São Paulo, December 22, 2025 – forget turmeric and ginger-a Brazilian plant long used in traditional medicine is showing serious promise for easing arthritis pain and reducing inflammation.Researchers have found strong evidence that Joseph’s Coat (Alternanthera littoralis) is both safe and effective,potentially offering a new avenue for managing inflammatory conditions.
Could a Coastal Plant Be the Next Arthritis breakthrough?
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A new study suggests joseph’s Coat, a plant native to Brazil, may offer relief from inflammation and joint pain.
- A detailed chemical analysis identified the bioactive compounds in Joseph’s Coat.
- Laboratory tests showed critically important reductions in inflammation and joint damage in animal models.
- The plant appears to have a favorable safety profile at therapeutic doses.
- Further research, including human clinical trials, is needed before it can be used as a treatment.
Q: Can Joseph’s coat really help with arthritis?
A: Early research suggests the plant’s extract significantly lowered inflammation in lab animals, improving joint health and potentially protecting tissue from damage associated with conditions like arthritis, though human trials are still needed.
Traditional Remedy Meets Modern Science
Joseph’s Coat grows naturally along Brazil’s coastline and has a history of use in treating inflammation, infections, and parasitic illnesses. Despite its widespread traditional application, rigorous scientific investigation into its benefits-and safety-has been lacking until now. A team from the federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD), the state University of Campinas (UNICAMP), and São Paulo State University (UNESP) set out to change that.
Unlocking the Plant’s Potential
The study, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, began with a deep dive into the plant’s chemical makeup. Pharmacist Marcos Salvador, from UNICAMP’s Institute of Biology, led the effort to identify the specific bioactive compounds within the plant’s aerial parts. Following this chemical analysis, the research shifted to biological testing. “we performed the toxicological analyses under my coordination,” explains Arielle Cristina Arena, an associate professor in the Depa
