Is Yucca Schidigera Extract Good For Joint Pain and Arthritis?

Yucca schidigera, also known as Mojave yucca and Spanish dagger, is an evergreen plant in the lily family that grows in the deserts of the Southwest United States and northern Mexico. It has long been used in traditional Native American herbal medicine for various health conditions, including dandruff, headaches and arthritis. Today, the trunks of yucca schidigera are ground up and made into powder and extract form for use in foods and supplements. It’s often added to dog foods and joint supplements. You’ll find it listed toward the end of the ingredient list since it isn’t a primary ingredient.

Is Yucca Schidigera Extract Good for Joint Pain and Arthritis?

Studies have shown that yucca schidigera can enhance the intestinal immune response of aquatic organisms and reduce gastrointestinal tract (GIT) stress by suppressing intestinal protozoa. It is also a good source of phenolics and has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. Its adsorption of ammonia from the water can increase the pH and improve the quality of aquaculture water, which can help to maintain healthy aquatic species. In addition, yucca extract can stimulate the production of antimicrobial peptides and enzymes in the GIT that can inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Yucca has chemicals that might help reduce high blood pressure, and it seems to lower cholesterol. It also might relieve arthritis symptoms such as pain and swelling. Yucca root powder has been used for centuries as a natural anti-inflammatory. It contains steroidal saponins that mimic the action of natural cortisone hormones. These promote symptom relief similar to steroid drugs without the harmful side effects. Yucca phenolics also inhibit iNOS expression, thereby blocking the generation of reactive oxygen species that contributes to arthritis. Research shows that yucca saponins act like a natural form of cortisone, to reduce pain and inflammation from arthritis. It also helps to remove toxins and wastes from the joints. The anti-inflammatory action of yucca might be due to its steroidal saponins, which inhibit the activation of NFkB and prevent induction of iNOS. It might also be due to its polyphenolic compounds, which are free-radical scavengers and antioxidants. Yucca schidigera saponins are also effective against intestinal protozoa such as Giardia lamblia, and have been shown to be as effective as the drug metronidazole in eliminating the parasite from the gut. The safety of yucca is not fully known, but it is LIKELY SAFE when eaten in the amounts that are normally found in food. It is also POSSIBLE that yucca might cause stomach upset in some people.

How Does Yucca Schidigera Extract Work?

Yucca Schidigera extract has long been used in Native American herbal medicine as a treatment for a number of conditions, including dandruff, headaches and arthritis. The herb is also added to many pet foods, primarily for its ability to reduce the unpleasant odor of the animal’s stool and urine. The yucca plant is rich in saponins, which are natural detergents that can form stable foams when mixed with water. These steroid-like saponins have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Additionally, yucca saponins are believed to have an effect on intestinal protozoal infections, as they are effective against giardia trophozoites. Research has also shown that yucca phenolics are potent inhibitors of the nuclear transcription factor NFkappaB, and may therefore inhibit inflammatory cytokines such as iNOS. In addition, yucca phenolics have the ability to inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in chondrocytes and synoviocytes, and prevent oxidative damage. This makes yucca a good choice for joint health supplements, as it can help to reduce the inflammation associated with RA.

Can Dog Take Yucca Schidigera Extract?

A liquid yucca tincture can be added to your dog’s food, but it’s important to check the ingredient label to ensure that you only use products that contain a safe amount of this natural compound. Too much could cause intestinal issues in dogs. For example, NHV Multi Essentials contains eleven herbs extracted in vegetable glycerin that include yucca root.