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Joint Support

Description

A powerful combination of anti-inflammatory and supportive herbs used in connection with rheumatoid or osteoarthritic complaints.

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications

- Osteoarthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis - Joint support - Inflammation - Pain

Clinical Applications/Research

Devils Claw

Devil's claw grows in its natural habitat in the Kalahari Desert and places of southwest Africa. The Africans have used devil's claw traditionally for many years, most commonly for rheumatisms. The root of the devil’s claw herb is new to America, but has been used for hundreds of years in Europe and Africa, mainly as an antiinflammatory. French and German studies report this herb to be as effective as currently used antiinflammatory drugs. Devil’s claw helps the joints regain their flexibility.

Boswellia

Boswellia serrata is reported to have strong analgesic (pain-relieving) effects (Kar, A. & Menon, M.K. Life Sci. 1969;8:1023), along with antiinflammatory and antiarthritic activity. Clinical trials in India report beneficial results on arthritic patients, and boswellic acids are marketed as antiarthritic drugs in India (Handa, S.S. et al. Fitoterapia. 1992;63(1):3).

Bromelain

The journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (1992;24(l):20-25) reports a study on bromelain, one of the proteolytic enzymes that has therapeutic effects in the treatment of inflammation and soft tissue injuries. Following injury, bromelain significantly increased the maximum muscle force in the treated group, indicating that bromelain can be helpful for a quick recovery from injury. The Merck Index lists it as an excellent anti-inflammatory enzyme (Merck Index, 11th ed. 1989. Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, NJ, p. 1382). Bromelain therapy has become quite popular for use in rheumatoid arthritis to decrease joint inflammation. The smooth muscle relaxant properties of bromelain contribute to the documentation for relieving menstrual cramps.

Tumeric (curcumin 95%)

Turmeric is a root belonging to the ginger family, in which the rhizome part is used in many flavorings, but most noticeably in curry powder. Research has demonstrated excellent antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric, and especially of curcumin, which is the active component of turmeric that is responsible for the yellow pigment (Reddy AP & Lokesh, BR. Mol Cell Biochem. 1992;111-117). The antiinflammatory properties are due to the ability of curcumin to reduce histamine levels and possibly increase natural cortisone production by the adrenal glands (Aora RB, Basu N, Kapoor V, Jain AP. Antiinflammatory studies on Curcuma longa (turmeric). Ind.J.Med Res. 1971:59:1289-95).

Feverfew

Feverfew has been used historically for reducing fevers and other inflammatory conditions since antiquity. Feverfew may be of benefit due to its inhibiting effect on the production of pro-inflammatory by-products of arachidonic acid.

Licorice Root

Licorice has been shown to inhibit synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins in a manner similar to cortisone (Okinasa E, et al, Inhibition of phopholipase A2 by glycyrrhizin, an anti-inflammatory drug. Acta med Okayama 1983;37:385-91). Licorice inhibits liver breakdown of endogenous and exogenous anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. Licorice also inhibits kidney conversion of cortisol to cortisone, thereby diminishing excretion of endogenous corticosteroids (Joiner-Bey, Joint Health Botanicals monograph).

Nettle Leaf

Nettle leaf has been used for rheumatic complaints. Nettle extract produced subjective improvement in 70% of 152 arthritic patients enrolled in a multicenter study (ESCOP, European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy, Volume 2: 1996, Monograph on Devil’s Claw and Nettle Leaf Extract).

Contraindications/Toxicology

Do not take during pregnancy. Beware of hypertensive mineralcorticoid effects of long-term use of licorice. Hypertensive patients should be monitored.

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

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