Arthritis is characterized by chronic inflammation. Foods that act as anti-inflammatory agents may alleviate some of the pain of arthritis. Herbs, specifically, offer many health benefits and healing properties. The volatile oils of herbs such as basil, sage and thyme are rich in compounds that inhibit substances in the body responsible for inflammation expression.
Basil
A component of the volatile oil of basil, known as eugenol, is effective at blocking the activity of an enzyme in the body called cyclooxygenase (COX), which is part of the inflammatory process. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, work by inhibiting the same enzyme. Because eugenol blocks this inflammatory enzyme, it qualifies as an “anti-inflammatory” food that offers relief for individuals with arthritis-related symptoms. A research study published in March 2000 in Phytomedicine concluded that eugenol demonstrated COX-2 inhibitory activity comparable to ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin at 10-, 10- and 1,000-microM concentrations, respectively.
Sage
Increased intake of sage as a seasoning in food is recommended for individuals with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Sage contains a variety of volatile oils that contain healing compounds, including a phenolic acid called rosmarinic acid. Rosmarinic acid, named after the rosemary herb, is readily absorbed into the human gastrointestinal tract and reduces the inflammation intensity by interrupting the activity of messaging molecules involved in the inflammatory process (such as leukotriene B4). According to a study published in Shock in December 2009, rosmarinic acid acts by decreasing local and systemic levels of a wide spectrum of mediators involved in the inflammatory process.
Thyme
Thyme contains a variety of flavonoids, plant compounds that offer health benefits and act as antioxidants, including luteolin. Luteolin offers specific anti-inflammatory benefits at small concentrations. Luteolin suppresses the NFkappaB pathway (an important mediary in the inflammatory process) and inhibits other pro-inflammatory substances. In animal studies, luteolin interrupts the inflammatory process when it is directly injected into the bloodstream or administered orally. Luteolin is not widely available or consumed in the diet. However, population-wide studies indicate that it has the ability, even at small doses (1g per day) to protect against inflammation-related diseases.
About this Author
Michele Turcotte is a registered, licensed dietitian, owner of A Perfect Plate, Inc., and a certified personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She has over 12 years of experience in clinical and corporate settings, and has extensive experience in one-on-one diet counseling and meal planning. She has written freelance food and nutrition articles for Trouve Publishing, Inc., since 2004.
