Antiphlogistics, or anti-inflammatories, include agents or treatments that curb inflammatory processes in the body. These are a reaction of the body’s tissues to external mechanical, physical, or infectious stimuli. When the body’s immune system is no longer able to fight off these stimuli, antiphlogistics are used.
What are antiphlogistics?
Antiphlogistics, or anti-inflammatories, include agents or treatments that curb the body’s inflammatory processes. In order to target antiphlogistics, two types of inflammation must be distinguished. Classic inflammation is associated with pain, but this is merely a symptom of the disease. Here, targeted methods can be used to treat the disease in question. More dangerous are inflammations that act at the cellular level and do not send signals, therefore become chronic. These require modulation of certain hormones called eicosanoids. These can be both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory. Drugs such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAP), COX-2 inhibitors, or corticosteroids reduce “bad” eicosanoids, but also lead to a reduction in the level of “good” eicosanoids. Therefore, drug treatment is often combined with an anti-inflammatory diet.
Application, effect, and use
Different types of anti-inflammatory drugs are used in medicine. Steroids (corticosteroids) reduce inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and interfere massively with the metabolism as well as the water balance of the body. They are used, for example, to treat asthma or neurodermatitis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAP) block a certain enzyme called cyclooxygenase (or COX) that forms prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins are hormone-like chemicals in the body that fight inflammation by increasing temperature and dilating blood vessels. By reducing the production of prostaglandin, NSAPs help reduce the discomfort of fever and inflammation and relieve associated pain. Some typical NSAPs are aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. They are commonly used to treat the pain and inflammation associated with some types of arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. Immunoselective anti-inflammatory drugs are a class of peptides that represent a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs based on the recognition that immune, nervous, and endocrine systems interact in complex ways to fight inflammation. They couple modulation of eicosanoids with consistent control of insulin delivery.
Herbal, natural, and pharmaceutical antiphlogistics.
In addition to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAPs), quite a few herbs have anti-inflammatory properties. Arnica, for example, contains helenalin, while willow bark contains salicylic acid, the main active ingredient in acetylsalicylic acid, which is the basis for aspirin. Cannabichromene – component of the cannabis plant, also has an anti-inflammatory effect. The main active ingredient of St. John’s wort is hyperforin, which has a 3 – 18 times higher effect than aspirin. The application of ice or cool water also has an anti-inflammatory effect and is often used as pain management for athletes. Cool temperatures inhibit local blood flow and reduce swelling. A broad scope in modern treatment is now taken up by anti-inflammatory nutrition. This focuses on a balanced, varied diet rich in unprocessed foods and natural carbohydrates and unsaturated fats. Most fruits and vegetables, as well as foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as wild salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies, flaxseeds, hempseeds, and walnuts, are suitable for this diet. Virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal, which has a similar effect to ibuprofen. Turmeric, oregano, rosemary, ginger and green tea contain bioflavonoids and polyphenols that reduce inflammation and promote free radical production. People with conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, allergies, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease or diabetes especially benefit from a change in diet. In homeopathy, Myristica sebifera, Acidum nitricum, Hamamelis virginica, Kalium chloratum and Echinacea are mainly used as anti-inflammatories.
Risks and side effects
NSAP often cause gastrointestinal side effects such as indigestion, stomach discomfort (including nausea or vomiting), and abdominal pain. Prolonged use of medicinal anti-inflammatory drugs can also cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach or other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Corticosteroids produce a massive excess of stomach acid and can cause a condition called Cushing’s syndrome. Rising blood sugar levels promote the accumulation of body fat and muscle wasting of the limbs. Some people are at higher risk for complications, which include increasing age, existing medical conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disease, and alcohol use.
