Korean Herb Shows Promise in Easing Joint Pain and Swelling from Rheumatoid Arthritis
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News May 09, 2025 6 hours, 44 minutes ago
Medical News: Traditional Korean Leaf Extract Could Help Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
A recent study by researchers from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Gyeongsang National University, the College of Medicine at Inje University, Daegu Health College, and the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation in South Korea has revealed that a water extract from the leaves of the plant Dendropanax morbiferus may offer powerful relief from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune condition that causes painful swelling and joint damage.
A water extract from the leaves of the plant Dendropanax morbiferus may offer powerful relief from rheumatoid arthritis
This
Medical News report covers research where scientists investigated how this plant extract, known as DMWE, affects both cellular activity and symptoms of RA in mice. The results showed that DMWE not only reduced inflammation and joint swelling, but also protected cartilage and bone from further damage—suggesting it may one day become a useful supplement or alternative therapy for those struggling with RA.
The Healing Potential of Dendropanax morbiferus
Dendropanax morbiferus is a native Korean tree traditionally known for its health-promoting properties. Its leaves have previously been reported to contain strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, and even liver-protective benefits. For this study, researchers focused on using hot water extracts of the leaves—something easily replicated in herbal preparations.
Using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), the team identified several bioactive compounds in the extract, especially a flavonoid called Rutin. Rutin is known for its anti-inflammatory effects and was shown in this study to bind strongly to matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), an enzyme linked to cartilage damage in RA.
Laboratory and Animal Testing Show Encouraging Results
The research involved both lab-based cell testing and live animal trials. In laboratory tests, human cartilage cells were treated with inflammatory substances to simulate RA conditions. When DMWE was added, inflammation markers such as iNOS and COX-2 were significantly reduced. The extract also lowered levels of damaging enzymes like MMP-2 and MMP-8 and blocked a major inflammation pathway (JAK2/STAT1 signaling).
In mice with induced RA, oral doses of DMWE (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) were given daily. Mice treated with the highest dose (500 mg/kg) showed notable improvements—joint swelling was significantly reduced, body weight returned to normal levels, and key inflammation markers (TNF-α and IL-6) in the blood dropped to levels close to healthy mice. Impressively, the extract’s effects were similar to dexamethasone, a commonly used steroid in RA treatment, but without any noted side effects.
Improvements Seen Inside and Outside the Body
Advanced imaging through micro-CT scans revealed that DMWE preserved bone structure in affected joints. In contra
st to untreated mice, those given the extract maintained healthy joint shapes and showed fewer signs of bone erosion or cartilage thinning. Tissue analysis further confirmed these benefits—less joint damage, reduced inflammation, and lower levels of synovial swelling were seen, especially in the group receiving the highest dose.
A Natural Alternative with Real Promise
This detailed research suggests that water leaf extracts from Dendropanax morbiferus could be developed as a natural treatment to reduce pain, swelling, and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. The extract works by reducing inflammation at the cellular level, preventing enzyme-driven tissue damage, and preserving bone and cartilage structure. While further human studies are needed, this traditional Korean herb holds the potential to become a complementary therapy alongside or in place of synthetic drugs, especially for patients seeking gentler alternatives with fewer side effects.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Antioxidants.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/5/548
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/polyscias-scutellaria-root-extract-shows-strong-anti-inflammatory-properties-against-harmful-immune-responses
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/chondroprotective-properties-of-artemisia-annua-water-extract-on-cartilage-cells
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/ononin-slows-joint-damage-in-osteoarthritis-through-key-pathway-modulation
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/arthritis
https://www.thailandmedical.news/pages/thailand_doctors_listings
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