Topical herbal preparation with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects: Qualitative review of evidence
- Author:
Jona G. Manalili
;
Ma Rona Louise C. Mapaye
;
Francis Wade Z. Gomez
;
Jenet C. Laxamana
;
Sarah Jane Paula T. Barroga
;
Graceila R. Reyes
- Publication Type:Other Types
- Keywords:
Analgesis effects;
Topical herbal preparation;
- MeSH:
Musculoskeletal Pain;
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal;
Plant Preparations
- From:
The Filipino Family Physician
2019;57(1):57-64
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:In the past musculoskeletal complaints were treated with topical preparations from medicinal plants until the advent of NSAIDs. However, because of the side effects of NSAIDs, interest has increased on going back to the use of topical traditional herbal medicines in patients with musculoskeletal pain.
Objective:This review was conducted to identify the active substance, its mechanism of action, pre-clinical and clinical studies and propose a topical herbal formulation balancing its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect with skin care effect among patients with various somatic pain conditions.
Methods:This is a qualitative review of both local and international published medical literature to identify and summarize information on the use of topical herbal preparation for the treatment of musculo-skeletal pain.
Results:After the initial review, the authors identified six herbal preparations that have been investigated for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in clinical trials. They eventually arrived at a consensus to consider the final combination of ginger, capsaicin, peppermint and virgin coconut oil. Gingerol, a naturally occurring plant phenol, is one of the major components of ginger known to have diverse pharmacologic effects including anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro and in vivo. Capsaicin is a highly selective agonist for the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor expressed in nociceptive sensory nerves. The mechanisms underlying capsaicin-induced analgesia likely involve reversible ablation of nociceptor terminals. Local application of peppermint oil generates a long-lasting cooling effect on the skin and result to muscle relaxation. Ginger, capsicum and peppermint have been shown in clinical trials to relieve musculoskeletal pain and inflammation. Virgin coconut oil on the other hand has no analgesic effect but has been shown in some studies to be favorable for skin conditions and facilitate skin penetration of some substances.
Conclusion:Using combined preparation may have the advantage of complementation of its effect i.e. analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect of ginger, warm sensation of capsicum and the cold sensation of peppermint.
- Full text:PAFP-Journal-2019-1-61-68.pdf
