Shea extract may help stall the progression of osteoarthritis, according to a new study. The study tested the effects of a compound sourced from the seed of the African shea tree (or Vitellaria paradoxa). Shea tree seeds are also used in the production of shea butter, a natural substance sometimes used to heal dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, burns, and rashes.

For the study, researchers assigned 89 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip to 15 weeks of treatment with shea extract or a placebo. Study results showed that those treated with shea extract experienced greater decreases in inflammation (compared to study members assigned to the placebo). What's more, the shea group showed a 28.7 percent reduction in degradation of cartilage, while the placebo group had a 17.6 increase in cartilage breakdown.

In past studies, supplements containing glucosamine have also been found to fight osteoarthritis.

Shea May Slow Arthritis originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 at 06:00:36.

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