Evidence supporting the use of: Flavanols
For the health condition: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Flavanols are a subclass of flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds found in foods such as cocoa, tea, apples, and berries. Their use in supporting or treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is primarily justified by limited scientific evidence, rather than tradition. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that flavanols, particularly epicatechin and catechin, possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may be beneficial in the context of RA, a disease characterized by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Some small-scale human studies and animal model research suggest that flavanol-rich foods or extracts may reduce markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), relevant to RA pathogenesis. However, these studies are generally of low methodological quality, with small sample sizes and short durations, and direct clinical trials evaluating flavanols specifically as a treatment for RA are lacking. Major rheumatology guidelines do not currently recommend flavanol supplementation for RA management. In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and limited evidence supporting a potential benefit of flavanols for RA due to their anti-inflammatory effects, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is low, justifying a modest rating of 2 out of 5.
Other ingredients used for Rheumatoid Arthritis
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone IAbies spectabilis
Abrus
Actaea spicata
adrenal cortex
Akebia
Alfalfa
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-lipoic acid
alpha-pinene
alpinia galangal
amber
amentoflavone
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ampelopsin
andrographolide
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
antler
apigenin
apocynin
Aralia
arctiin
arjunic acid
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
astragalin
baicalein
baicalin
barbasco
bee venom
Bergenia
Black Hellebore
Black willow
bogbean
borage oil
Boswellia
Boswellic Acid
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
C-phycocyanin
cannabidiol
carnosic acid
celery
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Chinese fleeceflower
Chinese pond turtle
chuchuhuasi
clematis
Clerodendrum phlomidis
cod liver oil
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cortisol
curcumin
cyanidin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid
docosahexaenoic Acid
dong quai root
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eicosapentaenoic acid
Eicosatetraenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fat liver oil
fisetin
fish protein
flavanols
flavones
Flemingia philippinensis
frankincense
fructoborate
Fumaria parviflora
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gamma tocopherol
genistein
Gentiana macrophylla
ginger
ginkgetin
green-lipped mussel
guelder rose
Gypenoside
Harpagoside
Hellebore
horse gram
hydroxytyrosol
Hyperoside
Jatropha macrantha
Kaempferol
krill oil
luteolin
madder
mangiferin
Marine fat
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Myricetin
Myristoleate
Nobiletin
omega-3 fatty acids
Osthole
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Phaeophyceae
phospholipids
Piper chaba
Polydatin
polyunsaturated fat
proteoglycans
Puerarin
Qin Jiao
resveratrol
rose hips
Salicin
Salmon Oil
Salvianolic acid
saponins
Schizochytrium
Schizochytrium Oil
Semecarpus anacardium
Shilajit
Silkmoth
Sinomenium acutum
slippery elm bark
smilax
Stearidonic acid
Sulforaphane
sulforaphane glucosinolate
Szechuan lovage
Tanshinone
Taxillus chinensis
teasel
turmeric
Uncaria
Urolithin A
Ursolic Acid
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
Watercress
white willow
Withanolides
Other health conditions supported by flavanols
Alzheimer's DiseaseArteriosclerosis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Congestive Heart Failure
Dementia
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Hypertension
Inflammation
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Metabolic Syndrome
Osteoporosis
Peripheral Neuropathy
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Strokes
Triglycerides (high)
Varicose Veins
Wrinkles
