A study showed its anti-inflammatory effects.
Arthritis is defined by a triad of joint swelling, inflammatory pain and morning stiffness. It brings together several diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. This is a chronic inflammatory rheumatism that develops in flare-ups and is characterized by inflammation of different joints. To limit inflammation, people prone to rheumatoid arthritis often supplement with omega-3, fatty acids found in fish such as salmon, mackerel or sardines. Canadian researchers recently conducted a study to find a new source of fatty acids, this time plant-based.
To carry out their research, scientists from the Université de Moncton in Canada induced rheumatoid arthritis in mice. They were then divided into several groups, each of which received a different type of food: a normal diet, a diet with fish oil and a diet with the oil of a certain plant. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis were monitored with blood tests and by measuring the thickness of the mice’s ankles, allowing inflammation and swelling to be assessed. The analyses were compared between the different groups of mice and the results published in the European Journal of Nutrition. Scientists found that those fed the oil from the famous plant had less swelling and inflammation due to rheumatoid arthritis, compared to the group that received a normal diet. However, the plant did not prevent the onset of rheumatoid arthritis in laboratory mice.
The oil that gave these results is that obtained from the seeds of the plant Buglossoides arvensisalso known as “field gromwell”.
Originally considered a hedge weed, this anti-inflammatory plant is rich in omega-3 and is said to relieve joint pain and swelling of inflammatory origin.
According to the researchers, “Low concentrations of dietary oil from Buglossoides arvensis may have anti-inflammatory potential similar to that observed with dietary fish oil supplementation.” This plant could in the future offer a plant-based alternative rich in omega-3, particularly for people who do not eat fish.