What is yucca?

Yuccas are common garden plants with pointed leaves.

There are many species of the plant, and the fruits, seeds, and flowers are often eaten. (Yucca shouldn’t be confused with yuca, which is a root vegetable also known as cassava.)

The Specific Benefits of Yucca for dogs are many, including several that are related to anti-inflammatory benefits and pain and inflammation. 

What are the anti-inflammatory benefits of Yucca for Dogs?

Yucca’s anti-inflammatory benefits for dogs are many it is a powerful antioxidant, having natural anti-inflammatory properties contained in  anti-inflammatory polyphenolics such as resveratrol and yuccaols A, B, C, D and E, and the saponins in yucca having antibacterial properties that facilitate gut health and reduce inflammation.

Anti Inflammatory.  Yucca products have been used for many years for reputed anti-arthritic effects, both by Native Americans and more recently by the nutraceutical industry. 

Direct studies of Yucca have shown that they have anti-arthritic effects.  These studies of yucca were done in the 1970’s and with those scientists learned that that symptoms of pain and swelling in arthritic human patients were relieved by consumption of yucca tablets. This research has led to the widespread use of yucca products for treatment and prevention of arthritis not only in humans but also in horses and dogs.

Potent Antioxidant.   Researchers   have determined that Yucca polyphenols are potent antioxidants.  There are well-known interactions between rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammatory disease, and food and nutrition, notably food and nutrition that stimulates the formation of oxidants and peroxides (e.g. unsaturated fatty acids, iron), which promote inflammatory disease, and antioxidants (e.g. vitamin E) and omega-3 fatty acids, which protect against auto-oxidation. Yucca compounds may have roles in these effects due to the fact that they are polyphenols are potent antioxidants.

 Gut Health.  Another researcher Dr. Cordain noted that universal clinical observation has revealed that inflammation of the gut is frequently associated with inflammation of the joints and vice-versa.  These authors reported that arthritis is associated with intestinal bacterial overgrowth of Escherichia coliand Lactobacillus lactis. Since Yucca saponins have antibacterial properties,  There is a beneficial effect of yucca on arthritis that could involve anti-protozoal, antioxidant and anti-bacterial activities.