A research team in Brazil has found strong evidence that the Joseph's Coat plant (Alternanthera littoralis) is both safe and effective at reducing inflammation, easing pain, and protecting against arthritis. The study was carried out by scientists from the Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD), the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), and São Paulo State University (UNESP).
Joseph's Coat grows naturally along Brazil's coastline and has long been used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation, infections, and parasitic illnesses. Despite its widespread use, there had been little scientific research confirming whether these benefits were real or whether the plant was safe.
The study, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, began with a detailed chemical analysis of the plant. Researchers examined the ethanolic extract made from the plant's aerial parts to determine which bioactive compounds it contained. This phase of the work was led by Marcos Salvador, a pharmacist from the Institute of Biology (IB) at UNICAMP.
After identifying the compounds, the research moved to biological testing. A team led by pharmacologist Cândida Kassuya from the Faculty of Health Sciences at UFGD evaluated how well the extract reduced inflammation in experimental models of arthritis. Toxicological testing followed to assess safety. "Finally, we performed the toxicological analyses under my coordination," explains Arielle Cristina Arena, associate professor in the Department of Structural and Functional Biology at the Institute of Biosciences at UNESP's Botucatu Campus.
The experiments revealed that the ethanolic extract of A. littoralis significantly lowered inflammation in laboratory animals. "In the experimental models, we observed reduced edema, improved joint parameters, and modulation of inflammatory mediators, suggesting antioxidant and tissue-protective actions," says Arena.
These findings indicate that the plant does more than reduce swelling. The results also suggest that it may help protect joint tissue and limit damage associated with inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
According to Arena, the results strengthen the scientific case for the plant's medicinal value and provide a foundation for future preclinical studies. The findings also point to a favorable safety profile at therapeutic doses, which could be encouraging for eventual human use.
However, the researchers caution that the extract is not ready for clinical application. Additional toxicological testing, human clinical trials, and standardized preparation methods are still required to confirm safety, effectiveness, and quality. Regulatory approval would also be necessary before any therapeutic use.
"This research is part of an ongoing line of investigation developed by UFGD, UNESP, and UNICAMP, and our purpose is to value Brazilian biodiversity and traditional knowledge, but with a rigorous scientific basis, promoting the safe and rational use of natural products," says Arena.
The research received funding from FAPESP (projects 06/06079-4, 09/05992-6, 15/03726-8, 16/06407-3, 17/19523-4, and 21/09693-5).