It is important that you are aware of both the benefits and risks accompanying the use of herbs and dietary supplements in the treatment of arthritis. You must always tell your doctor or health professional if you are taking any complementary medicine as these may interact with other medications you are taking. Moreover, some can cause adverse effects in people at risk, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, babies, and people with chronic illnesses and allergies. If you are in doubt about taking any complementary medicine, ask your doctor. See below for information on regulation of complementary medicines in Australia.

A number of different dietary supplements are used in the treatment of arthritis.

•  Avocado/soybean extract has been shown to relieve symptoms in people with chronic, but stable, osteoarthritis of the hip. No serious side effects have been reported.

•  Bromelain is an enzyme from pineapple claimed to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, there does not appear to be any conclusive scientific evidence for its effectiveness, and it can cause gastric problems when taken in medicinal doses or for long periods.

•  Ginger is described in ancient Indian systems of medicine to be useful in inflammation and arthritis, but recent scientific studies have not been conclusive. Ginger may have an adverse effect on the fetus when taken by pregnant women. In Australia, ginger products above a certain concentration must be labelled to indicate that people taking blood thinning medications (anticoagulants) and people at risk of bleeding problems should seek advice from their doctor before taking the product.

•  Green-lipped mussel extract , available as an oil extract or dried flesh, is said to relieve pain associated with joint and muscle discomfort. However, the evidence in support of such claims is not conclusive. Some studies show that it works and some that it doesn't.

•  Green tea extract has been shown to be rich in antioxidants and to have anti-inflammatory properties in animals. The extract has been shown to be useful in preventing the onset and severity of arthritis in mice, however, there does not appear to have been definitive studies done in humans.

•  Turmeric , whose active ingredient is curcumin, has shown anti-inflammatory effects in animals.

•  White willow bark has similar painkilling properties to aspirin, as it contains salicin. People who are sensitive to aspirin should not take willow bark preparations. If in doubt ask your doctor.

Regulation in Australia
In Australia, vitamin, mineral, plant or herbal preparations come under the umbrella of ‘complementary medicines' and as such are the focus of the Office of Complementary Medicines and are included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Complementary medicines are either listed or registered on the ARTG, depending on their ingredients and on the claims their manufacturers make about them.

The complementary medicines viewed as ‘low-risk' products are only listed and so do not have to undergo extensive scientific testing for quality, safety and effectiveness. However, claims made by the manufacturers for listed goods are still limited by the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code and manufacturers must hold appropriate evidence to back up claims they make.