Chronic joint pain is clearly an inflammatory condition. To achieve a comprehensive and lasting management of this problem, as long as it is not an auto-immune reaction, it is important to recall that there are several inflammatory pathways. The most important are cyclo-oxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and 5-Lipooxygenase (5-LOX). These must be acutely addressed for lasting relief.
Cissus should be the core of this programme, as it demonstrates potent bone, ligament, tendon, and joint repair and restructuring capabilities. Some individuals would add Glucosamine Sulfate, Chrondoitin Sulfate, and MSM to Cissus.
One other option would be to add the following COX and LOX inhibitors to Cissus:
1) Silymarin/Silibinin, actives in Milk Thistle, also COX-2 inhibitors.
2) Curcumin inhibits COX-2 and thromboxane A2, a highly unstable, but biologically active compound created by COX. Furthermore, curcumin also effectively inhibits 5-LOX and HETE.
3) Gamma tocopherol is a dose-dependent COX-2 inhibitor.
4) Ginger not only suppresses COX-2, it also supports the positive effects of COX-1.
5) Feverfew contains apigenin and melatonin, both COX-2 inhibitors. Besides, Feverfew also possesses 5-LOX-inhibiting properties.
6) Berberine and berberine-containing herbs (goldenseal, barberry, goldthread, oregon grape) not only inhibit COX-2, but also support the beneficial actions of COX-1.
7) Green Tea's COX-2-inhibiting actions occur via two pathways. a) Salicylic acid, the main anti-inflammatory component of aspirin, naturally occurs in Green Tea, giving it its COX-2 inhibition abilities; b) The polyphenols and flavonoids in Green Tea also exhibit COX-2 inhibition.
8) A special extract of the Boswellia plant known as AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11-keto-ß-boswellic acid) is one of the most potent selective 5-LOX inhibitors around.
So, one could add a few COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX inhibitors to Cissus to obtain a faster and more comprehensive relief in cases of acute inflammation.