SAMe for Osteoarthritis?

S-adenosyl methionine for Osteoarthritis?

Arthritis is a very common condition with approximately 15% of the population in developed nations suffering from some form of arthritis. In fact, osteoarthritis as a result of gradual loss of cartilage, people who suffer from it experience pain and immobility.

Today, I read a recent study published in the journal, Critial Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, which discussed how SAMe or S-adenosylmethionine, may work in the treatment of osteoarthritis (Blewett et al, 2008).

“There are numerous clinical reports showing that SAMe supplementation is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis however little is known regarding the mechanism of action.”

“Research has identified SAMe as a potential safe treatment for osteoarthritis, that may actually regenerate cartilage.”

Potential mechanisms:

• Reduce inflammatory mediators (TNFalpha)
• Signal proteoglycan synthesis (cartilage component)
  
• Treatment with SAMe reduces oxidative stress and liver damage
• Increasing membrane phospholid methylation for more “fluid” cell membranes

S-Adenosylmethionine is one of the key ingredients found in Arthroleve™

For more information about natural remedies for arthritis, follow the link.

Reference:

1. Hosea Blewett HJ. Exploring the mechanisms behind S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2008 May;48(5):458-63.