NBS Supplement’s Impact on Rheumatoid Arthritis

Article Title

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Nutrition Bio-Shield (NBS) Supplement Intake on Adjuvant-Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis in Rat

Journal: Turkish Journal of Immunology

Link: https://doi.org/10.4274/tji.galenos.2022.03522  

Publication Date: June 2022

Corresponding Author: Mehrdad Mosadegh

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints, causing painful swelling, stiffness, and in severe cases, can result in bone erosion and joint deformity. It’s an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.

The exact cause of RA is unknown, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms often include tender, warm, swollen joints, joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. It’s also worth noting that RA can affect more than just your joints; in some people, it can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.

Diagnosis of RA involves a physical exam in combination with several tests, including blood tests and imaging tests. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. While there’s currently no cure for RA, treatments can improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease

The study aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of the Nutrition Bio-Shield (NBS) supplement, which has inhibitory effects on lymphocytes, in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The experiment involved 25 male Wistar rats induced with RA using Freud’s complete adjuvant. Out of these, 15 were orally treated with the NBS supplement at relevant concentrations (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) for 30 days.

The researchers evaluated the serum levels of rheumatoid factor (RF), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) from blood samples obtained from all the cases. The results showed that the serum levels of ESR and CRP, two indicators of inflammatory responses, significantly declined compared to the control group when rats were treated with the supplement. The supplement successfully restored the level of RF to the normal level in all of the treated rats, with the maximal effects observed at 50 mg/kg.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that presents significant challenges in its treatment and management. The variability in patient response, the limited efficacy of existing treatments, and the overactive immune response and inflammation often seen in RA make it difficult to manage. Current treatments such as antiviral medications, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines have shown varying degrees of effectiveness. Moreover, some prescription treatments for RA can lead to devastating long-term side effects.

Alternative approaches to the sustainable treatment of autoimmune disorders are being explored to address these challenges. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, such as acupuncture, cupping, therapeutic touch (Reiki), and biofeedback, have been observed to alleviate autoimmune disease symptoms. Additionally, the Nutrition Bio-Shield (NBS) supplement, which has shown potential in reducing inflammation and restoring normal levels of certain biomarkers in RA, could potentially address these challenges.

In conclusion, the study suggested that the NBS supplement could restore blood RF to the normal level and eliminate the symptoms of RA in the animal models. The authors proposed that this supplement could be integrated into the treatment protocol of RA, but further analysis is required to check its therapeutic value.