Why the Indian soapberry is catching the attention of many natural healers

Inflammation is one of the best examples of how too much of anything is bad for you. Although natural and healthy in small doses, inflammation can lead to a wide variety of health conditions ranging from mild illnesses to serious diseases. A study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that the stem bark of Indian soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi) can help fight inflammation and has analgesic and antipyretic properties.

Throughout your life, you have experienced various types of inflammation. It is an indication that your immune system is working as it should – releasing chemicals and fighting off pathogens that endanger your health.

Too much inflammation, however, is a different story. If inflammation lasts longer than it should or it occurs when it shouldn’t, it means that your very own immune system is working against you. Such a problem could be the consequence of a bacterial or viral infection, an inability to effectively manage stress, an unhealthy diet, or an autoimmune disorder.

Whatever the cause, too much inflammation could result in a wide range of health problems. It can affect your digestion and weaken your body in the process. It can also cause your bones to degenerate more rapidly and your joints to ache. Some studies indicate that the presence of too much pro-inflammatory proteins in the blood has an impact on sleep as well.

When inflammation occurs in the brain, it can lead to psychological problems like depression and anxiety. It can also increase your risk of serious health conditions like cancer and heart disease. Once inflammation gets out of hand, you need to take steps to abate it.

Indian soapberry, the subject of the published study, is known to be rich in saponins – natural chemicals notable for their anti-inflammatory properties. The researchers extracted the powder of S. mukorossi stem bark with methanol (SMM) and were fractionated into n-hexane (SMN), chloroform (SMC), ethyl acetate (SME), n-butanol (SMB), and an aqueous fraction (SMA).

The authors of the study performed tests to quantify the extracts’ phenolic and flavonoid content. In vitro antioxidant assays were also performed. The extract’s anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects were tested on a rat model.

Analyses indicated the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds and confirmed the extracts’ antioxidant properties. Tests on the rat model showed that a dosage of 300 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of SMA was the most effective at treating carrageenan-enhanced paw edema, indicating potent anti-inflammatory effects.

Furthermore, the same dosage of the same fraction was found to have the analgesic effects in the hot plate test. It also successfully decreased the rat model’s rectal temperature when the animal was induced with pyrexia using brewer’s yeast. (Related: The cabbage tree relieves pain and inflammation without any of the side effects caused by conventional drugs.)

These outcomes were interpreted as proof of Indian soapberry’s therapeutic benefits against inflammatory diseases.

Stop inflammation with the right diet

It’s possible to stop or prevent too much inflammation through the right diet. An anti-inflammatory diet involves the consumption of foods that reduce inflammatory responses while avoiding those that act as triggers. Here are food items you need to avoid:

• Sugary foods and drinks – Studies have shown that the consumption of sugary items can lead to disease-causing inflammation. It can even impair your body’s ability to process nutrients with anti-inflammatory effects. Instead of consuming sugary foods, you can consume fruits instead as these contain natural fructose that the body absorbs more readily, as well as antioxidants that protect from inflammation.
• Artificial trans fats – You will find this type of fat in items like margarine and other processed foods. Natural versions are found in red meats and dairy, but even these are linked to heart disease. If you must consume fats, go for fatty fish and nuts instead. These contain omega-3 fatty acids known for their anti-inflammatory effects.
• Refined carbs – These carbohydrates are those that have lost their fiber content. They are contrary to what your ancestors ate, which were carbohydrates from sources like whole grains and fruits. Instead of snacking on refined carbohydrates, go for whole-grained cereals instead, such as rolled oats. These are rich in dietary fiber that benefits you digestion among others.

Learn other ways of treating inflammation naturally at Remedies.news.

Sources include:

Science.news

Health.com

BMCComplimentAlterMed.BioMedCentral.com

Healthline.com