Rheumatoid Arthritis
| Drugs |
| Attributes |
Our Records are Incomplete for Condition Attributes |
| Further Tests |
Efficacy of Alternative and Other Treatments According to GRADE* Ranking:
Vitae Elixxir[1, 3, 4]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present. Warning: Possible side effects of Vitae Elixxir include diarrhoea, pain, and a general worsening of existing symptoms.
Recommendation: No recommendation (Available evidence does not support claims that vitae elixir helps to treat arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Venus Flytrap Extract (Carnivora, Dionaea Muscipula) [1, 71, 72, 73]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Venus flytrap extracts can help in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. More research is needed.)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Turmeric [1, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: Weakly in favor (Early laboratory studies show that turmeric may be of benefit in the treatment of arthritis. However, further studies are needed)
Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence
Thuja (Eastern White Cedar, Thuja Occidentalis) [1, 62, 63, 64]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present. Little is known about the full effects of Thuja, so it is not recommended for medicinal use. Thuja can be poisonous if ingested in large amounts.
Recommendation: no recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Thuja helps to treat rheumatism)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Pokeweed Antiviral Protein (PAP) [1, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present. Warning! All parts of the plant, Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana), is poisonous and should not be ingested. Thoroughly cooking the plant reduces that toxicity. The effects of the improperly prepared plant include vomiting, diarrhoea, cramps, headache, confusion, convulstions, low blood pressure, heart block and death. Only plant extracts (PAP) or thoroughly prepared plants should be ingested, and even then, under professional medical guidance.
Recommendation: no recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that PAP helps to treat arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Pine Bark Extract [1, 54, 55, 56]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: no recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Pine Bark extract helps to treat arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Peppermint Oil [1, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: no recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that peppermint helps to treat arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Pau D'Arco (Lapachol, Tabebuia Impetiginosa, Tabebuia Heptaphylla) [1, 47]:
Please note, this treatment has potentially serious side effects. Some of the chemicals in the plant are known to be toxic. High doses are known to cause liver and kidney. Even at low doses, chemicals in the plant may interfere with blood clotting, causing excess bleeding and anaemia. Pau D'Arco should be avoided, especially by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Recommendation: Strongly against (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Pau D'arco helps to treat Arthritis. This, combined with its potentially harmful side effects if taken without supervision from a doctor or pharmacist gives enough reason to avoid this treatment.)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Mugwort (Artemisa Vulgaris) [1, 44, 45, 46]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It has been proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has been discounted due life-threatening side effects
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that mugwart helps to treat symptoms of rheumatism. More research is needed.)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Mistletoe (Iscador, Viscum Album) [1, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present. WARNING: The mistletoe plant should NOT be eaten because it is poisonous. May cause seizures, coma and death. It should only be taken as a purified mistletoe extract, and only in recommended doses.
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that mistletoe has any affect on the treatment of arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence
Kava (Piper Methysticum) [1, 35, 36, 37, 38]:
WARNING: In rare cases, kava may lead to liver failure and other life threatening problems. The FDA warns that those who have had liver problems, or are on medicacations which may affect the liver, patients should check with their doctors before taking Kava. Other side effects include headache, upset stomach, drowsiness, weight loss, bloody urine, and muscle weakness.
Recommendation: weakly in favor (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Kava helps to treat Rheumatism. More research is needed)
Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence
Kampo [1, 33, 34]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Kampo helps in the treatment of arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence
Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica, Hydrocotyle Asiatica)[1, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: no recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Gotu Kola helps in the treatment of rheumatism in any way. More research is needed.)
Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence
Glyconutrients [1, 25, 26]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: no recommendation (Available evidence does not support claims that glyconutrients help to treat arthritis. More studies are needed.)
Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence
Flaxseed Oil [1, 22, 23, 24]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: no recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that flaxseed oil helps to treat arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence
Evening Primrose Oil [1, 19, 20, 21]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: weakly in favor (early research shows that primrose oil may help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but more studies are needed.)
Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence
Copper [1, 17, 18]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: no recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that copper bracelets or supplements help to treat rheumatoid arthritis in any way)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Comfrey (Blackwort, Symphytum Officinale) [1, 14, 15, 16]:
Please note, this herb is TOXIC IF TAKEN ORALLY, OR IF APPLIED TO AN OPEN WOUND. Can cause severe liver or kidney damage and lead to death. May ONLY be used as a cream over intact skin, and does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: weakly in favor (ONLY TO BE USED AS A CREAM OVER HEALTHY SKIN. Studies have shown that if applied over intact skin, creams with Comfrey extracts can help to treat the symptoms of arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence
Cloves (Caryophyllum Aromaticum, Eugenia Caryophyllata) [10, 11, 12, 13]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: no recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Cloves help to treat arthritis in any way)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Chlorella (Green Algae, Chlorella Pyrenoidosa) [7, 8, 9]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: no recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Chlorella helps to treat rheumatoid arthritis in any way)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla) [5, 6]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: weakly against (Available evidence does not support claims that Chamomile helps treat Rheumatoid Arthritis. In addition, allergic reactions and side effects like cramps, itching, rashes and difficulty breathing can be relatively common)
Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence
Celandine (Ukrain, Chelidonium Majus):
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: Weakly against (There is insufficient evidence that Celandine helps to cure or treat arthritis. In addition, the plant is mildly poisonous to humans. It may cause hepatitis as well as symptoms of pain, nausea, thirst, and fever.)
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
Cats Claw (Uncaria Tomentosa) [1, 2]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: no recomendation (insufficient evidence to support claims that Cats Claw can help to treat rheumatoid arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Bromelain (Sulphydryl Proteolytic Enzyme, Ananas Comosus):
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: weakly in favor (Available evidence shows mixed results to claims that Bromelain helps to treat rheumatoid arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence
Black Cohosh (cimicifuga Racemosa):
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: weakly against (Available evidence does not support claims that Black Cohosh helps to treat symptoms of arthritis in any way. Studies have yielded mixed results)
Grade of Evidence: moderate quality of evidence
Astragalus (Astragalus Membranaceus):
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: no recomendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Astragalus helps to treat rheumatoid arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Arnica Root (Arnica Montana):
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: no recomendation (available evidence shows that Arnica is in no way helpful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: moderate quality of evidence
Aconite (Aconitum Napellus, Monkshood, Fu-Tzu):
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself, and it not recomended for use because it is EXTREMELY TOXIC and can cause irregular heartbeat, heart failre, and death, even when only used only on the skin.
Recommendation: strongly against (Due to the lack of therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis , and due to its harmful effects, Aconite is NOT RECOMENDED)
Grade of Evidence: high quality of evidence
Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: no recomendation (There is not enough evidence supporting the role of TENS in rheumatoid arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence
Neural Therapy:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: no recomendation (no reliable clinical studies have been done to support Neural Therapies role in treating rheumatoid arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Moxibustion:
Recommendation: no recomendation (There is insufficient evidence to show that moxibustion has any effect on rheumatoid arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Magnetic Therapy:
Recommendation: weakly in favor (Clinical trials regarding Magnetic Therapy treating rheumatoid arthritis have yielded mixed results)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT):
NOT RECOMENDED
Recommendation: strongly against (Available scientific evidence shows that HBOT does not help with treating rheumatoid arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: Moderate quality of evidence
Heat Therapy:
Recommendation: strongly in favor (clinical studies have shown that Heat Therapy can help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence
Low-Level Laser Therapy:
Recommendation: no recomendation (There have been ambiguous results on the few studies done investigating the effect of laser therapy on rheumatoid arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Acupuncture:
Recommendation: weakly in favor (There is some evidence that suggest that Acupuncture may decrease the need for pain medication in rheumatoid arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Hydrotherapy:
Recommendation: weakly in favor (it has been often reported that hydrotherapy can help promote a reduction in rheumatoid arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence
Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation:
Recommendation: strongly in favor (clinical trials have shown that Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation helps to treat rheumatoid arthritis)
Grade of Evidence: Moderate quality of evidence
* www.gradeworkinggroup.org
Summary References
Treatments:
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40. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/mistletoe/ataglance.htm
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48. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/peppermint
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58. http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Phytolacca+americana
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