxicological testing, human clinical trials, and standardized preparation methods are necessary to confirm safety, effectiveness, and quality, along with regulatory approval for therapeutic use.

Arena emphasized that this research aims to value Brazilian biodiversity and traditional knowledge through rigorous scientific investigation, and it received funding from FAPESP for multiple projects over the years.