Herbal medicinal products such as STW 1, a combination product containing extracts of trembling poplar leaves and bark, golden rod herb and common ash bark, are used in painful complaints caused by degenerative and inflammatory rheumatic diseases. This use is based on a large number of clinical studies [1]. Therefore, the question is which mechanisms of action contribute to this therapeutic effect?
Accordingly, a review was conducted with the aim to identify data on the pharmacology of this product.
As could be shown, the action of the combination product as well as those of its components included antiinflammatory, antioedematous, antioxidative and analgesic properties. These modes of action are even broader than those of synthetic antirheumatics.
Accordingly, these data can explain the action and efficacy of STW 1 in randomised, placebo- or verum-controlled double-blind trials, as well as in non-interventional studies, which have been performed in different subtypes of rheumatic diseases and even documented as a successful combination therapy with non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Accordingly, STW 1 complements NSAIDs and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors in particular in these indications.
Reference: [1] Gundermann KJ and Müller J. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2007;157(13-14):343-7