Scientists Recommend Algae Treatment for Arthritis

(Newswire.net — March 30, 2022) Orlando, FL — Arthritis is undeniably the most common joint disease. It affects about 90 percent of all individuals over the age of 65 years in varying degrees. 

In arthritis, there is a degeneration of the joint cartilage, which is a type of protective layer on bones lubricating the joints. This leads to symptoms like pain, which results from inflammatory reactions linked with cartilage degeneration.

Today, more and more people are turning to the use of remedies in the management of arthritis. There are interesting treatments studied by researchers, and one is algae. 

A study looked into a polysaccharide, which is a long-chain sugar molecule, originating from brown algae. In this research, the investigators chemically modified this molecule and found that the ‘alginate’ lessens oxidative stress.

Further, it is found to have an anti-inflammatory effect in cell culture tests. What makes the findings even more interesting is that it works in suppressing the immune reaction against cartilage cells, and this helps target the causes of arthritis. 

This laboratory test is spearheaded by ETHZ researcher Marcy Zenobi-Wong and Empa researcher Katharina Manipura.

Together with SINTEF in Norway, they were able to identify a substance that shows potential in halting cartilage degeneration in joints. The polysaccharide alginate used in the study is similar to specific extracellular biomolecules in cartilage. 

They modified the alginate chemically with sulfate groups and then added it in dissolved form to cell cultures. This is done for the purpose of examining the reaction of various cell types to the modified polysaccharide. 

This demonstrates that alginate sulfate has the ability to significantly lessen oxidative stress, which is a frequent cause of cell damage or even cell death. Further, it is worth mentioning that the more sulfate groups attached to the alginate molecule, the greater the decrease.

It is also worth noting that alginate sulfate worked in suppressing inflammatory reactions, and this depended on the number of sulfate groups. 

It was even able to down-regulate the expression of genes that have the ability to trigger an inflammatory reaction in both human cartilage cells, known as chondrocytes, and in macrophages, the “scavenger cells” of our immune system. 

Scientists are increasingly carrying out studies to investigate the therapeutic remedies for arthritis. There are also components in seafood that are helpful and these include the use of glucosamine.

This therapeutic remedy has long been studied due to its remarkable ability to repair joint cartilage damage. It is further worth noting that this therapeutic ingredient is used widely by individuals who are trying to increase their protection against arthritis.

It is obtained widely today through the use of formulas like Divine Bounty Glucosamine (www.amazon.com/Glucosamine-Sulfate-Supplement-2000mg-serving/dp/B0126ZF0B0).