Lucknow: Long-term stress makes rheumatoid arthritis (RA) worse by increasing swelling and joint damage, while a natural compound found in eucalyptus oil helps reduce these effects, a study by researchers from King George’s Medical University (KGMU) said. The study, published in the journal Cureus, was carried out on Wistar rats.The research was led by Dr Nitu Nigam, faculty at the Cytogenetics Unit; Lavkush Tiwari; and Dr Urmila Dhakad, faculty, department of rheumatology, and others.RA is a long-term disease in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy joints. Researchers induced RA in rats and exposed them to stress for 28 days.The animals were then treated with eucalyptol — a natural compound found in eucalyptus oil known for its anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling) and antioxidant (protects body cells) properties — methotrexate (a commonly used arthritis medicine), or a combination of both.The results showed that stress worsened the disease. Rats under stress had more swelling, weaker grip, less movement and greater joint damage. This happened because stress increased inflammation and damage caused by harmful molecules.However, eucalyptol worked even under stress. It reduced swelling, protected joints and improved the body’s defence system. At higher doses, its effect was similar to methotrexate.The best results were seen when it was used with methotrexate. This combination reduced swelling and joint damage the most, and many indicators came close to normal levels.Researchers said the compound works by reducing inflammation and protecting joint tissues. They also stressed that managing stress is important in arthritis treatment.However, the study was conducted on animals, and human trials are needed before eucalyptol can be used as a treatment.The study adds to evidence that managing stress may help slow down the disease and improve quality of life for people with rheumatoid arthritis, said researchers.
