Developed based on a thorough review of the scientific evidence, NutraOrigin's Inflarex formula includes only ingredients with documented efficacy and safety, and contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The information below will give you a detailed understanding of how Inflarex works to diminish occasional pain and inflammation safely and effectively.*
Click to view Product Research
Turmeric Extract
Turmeric, also known Curcuma longa, is a tropical plant native to India and Southeast Asia. It is part of the ginger family. Turmeric's active constituent, curcumin, has been the subject of much scientific research.
A powerful antioxidant, curcumin is recognized for its ability to alleviate occasional inflammation.* (1,2,3) A recent study in patients who had just undergone surgery found that turmeric supported the body's natural response to post-operative inflammation better than placebo.* (2) Animal and human research has shown that turmeric provides comfort to the joints, with one study showing participants experienced improvements in flexibility and walking ability.* (4,5,6)
Bromelain
Bromelain (bromelin) is a collection of proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes naturally present in pineapple. Unlike most enzymes, which are broken down in the digestive tract, bromelain appears to be absorbed whole. That could explain why this particular enzyme may have system-wide effects that go beyond its digestive benefits.* (7,8,9)
In a study on healthy adults experiencing acute pain, bromelain relieved discomfort, improved flexibility and physical function, and promoted psychological well-being.* (10) A review study, which analyzed previous studies on bromelain and the health of the knee joint, found evidence of benefit, with eight out of the ten trials showing positive results.* (11) Other research indicates bromelain may accelerate the healing of wounds, burns and minor injuries.* (12,13,14)
Bromelain works by helping the body naturally block metabolites that accelerate and worsen inflammatory processes.*
Boswellia
Boswellia is a gum resin extracted from Boswellia serrata, a tree native to arid, mountainous regions of India. Also known as Indian frankincense, boswellia has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Several double-blind, placebo-controlled human studies have indicated that boswellia helps relieve minor inflammation.* One trial found that taking boswellia for eight weeks significantly contributed to joint comfort, improved knee flexion and increased walking distance compared to placebo.* (15) Another reported that boswellia supported free and easy breathing, with 70 percent of study subjects responding to the herb, compared to just 27 percent who responded to placebo.* (16)
Laboratory research indicates it works by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory enzymes 5-lipoxygenase and human leukocyte elastase.* (17,18,19,20)
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw is a plant native to South Africa. It has traditionally been used to relieve occasional pain and stimulate digestion.*
Devi's claw appears to relieve occasional muscle pain and tension.* A double-blind, placebo-controlled human study found that supplementation with devil's claw for four weeks had a highly significant clinical effect in reducing slight muscular pain of the back, shoulder and neck.* (21) Preliminary evidence indicates devil's claw may also support joint health.* Several human studies have found it reduces joint discomfort and improves mobility.* (22,23,24)
Laboratory research suggests devil's claw works by suppressing the pro-inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).* (25)
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalyse both play a role in the body's natural antioxidant defense system.* That is important, because free radicals cause oxidation, and oxidation causes inflammation. By increasing the amount of antioxidants in the body, it may be possible to modulate inflammatory pathways that cause occasional pain.* In fact, preliminary animal and human research indicates SOD may support a healthy response to inflammation.* (26,27)
SOD is one of the body's endogenous (self-manufactured) antioxidants. It transforms dangerous superoxide free radicals into the less reactive hydrogen peroxide. Catalase, a second enzyme, then transforms hydrogen peroxide into harmless water and oxygen.* In fact, each second, one molecule of catalase can convert millions of molecules of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. (34) Together, SOD and catalase play a critical role in defending cells against the damaging effects of oxygen radicals.*
Close window
- Ammon HP, Wahl MA. "Pharmacology of Curcuma longa." Planta Med (1991) Feb;57(1):1-7.
- Satoskar RR, Shah SJ, Shenoy SG. "Evaluation of anti-inflammatory property of curcumin (diferuloyl methane) in patients with postoperative inflammation." Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol (1986) Dec;24(12)651-4.
- Ramsewak RS, DeWitt DL, Nair MG. "Cytotoxicity, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of curcumins I-III from Curcumalonga." Phytomedicine (Jul 2000) 7(4):303-8.
- Funk JL, et al. "Efficacy and mechanism of action of turmeric supplements in the treatment of experimental arthritis." Arthritis Rheum. 2006 Nov;54(11):3452-64.
- Innes JF, et al. "Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study of P54FP for the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis." Vet Rec (2003) Apr 12;152(15):457-60.
- McCaleb R, Leigh E, Morien K. The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs. Your Complete Guide to the Leading Medicinal Plants. Roseville, CA: Prima Health (2000):378.
- Smyth RD, Brennan R, Martin GJ. "Studies establishing the absorption of bromelains (proteolytic enzymes) from the gastrointestinal tract." Exp Med Surg (1964) 22:46-59.
- Miller JM, et al. "The administration of bromelain orally in the treatment of inflammation and edema." Exp Med Surg (1964) 22:293-299.
- Castell JV, et al. "Intestinal absorption of undegraded proteins in men: presence of bromelain in plasma after oral intake." Am J Physiol (1997) 273:G139-G146.
- Walker AF, et al. "Bromelain reduces mild acute knee pain and improves well-being in a dose-dependent fashion in an open study of otherwise healthy adults." Phytomedicine (2002) Dec;9(8): 681-6.Close window
- Brien S, Lewith G, Walker A. "Bromelain as a treatment for osteoarthritis: a review of clinical studies." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM (2004) 1(3):251-257.
- Pizzorno JE and Murray MT, eds. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, revised 2nd edition, CA: Prima Publishing (1998): 784,798.
- Maurer HR. "Bromelain: biochemistry, pharmacology and medical use." Cell Mol Life Sci (2001) Aug;58(9):1234-45.
- Taussig SJ, Batkin S. "Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application." J Ethnopharmcol (1988) 22:191-203.
- Kimmatkar N, et al. "Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee - a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial." Phytomedicine (2003) Jan;10(1):3-7.
- Gupta I, et al. "Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: Results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study." Eur J Med Res (1998) Nov;3(11):511-14.
- Ammon HP, et al. "Inhibition of leukotriene B4 formation in rat peritoneal neutrophils by an ethanolic extract of the gum resin exudate of Boswellia serrata." Planta Med (1991) Jun;57(3):203-207.
- Ammon HP, et al. "Mechanism of anti-inflammatory actions of curcumin and boswellic acids." J Ethnopharmacol (1993) 38: 113.
- Safayhi H., et al. "Boswellic acids: novel, specific, nonredox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase." J Pharmacol Exp Ther (1992) Jun;261(3):1143-6.
- Safayhi H. et al. "Inhibition by boswellic acids of human leukocyte elastase." J Pharmacol Exp Ther (1997) Apr; 281(1):460-63.Close window
- Gobel H, et al. "Effects of Harpagophytum procumbens LI 174 (devil's claw) on sensory, motor and vascular muscle reagibility in the treatment of unspecific back pain." Schmerz (2001) 15:10-18.
- Chantre P, et al. "Efficacy and tolerance or harpagophytum procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis." Phytomedicine (2000) 7:177-84.
- Lecomte A. "Harpagophytum dans l'arthrose: Etude en double insu contre placebo. Le Magazine (1992) 15:27-30.
- European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy. "Harpagophyti radix (devil's claw)." Monographs on the Medicinal Uses of Plant Drugs. Fascicule 2. Exeter, UK: ESCOP; 1996-1997.
- Jang MH, et al. "Harpagophytum procumbens suppresses lipopolysaccharide-stimulated expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in fibroblast cell line L929." J Pharmacol Sci (2003) 93:367-71.
- Regnault C, et al. "Effect of encapsulation on the anti-inflammatory properties of superoxide dismutase after oral administration." Clin Chim Acta (1995) 240:117,27.
- Ratcheva I, et al. "Treatment of adjuvant arthritis in mice with yeast superoxide dismutase." Pharmazie (2000) 55:533,7.
- Goodsell, David S. "Catalase." Molecule of the Month. Sept. 2004. RCSB Protein Data Bank. http://www.rcsb.org/pdb/static.do?p=education_discussion/molecule_of_the_month/pdb57_1.html
Close window