Green Tea May Reduce Pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis

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The healthy properties of green tea, known for anticancer and cardiovascular benefits, may extend to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well, according to a recent study.

Inflammation and pain associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis both appeared to be inhibited in the lab experiments at the University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor. Lead researcher Salah-uddin Ahmed said that while it’s too early to know if drinking green tea will provide the desired benefits, the study is a good starting point.

For 2.1 million Americans with rheumatoid arthritis, the lining formed around joints becomes irritated, causing long-term damage and pain.

The Study: Loss of Bone in Rheumatoid Arthritis Joints
For the study, researchers separated out the cells which form the lining, called synovial fibroblasts. These cells were cultured and then drenched in the active ingredient in green tea. Then a protein which causes joint deterioration was placed on the cells.

Ahmed’s team found that molecules that are responsible for the loss of bone in RA joints were inhibited by  green tea.

An earlier study by the same group discovered that the active ingredient in green tea protected the joint cells from the damaging effects of proteins and enzymes which cause the cartilage breakdown so common in RA.

What to Drink to Aid RA Treatment
Although it is too soon to assume that drinking green tea will mimic test results, it won’t hurt, Ahmed says. Green tea has several health benefits and no known downside. Drink it throughout the day to keep levels in the blood fairly constant.

Three or four eight-ounce cups should be sufficient, according to Ahmed. He also suggested that people try different brands, because flavors vary.

For more information: Salah-uddin Ahmed, Angela Pakozdi and Alisa E. Koch, “Green Tea Compound, EGCG, May Be A Therapy For People With Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Science Daily, April 30, 2007.

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For more tips on how to relieve arthritis pain, see Massage for Arthritis Relief.

See Arthritis pain relief: Creams and gels for aching joints by the Mayo Clinic for more suggestions for at-home arthritis treatments.