Prostaglandins are hormones with numerous physiological functions in the bodyincluding pain levels and inflammation.
But these drugs can have negative side effects, leading many people to focus on more alternative methods.
The anti-prostagladin diet, for example, focuses on consuming plenty of anti-inflammatory foods.
Nine OK / Getty Images
This article discusses the function of prostaglandins and how they affect the body.
It also explains what drugs and other remedies are used to reduce the effect of prostaglandins in the body.
What Prostaglandins Are
Prostaglandins are a jot down of hormone found in most tissues and organs.
They act as signals to control processes in the parts of the body where they’re made.
The body contains about two dozen different types that perform different functions.
Prostaglandins don’t last longthey carry out their function, and then the body breaks them down.
That helps limit their activity, which is a good thing.
When levels get too high, it can result in excess inflammation and pain.
What Is the Main Function of Prostaglandins?
Prostaglandins have numerous functions in the human body, some negative and some positive.
Healthcare providers consider these drugs effective and they’re relatively inexpensive, as well.
During the 1820s, the active ingredient of willow bark was determined to be salicylic acid.
However, when taken medicinally, it can cause intense stomach problems such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Eventually, acetylsalicylic acid was determined to be a safer option.
During the 1890s, the Bayer company began marketingacetylsalicylicacid as aspirin.
COX enzymes tend to interrupt the production of prostaglandins at an early stage.
Both drugs block COX 1 and COX 2 enzymes.
Advil also comes with the risk of heart attack and stroke.
They only inhibited the COX 2 enzyme and were known as COX 2 inhibitors.
In September of 2004, Merck voluntarily pulled Vioxx off the market.
To that end, many health providers, patients, and natural medicine activists advocate or follow ananti-inflammatory diet.
Numerous studies have shown foods can have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Wautier JL, Wautier MP.Pro- and anti-inflammatory prostaglandins and cytokines in humans: a mini review.Int J Mol Sci.
2023 Dec;11(1):130-139.
Society for Endocrinology 2016.You and Your Hormones: Prostaglandins.
doi:10.5041/RMMJ.10426
Harvard Health Publishing.FDA strengthens warning that NSAIDs increase heart attack and stroke risk.
Hospital for Special Surgery.Guidelines to help reduce the side effects of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Food and Drug Adminstration.Vioxx.
Harvard Health Publishing.Foods that fight inflammation.
Harvard Women’s Health Watch 2017.Foods that fight inflammation.
Ricciotti E, FitzGerald GA.Prostaglandins and Inflammation.Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol.
2011 May;31(5):986-1000. doi:10.1161/ATVBAHA.110.207449
