According to recent research, and an article published in the Pain Medicine News, October 2021 monthly issue, an ingredient that is found naturally in sunflower seeds may hold the key to treating pain associated with abdominal inflammation (in the gastrointestinal tract, abdominal area, and internal organs).
Yes, sunflower seeds. A study conducted jointly by investigators at the University of Queensland and Flinders University, in Australia, and the Medical University of Vienna, investigated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects noted in sunflower extracts. The researchers have apparently isolated the molecule responsible for these effects.
“Morphine,” Christian Gruber, one of the investigators indicates, was “one of the first plant-based medicines and was isolated from the dried latex of poppies more than 200 years ago.” With decades of experience utilizing morphine and other narcotic medication, we have now unfortunately found that opioids have addictive potential and risk for overdose, leading researchers to look for alternatives. It appears that this sunflower-based molecule exhibits fewer side effects than those associated with opiates.
Sunflower seed research is ongoing, but you can rest assured that if it is safe and alleviates pain, Advanced Spine and Pain will be leading the charge. To be honest, weekend investigators here at ASAP were hoping to find naturally occurring pain alleviators in pizza, but our personal research into this possibility has not resulted in desired outcomes yet. Maybe more research is needed.