Herbal Medications Commonly Used in the Practice of Rheumatology: Mechanisms of Action, Efficacy, and Side Effects
Section snippets
Methods
English-language literature from 1966 to 2004 was searched using PubMed as the database. Key words used include the scientific, common, and traditional names of herbs commonly used in the treatment of rheumatic conditions. Data extracted include indications for usage, mechanisms of action, therapeutic value, and side effects of these herbs.
Gammalinolenic Acid
Gammalinolenic acid (GLA), an unsaturated fatty acid, is found in the oils of evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), borage seed (Boragio officinalis), and black currant seed (Ribes nigrum). It is thought to be effective in decreasing joint inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the sicca symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome. A diet rich in evening primrose oil has been found to elevate the serum concentration of GLA. GLA is metabolized to dihomogammalinolenic acid (DGLA), the
Discussion
Herbal medications, a major component of CAM therapy, are becoming increasingly popular and are of much interest to the public and health care providers. Many patients use CAM therapy thinking that natural remedies with a long history of use are safe, without any knowledge of their true clinical efficacy or side effects. Guidance to inquiring patients by their health care providers is often limited by a lack of familiarity of the practitioner with these compounds. Even if the practitioner has
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