Unlock Relief for Back Pain

Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide.¹ As many as 80% of adults will experience at least one episode of lower back pain during their lifetime.²

Many sufferers turn to over-the-counter pain medication for relief. Unfortunately, these often come with side effects–occasionally severe ones–when used long-term.^3,4

In the search for better alternatives, scientists evaluated two plant-derived extracts that have shown an ability to safely reduce inflammation and ease pain without side effects.

In a clinical trial, a combination of these two extracts significantly reduced lower back pain in 79% of patients in just 30 days.⁵

This represents an advancement for individuals suffering from back pain, with the potential to improve their quality of life.

The Burden of Back Pain

Lower back pain is frighteningly common. An estimated 619 million people worldwide were suffering from lower back pain in 2020, according to a systematic review of population-based studies.⁶

In the U.S., roughly 8.2% of adults have chronic severe back pain, according to surveys, and nearly 75% of them have trouble with mobility.⁷

Back pain can damage mental health and quality of life. An analysis of an insurance claims database of more than 101,000 patients found that, compared to those without pain, those with chronic low back pain had a:⁸

• 6.9% increase in depression,
• 4.6% increase in anxiety, and
• 6.6% increase in sleep disorders.

A systematic review of studies indicated that most cases of back pain are categorized as non-specific,⁹  which means there is no one injury or ailment to blame for the pain. Unfortunately, that means there is often no specific fix.

Many people rely on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®), and acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to cope. But these medications come with long-term side effects, including increased risk of liver damage,⁴ cardiovascular issues,^3,4 gastrointestinal issues,³ and kidney damage.³

There is a need for safer, effective alternatives that can provide relief without side effects.

Chaste Tree Reduces Pain and Inflammation

Chinese chaste tree (Vitex negundo L.), also known as five-leaf chaste tree, is a flowering shrub that grows in parts of Asia and the Middle East.¹⁰

It is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties^10,11 and has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat a range of ailments, from fever and pain to respiratory disorders.^10-12

A detailed chemical analysis of the plant revealed that it contains a wide variety of health-promoting active compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities.^10,13

Preclinical studies have found that some of these compounds can alleviate inflammatory pain by reducing the drivers of persistent inflammation, such as NF-kB (nuclear factor-kappa B)^14,15 and TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha),^15,16 highlighting its potential as an alternative for pain relief.

Ginger: A Time-Honored Pain Remedy

Ginger is a plant native to Southern Asia. Its root has been used medicinally and in global cuisine for centuries.^17,18

One of its key bioactive compounds, gingerol, has been extensively researched for its therapeutic effects on inflammation,^19,20 pain,¹⁹ nausea,^20,21 digestive
function²⁰ and tumor cell growth.^20-23

A review of 16 preclinical studies concluded that ginger and gingerol were significantly effective in treating different types of pain through multiple pathways, including modulation of receptors critical for pain signaling.²³

Clinical studies have shown that ginger reduces levels of inflammatory mediators such as: tumor necrosis factor alpha,²⁴ C-reactive protein,^24,25 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) pathways,^26,27 which are involved in the initiation of inflammation.

Combined for Powerful Results

To evaluate the effects of these two plants on back pain, scientists combined extracts of Chinese chaste tree leaves and ginger root. They recruited 72
relatively sedentary men and women suffering from back pain for a clinical trial.5
Each participant had experienced moderate to severe lower back pain for under a year and had had an episode of persistent back pain that lasted 7–12 weeks.
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or 200 mg of a chaste tree-ginger extract blend twice daily. After 30 days, among patients receiving the extract blend:5

• 79% had a significant reduction in lower back pain intensity, compared to 36% taking the placebo,²⁸
• 76.5% reported improvements in their ability to function, compared to 30% receiving placebo,²⁸ and
• There was an average 40% improvement in bending flexibility, showing enhanced range of motion, compared to a 17% improvement in the placebo group.²⁸

These findings suggest that the combination of ginger and chaste tree extracts may offer a safe and effective way to alleviate back pain and improve mobility.

Summary

Hundreds of millions of people worldwide suffer from lower back pain. Many rely on over-the-counter pain relievers to get through the day, but these can have serious side effects.

Researchers combined extracts of Chinese chaste tree leaves and ginger root, each of which showed potential to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

In a clinical trial, the combination of these extracts reduced lower back pain for 79% of subjects, improved functionality for 76.5%, and increased bending flexibility by 40%.

These plant extracts may provide a safe, effective alternative for managing back pain without the risks associated with medications.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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