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Chinese ants show promise for fighting Arthritis disease. Chemists in China report identification of substances in a certain species of ants that give hopes for treating arthritis, hepatitis, and other diseases. For centuries, ants have been used as a health food or drink ingredient all over China to treat a wide range of health conditions, including arthritis and hepatitis. Researchers suspect that these health effects are due to anti-inflammatory and pain-killing substances in the ants. However, the exact chemicals responsible for its alleged medicinal effects are largely unknown. In the new study, Zhi-Hong Jiang and colleagues analyzed extracts from a particular species of Chinese medicinal ant (Polyrhacis lamellidens) commonly used in folk medicine. The researchers identified at least two polyketides, potent natural products also found in plants, fungi and bacteria that have shown promise in studies by others for fighting arthritis, bacterial infections, and a variety of other diseases.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief with no harmful side effects

5-years study results showed that Cod Liver Oil can reduce the amount of anti-inflammatory drugs taken by Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients by over 30 percent. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin, are heavily prescribed to relieve severe rheumatoid arthritis pain for those with Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, fears are growing among consumers about the dangers of long-term use, with reported side-effects including stomach bleeding, high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attacks.

The research was carried out by investigators from Rheumatology units at Dundee and Edinburgh Universities. RA patients were recruited over a 5-years period and randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups: Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil 10g/day, or a control group provided with a dummy pill. Results showed that by taking Cod Liver Oil daily, nearly 40 percent of patients were able to reduce their anti-inflammatory intake by over 30 percent. Most importantly, this research showed that the reduction in intake of anti-inflammatory drugs in those taking the Cod Liver Oil supplements was not associated with any worsening of pain or disease activity. Commenting on the study, the principal investigator Professor Jill Belch at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School Dundee says, "This study offers hope to many Rheumatoid Arthritis patients for whom Cod Liver Oil supplements can offer a natural pain management treatment without the harmful side effects associated with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. It reinforces previous research that has shown Cod Liver Oil, and its high content of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, to have significant anti-inflammatory properties in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis." Ailsa Bosworth, CEO and Founder of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society says, "People with Rheumatoid Arthritis still rely heavily on anti-inflammatories, even though the safety of these; drugs is under scrutiny. It’s in this context that this new research provides some promising new evidence that Cod Liver Oil may reduce the need for anti-inflammatories. We look forward to more research in this area, which will hopefully show further clinical breakthroughs and provide more good news for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients." Cod Liver Oil is a rich natural source of the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid Omega-3, also known as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Omega-3 is referred to as ‘essential’ as it cannot be produced by the body and can therefore only be obtained through the diet. Omega-3 is found almost exclusively in oily fish. Some Omega-3 nutrients can be found in flaxseed oil, walnuts and dark green vegetables. However, the richest form is found in oily fish such as mackerel, herring and sardines. The Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil range provides a product for every need and taste from Traditional and Once-a-Day formulations for helping maintain everyday general good health through to High Strength which provides a higher dose of Omega-3 to help maintain supple and flexible joints.