Evidence supporting the use of: Saponins
For the health condition: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Saponins are a class of naturally occurring compounds found in various plants such as ginseng, licorice, and quinoa. Their use in the context of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is primarily rooted in traditional medicine systems, especially in Asia and Africa, where saponin-rich herbs have been employed for their purported anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. For instance, extracts from plants like Panax ginseng (ginseng) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) have traditionally been used to alleviate symptoms of joint pain and inflammation, which are central to RA.
While some in vitro and animal studies suggest that certain saponins may have anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects, direct clinical evidence supporting their efficacy in RA patients is limited. Most human studies focus on general anti-inflammatory effects or other health benefits rather than specifically on RA. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of saponins in RA are lacking, and high-quality randomized controlled trials are sparse. Thus, while saponin-containing plants have a place in traditional practice for joint complaints and inflammation, the scientific evidence supporting their use for RA specifically is weak and indirect.
In summary, saponins are used for RA primarily due to their traditional roles in herbal medicine. Current scientific research provides only preliminary support, and more rigorous clinical trials are needed to validate their effectiveness and safety in RA treatment.
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 saponins
Antibiotics (alternatives to)Arthritis
Asthma
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (prevention)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Gastritis
Inflammation
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Parasites (tapeworm)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores
