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File under: Arthritis - Research

Osteoarthritis is a disease that develops when the linings of joints fail to maintain normal structure. It is the most common form of arthritis, and affects of millions of Americans. Arthritis is commonly treated using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’S) such as aspirin, ibuprofen… While these drugs may help with the pain, they do not slow the progression or help with healing of arthritis.
In fact NSAID’s may even aid in the degradation of cartilage and actually inhibit joint repair and maintenance, by inhibiting synthesis of proteoglycans.

Proteoglycans are a group of proteins that cover the frame work of collagen fibers. They have the ability to bind and organize water molecules. Due to there high viscosity and low compressibility they are ideal as a lubricating fluid in the joints. On the other hand their rigidity provides structural integrity to the cells. This is what gives the joints their strength and resilience.

Research indicates that damaged cartilage can be replaced by healthy new cartilage. Therefore, treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis should focus on inhibiting cartilage breakdown, promoting cartilage repair, and reducing the pain caused by inflammation.

Nutrients available to combat the effects of arthritis:

Glucosamine HCL- Glucosamine provides the raw material needed by the body to manufacture glycosaminoglycan (GAG) a lubricating substance inside joints. When Glucosamine levels are low joint repair and maintenance may slow. When sufficient amounts of Glucosamine are present eroded cartilage is restored and normal joint maintenance resumes.

Double blind studies show the benefits of Glucosamine. A study conducted in Milan, Italy showed patients treated with Glucosamine to experience a reduction in pain, tenderness, and, overall symptoms. Cartilage samples from those treated, when examined under an electron microscope, were reported as looking strikingly similar to that of healthy cartilage. The researchers concluding that glucosamine helped rebuild damaged cartilage.

Chondroitin Sulfate- Chondroitin sulfate is a major constituent of cartilage, classified as a type of glycosaminoglycan, rich in sulfur and related to glucosamine.

The large quantities of chondroitin sulfate and keratin sulfate found on ‘aggrecan’ play an important role in the hydration of cartilage. Aggrecan, one of the most studied proteoglycans, is abundant in cartilage representing up to 10% of its dry weight. They give the cartilage its gel-like properties and resistance to deformation. Their rigidity provides structural integrity to the cells and allows for cell migration by providing passageways between cells. Chrondroitin sulfate is a key constituent to healthy hydrated cartilage.

Manganese- Manganese is needed for healthy cartilage formation. It is used to several key enzymes in the body and activates others, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) an anti oxidant facilitator. It is thought that manganese may act as an anti-inflammatory by boosting the activity of SOD.

MSM-Methylsulfonylmethane(MSM) is a source of biologically active sulfur, which has an extensive role in the body. It is needed to manufacture many protein’s including those forming hair, muscles, and skin. Sulfur is also a constitutent of bones, teeth, and collagen (the protein in connective tissue).

MSM is naturally produced in the body, yet may decrease in cases of degenerative illnesses such as arthritis. MSM is thought to be useful in reducing inflammation, in increasing blood flow, relieving pain, reducing muscle spasms, increasing cell-wall flexibility, and reducing allergic reactions.

This considered MSM would be a key ingredient in any well rounded arthritic formula.

Grape Seed Extract- Proanthocyanidins also called oligomeric proanthocyanidins or procyanidolic oligomers derived from Grape Seed Extract, are a class of nutrients belonging to the flavonoid family. The main functions of proanthocyanidins are antioxidant activity, and the stabilization of collagen and maintenance of elastin, two critical proteins in connective tissue that supports organs and joints, well as blood vessels and muscle.

Uncaria Tomentosa- Uncaria Tomentosa also known as cats claw is a plant that naturally grows in the rain forests of South America. Cat’s claw has been reportedly used by indigenous peoples to treat inflammation, rheumatism, it is popular in South American folk medicine for intestinal complaints, gastric ulcers, arthritis, and to promote wound healing.

Bromelain- Bromelain is a natural occurring proteolytic enzyme, derived mostly from the stems, of pineapples. Pineapple had a long history of traditional use among the native of Central and South America. They applied pineapple dressings to wounds and skin injuries to reduce inflammation, and cased stomachaches and indigestion by drinking the juice of the fruit.

Bromelain is most notable for its effectiveness in the reduction of inflammation and decreasing swelling. One way it does this is m helping to break down fibrin. Fibrin proteins plays a large role in blood clotting, yet also form a barrier around in flamed areas. Resulting in the blocking of lymph and blood vessels, which leads to pain and swelling.

Bromelain is also thought to interfere with the production of prostaglandins that contribute to inflammation and increase the production of prostaglandins that decrease inflammation.

Bromelain may be helpful in reducing the pain and swelling of arthritis.

(*.) These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

COPYRIGHT 2002 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group