Review

Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of yucca schidigera: A review

PR Cheeke^1,2 , S Piacente³ and W Oleszek⁴

¹  Department of Animal Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA

²  Desert King International, 7024 Manya Circle, San Diego, CA 92154, USA

³  Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Salerno, via Ponte Don Melillo-84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy

⁴  Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, ul. Czartoryskich 8, 24100 Pulawy, Poland

author email corresponding author email

Journal of Inflammation 2006, 3:6doi:10.1186/1476-9255-3-6

Published:	29 March 2006

Abstract

Yucca schidigera is a medicinal plant native to Mexico. According to folk medicine, yucca extracts have anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects. The plant contains several physiologically active phytochemicals. It is a rich source of steroidal saponins, and is used commercially as a saponin source. Saponins have diverse biological effects, including anti-protozoal activity. It has been postulated that saponins may have anti-arthritic properties by suppressing intestinal protozoa which may have a role in joint inflammation. Yucca is also a rich source of polyphenolics, including resveratrol and a number of other stilbenes (yuccaols A, B, C, D and E). These phenolics have anti-inflammatory activity. They are inhibitors of the nuclear transcription factor NFkappaB. NFkB stimulates synthesis of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which causes formation of the inflammatory agent nitric oxide. Yucca phenolics are also anti-oxidants and free-radical scavengers, which may aid in suppressing reactive oxygen species that stimulate inflammatory responses. Based on these findings, further studies on the anti-arthritic effects of Yucca schidigera are warranted.