Anti-inflammatory
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Anti-inflammatory refers to the property of a substance or treatment that reduces inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs make up about half of analgesics, remedying pain by reducing inflammation as opposed to opioids which affect the brain.
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[edit] Medications
- Steroids
Many steroids, specifically glucocorticoids, reduce inflammation or swelling by binding to cortisol receptors. These drugs are often referred to as corticosteroids.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alleviate pain by counteracting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. On its own COX enzyme synthesizes prostaglandins, creating inflammation. In whole the NSAIDs prevent the prostaglandins from ever being synthesized, reducing or eliminating the pain.
Some common examples of NSAIDs are: aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. The newer specific COX-inhibitors, although probably sharing a similar mode of action, are not classified together with the traditional NSAIDs.
On the other hand, there are analgesics that are commonly associated with anti-inflammatory drugs but that have no anti-inflammatory effects. An example is paracetamol, called acetaminophen in the U.S. and sold under the brand name of Tylenol. As opposed to NSAIDS, which reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting COX enzymes, paracetamol has recently been shown to block the reuptake of endocannabinoids, which only reduces pain, likely explaining why it has minimal effect on inflammation.
Long-term use of NSAIDs can cause gastric erosions, which can become stomach ulcers and in extreme cases can cause severe haemorrhage resulting in death. The risk of death as a result of use of NSAIDs is 1 in 12,000 for young adults aged 16-45.[1] The risk increases almost twenty-fold for those over 75.[1] Other dangers of NSAIDs are exacerbating asthma and causing kidney damage.[1] Over use of acetaminophen (paracetamol) causes liver damage and is the most common cause of liver failure in the United States, according to a 2009 report from the federal Food and Drug Administration[2][3].
- Herbs
In addition to medical drugs, some herbs may have anti-inflammatory qualities, including hyssop, ginger, Turmeric, Arnica montana which contains helenalin, a sesquiterpene lactone, and willow bark, which contains salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin. Cannabichromene, one of the many cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, has been shown to reduce inflammation.[citation needed]
[edit] Possible benefits
Some clinical studies have suggested that a prolonged intake of certain anti-inflammatory (non-steroid) drugs may have a positive effect on Alzheimer.[citation needed] By contrast, anti-inflammatory treatment trials for existing Alzheimer have typically shown little to no effect on halting or reversing the disorder.[4][5] Research and clinical trials continue.[6]
[edit] Ice treatment
Applying ice, or even cool water, to a tissue injury has an anti-inflammatory effect and is often suggested as an injury treatment and pain management technique for athletes. One common approach is Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Cool temperatures inhibit local blood circulation, which reduces swelling in the injured tissue.
[edit] Food
Others advocate the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods as a means of controlling inflammation. A typical anti-inflammatory diet includes a well-balanced, varied diet that is high in vegetables and low in refined carbohydrates and undesirable fats, such as saturated fats and trans fats. Anti-inflammatory foods include most colorful fruits and vegetables, oily fish (which contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids), nuts, seeds, and certain spices, such as ginger. Those following an anti-inflammatory diet will avoid refined oils and sugars, and show a preference for so-called anti-inflammatory foods in their meal choices.[7]
A diet high in vegetables and low in refined carbohydrates and saturated and trans fats may enhance the creation of prostaglandins. There are three main types of prostaglandins: PG-E1 and PG-E3, which have an anti-inflammatory properties, and PG-E2, which promotes inflammation.[8]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c NSAIDs and adverse effects at Bandolier, Table 7.
- ^ http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm168830.htm
- ^ http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-11/jws-iro112905.php
- ^ Harv Ment Health Lett. 2008 Aug;25(2). Anti-inflammatory drugs may not protect cognitive function
- ^ Rogers J., J Periodontol. 2008 Aug;79(8 Suppl):1535-43. The inflammatory response in Alzheimer's disease'
- ^ Sano M, Grossman H, Van Dyk K, CNS Drugs. 2008;22(11):887-902, Preventing Alzheimer's disease : separating fact from fiction.
- ^ Hyman, Mark: "Ultra-Metabolism", page 137. Scribner, 2006
- ^ Anti-Inflammatory Diet To Fight Silent Inflammation
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