G
GELATIN, GELATINE
See collagen hydrolysate.
GINGER
Zingiber officinale
  
Where It Comes From: The dried or fresh root of the ginger plant.
Forms and Dosage: Powder, extract, tincture, spice and oils; 225 mg twice daily.
What It's Supposed to Do: Decrease joint pain and reduce inflammation in people with OA and RA. Protect stomach from ulcers and damaging gastrointestinal effects of NSAIDs.
What We Know: Ginger contains active ingredients that may have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger reduces nausea and vomiting.
Studies: A double-blind clinical study using highly purified ginger extract found ginger reduced knee OA pain. Dosages used in the study were 225 mg twice daily.
What to Watch For: Heartburn, diarrhea and stomach discomfort. Can interfere with medications for blood pressure, blood-thinning, heart, diabetes or antacid. Do not use if you have gallstones.
GINGKO
Ginkgo biloba
Where It Comes From: Leaf of the gingko tree, native to China.
Forms and Dosage: Liquid, tablet and capsule; typically 120 mg to 240 mg daily. Choose supplements standardized to 6 percent terpene lactones and 24 percent flavone glycosides, the active ingredients in gingko.
What It's Supposed to Do: Increase blood flow and circulation in Raynaud's syndrome.
Studies: No research on Raynaud's syndrome, but clinical evidence shows that gingko helps circulation.
What to Watch For: Stomach upset, dizziness or headaches. Do not take if you are taking blood-thinning medication like aspirin, have epilepsy or experience seizures, have diabetes, or are scheduled for surgery.
Extras: Gingko leaf may boost memory and cognition.
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take higher or more frequent doses than what is recommended by the manufacturer or a doctor. |
GINSENG
American Ginseng: Panax quinquefolius
Asian Ginseng: Panax ginseng
Siberian Ginseng: Eleutherococcus senticosus
Where It Comes From: The root of the ginseng plant, native to North America and Asia.
Forms and Dosage: Capsules, tablets, tea, tincture powder or tincture tonic; capsules or tablets made from dried root; typically 200 mg to 600 mg daily. As a tea, use 1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginseng steeped in one cup of water one to three times a day for three weeks.
What It's Supposed to Do: Increase ability to deal with stress, alleviate fatigue, "boost" immune system, increase stamina and improve cognitive function.
What We Know: Little known about what it does or how it might work. Effectiveness is unknown.
Studies: One study done in Mexico on hundreds of people showed those taking 40 mg of ginseng and a multivitamin appeared to have improved quality of life and sense of well-being. However, a recent evaluation of 16 well-controlled clinical trials found no evidence that ginseng was effective in treating any condition.
What to Watch For: Do not take if you have a heart condition, diabetes, a hormone-sensitive condition, schizophrenia, high or low blood pressure, have had an organ transplant, are pregnant or are taking medication that has blood-thinning effects, medication that suppresses the immune system, or MAO inhibitors. Can amplify effects of glucocorticoids such as prednisone, cause insomnia and act as a stimulant.
Extras: Asian ginseng is the most-studied supplement. Approximately six million Americans use it regularly.
GLA (GAMMA-LINOLENIC ACID)
Where It Comes From: A type of omega-6 fatty acid found in evening primose oil, black currant oil and borage oil.
Forms and Dosage: Capsules or oil; 2 grams to 3 grams daily.
What It's Supposed to Do: Lessen joint pain, stiffness and swelling associated with RA. Ease symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome and Sjöegren's syndrome.
What We Know: Several studies show GLA (in all three oils) is an effective treatment for reducing inflammation in RA with few side effects. GLA only works if taken orally; there is no evidence that these oils applied topically are effective. It also may regulate the immune system.
Studies: One of the most promising studies was a placebo-controlled trial of 56 patients with active RA who received 2.8 grams of GLA for six months. Participants showed significant improvements related to joint pain, stiffness and grip strength. GLA doses at this level were concluded to be safe and effective for RA.
What to Watch For: GLA is a blood thinner so may increase risk of bleeding if taken with NSAIDs, anticoagulant medications or blood-thinning supplements. Orally, evening primrose oil can cause indigestion, nausea, soft stools and headache. Borage seed oil may exacerbate liver disease.
Extras: GLA increases effectiveness of drugs used to treat breast cancer. Increases HDL (the "good" cholesterol) and decreases fat levels in blood stream. Helps treat nerve problems due to diabetes.
GLUCOSAMINE
Glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine
hydrochloride, N-acetyl glucosamine
Where It Comes From: Major component of joint cartilage. Supplements are derived from the shells of shellfish such as shrimp, lobster and crab.
Forms and Dosage: Capsules, tablets, liquid or powder (to be mixed into a drink); 1,500 mg per day for all forms. Because not as much is known about the glucosamine hydrochloride and N-acetyl glucosamine, some researchers encourage people interested in trying this product to use glucosamine sulfate.
What It's Supposed to Do: Slow deterioration of cartilage, relieve OA pain and improve joint mobility.
What We Know: Glucosamine provides the natural building blocks for growth, repair and maintenance of cartilage. Like chondroitin, it helps cartilage absorb water and keeps the joint lubricated. Effects may be similar to NSAIDs for easing OA symptoms but may take twice as long as conventional drugs to work.
Studies: Studies on glucosamine are promising. A review of two studies, each of which analyzed more than a dozen glucosamine studies, found this supplement to significantly and consistently improve pain and joint function, as well as or better than conventional drug therapy (NSAIDs).
One recent long-term study conducted in Belgium over three years showed patients with mild to moderate knee OA taking 1,500 mg of glucosamine had 20 percent to 25 percent less pain and disability than those taking the placebo. Researchers also found glucosamine slowed, if not stopped, the progression of the disease and reduced cartilage loss. Glucosamine has been studied only in people with knee or hip OA. More studies are needed for long-term safety and effectiveness to be established.
What to Watch For: Mild stomach upset, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation and increased blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and blood pressure levels. Don't use if you are allergic to shellfish.
Extras: To determine effectiveness, NIH is conducting a large long-term study on glucosamine, chondroitin and a combination of the two in people with knee OA. Results are expected in 2005.
GOTU KOLA, GOTU COLA, BRAHMI, BRAHMA-BUTI, INDIAN PENNYWORT
Centella asiatica
Where It Comes From: Plant that grows in India, Japan, China, South Africa and Indonesia.
Forms and Dosage: Capsules, tablets, tincture, creams, ointments, dried leaves or tea; standardized extracts in capsule or liquid form, 60 mg to 120 mg per day; tablets, 600 mg three times per day; tea, three cups daily, with one quarter to one half teaspoon dried herb to one cup boiling water.
What It's Supposed to Do: Reduce fatigue, decrease pain, improve circulation and ease symptoms for RA, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis and lupus.
What We Know: Gotu kola contains plant compounds that may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, but evidence is weak. Preliminary evidence in animal studies suggests these compounds may prevent and treat gastrointestinal ulcers. Topically, gotu kola appears to help psoriasis.
Studies: No clinical human studies to support claims.
What to Watch For: Stomach upset, nausea, drowsiness, sensitivity to sunlight and increased blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels. May interfere with hypertension and diabetes medications. Topically, can cause allergic dermatitis and burning sensation. Do not take for more than six weeks unless your doctor advises otherwise.
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take any supplement for more than two or three months without a medical evaluation. |
GRAPESEED, GRAPESEED OIL, GRAPESEED EXTRACT
Vitis vinifera
Where It Comes From: Seeds of grapes from a woody vine native to Asia minor.
Forms and Dosage: Tablets or capsules; 75 mg to 300 mg grapeseed extract daily for three weeks followed by a maintenance dosage of 40 mg to 80 mg per day.
What It's Supposed to Do: Fight inflammation, relieve symptoms of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, and improve circulation.
What We Know: A potent antioxidant, grapeseed oil contains flavonoids (beneficial plant compounds), essential fatty acids and tocopherol (vitamin E). Effectiveness has not been proven.
Studies: No human clinical studies on grapeseed and arthritis. Preliminary evidence suggests grapeseed may strengthen connective tissue.
What to Watch For: Grapeseed increases risk of bleeding, so do not use if taking medication or supplements with blood-thinning effects.
GREEN TEA OR CHINESE TEA
Camellia sinensis
Where It Comes From: Leaf buds and young leaves of the tea plant; native to Southeast Asia.
Forms and Dosage: Capsule, tablets or tea; typically 125 mg to 250 mg of catechins (a group of beneficial tea compounds) or equivalent to three cups of tea.
What It's Supposed to Do: Fight inflammation.
What We Know: Green tea contains polyphenols, antioxidants that may fight inflammation.
Studies: In several animal studies, green tea appears to exhibit a variety of anti-inflammatory responses. In in vitro studies, it has reduced inflammation and slowed cartilage breakdown. No human studies show green tea to be effective for arthritis.
What to Watch For: Stomach upset and constipation. Because green tea contains caffeine, large doses should not be taken if you are pregnant, nursing, have depression, anxiety disorder, ulcers, a heart condition, kidney disease or high blood pressure. May cause an allergic reaction.
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be aware that some supplements can affect the outcome of medical tests like blood or urine studies. |
GUGGUL,
GUGULIPID, GUGGAL
Commiphora mukul
Where It Comes From: The gum resin of the guggul tree, which grows in India.
Forms and Dosage: Extract or pill; dosages vary.
What It's Supposed to Do: Decrease inflammation.
What We Know: Research suggests guggul has anti-inflammatory properties, but no conclusive evidence it is effective for arthritis.
Studies: No human studies on arthritis.
What to Watch For: Stomach upset, headache, nausea, belching and hiccups.
Extras: May reduce cholesterol.
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