Often called the “king of medicine,” the myrobalan can help overweight people improve their joint function
09/06/2018 / By Rhonda Johansson
The myrobalan is known in history as “Buddha’s chosen herb,” primarily because of its multiple therapeutic uses. The tropical fruit, which is native to South Asia, has been an ingredient in both Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. In a study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers have validated the usefulness of myrobalan in improving joint mobility in healthy overweight patients.
The results of the study are encouraging, especially to those who are looking to lose weight but are hesitant because of potential pain after their workout. This remains one of the main reasons why overweight people hesitate to begin training.
Researchers have suggested that supplementing one’s diet with myrobalan could offer comfort and support tissue integrity to gain optimal performance in exercise. It was towards this end that researchers observed and analyzed 105 overweight but seemingly healthy participants whose ages ranged from 30 to 70 years old. These participants were pre-screened and randomized to one of three groups: (1) 250 mg of Myrobalan supplementation, taken twice daily; (2) 500 mg of the treatment, taken twice daily; and (3) placebo. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study ran for 84 days, with a two-week placebo lead-in period to improve data quality.
Outcome measures were made using different health scores, such as the modified-Knee Injury & Osteoarthritis Outcomes Scores (mKOOS) and the modified-Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (mWOMAC).
Results showed that both treatment groups significantly improved functional capacity and joint mobility, as compared to the placebo.
Interestingly enough, there was no notable difference between the first and second groups in how well they improved joint mobility. This suggested to researchers that a lower dose is capable of achieving high efficacy.
Other indications for myrobalan
Myrobalan is the go-to natural cure for digestive issues. Ayurvedic practitioners use the roots and the bark of the myrobalan tree as a purgative, rejuvenative, and laxative. The regular intake of the dried powder of the fruit can support digestive health as well as promote a healthy gut microbiome. Its laxative effect also means that you can purge toxins from your body.
Other health benefits that you can achieve with the myrobalan include:
- Reducing peptic ulcers – Myrobalan decreases stomach acidity and may help prevent peptic and gastric ulcers. The fruit is also rich in various antioxidants that eliminate harmful bacteria along the gastrointestinal tract.
- Supporting weight loss goals – The fruit improves how your body absorbs nutrients and how it clears out toxins. In doing so, it removes any potential chemical burdens on your liver, which has been shown to be a reason why some people have difficulties losing weight.
- Preventing illnesses – Myrobalan is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants that protect you from serious diseases. Several studies have found that myrobalan helps fight oxidative stress and may prevent age-related illnesses.
- Managing blood sugar levels – Compounds found in the fruit have been observed to lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity.
- Treating mouth ulcers – Myrobalan is recommended for remedying mouth ulcers, oral sores, and other types of gum disease. Most healers recommend crushing the dried fruit, boiling them in water, and then gargling with the concoction several times a day.
- Alleviating acne and skin rashes – Topically applying the powder of the myrobalan can help certain skin conditions, such as acne. The powder (or paste, if you prefer) is likewise useful in treating hair loss and dandruff.
It must be noted that breastfeeding mothers should avoid taking myrobalan as it may affect their milk production.
Despite this, myrobalan is, indeed, a superfood that you should become acquainted with. Remember that while modern science is only just discovering the benefits of the fruit now, its potency and effectiveness have been known by traditional healers for thousands of years. (Related: More “folk medicine” holds up under scientific scrutiny: The fruit of an evergreen tree in Bangladesh found to reduce fever, pain, inflammation.)
Learn more about this and other superfoods at SuperFoods.news.
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