Developed based on a thorough review of the scientific evidence, NutraOrigin's Arthrigin formula includes only ingredients with documented efficacy and safety, and contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The ingredients described below will give you a better understanding of how this Arthrigin works to promote joint mobility, flexibility and comfort.*
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Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an amino acid derivative of glucose that is naturally produced by the body and used as a building block to create cartilage.* Therefore, it supports the health of any part of the body that contains cartilage, particularly the joints.*
Glucosamine's main benefit in promoting joint health is that it improves joint mobility, allowing greater range of motion.* Instead of simply providing temporary relief from joint discomfort, glucosamine is actually thought to promote cartilage formation.* (1,2,3) It works by stimulating the synthesis of proteoglycans - protein compounds found in the extracellular matrix of connective tissue.* (4)
A number of double-blind human clinical trials have found that glucosamine provides comfort to the joints as well or better than other ingredients marketed for this purpose.* (4,5,6) In addition, many trials comparing glucosamine to placebo have proven that it provides significant improvements in joint comfort, flexibility, physical function, mobility and the performance of everyday activities.* (1,2,7,8,9) One of the best-designed trials, which monitored 212 people over three years, concluded that overall, people taking glucosamine experienced improved joint health, whereas those taking placebo worsened.* (1)
Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan - a constituent of cartilage and synovial fluid (the liquid that surrounds and nourishes the joints).*
Chondroitin provides shock relief for joints by allowing cartilage to absorb more water.* It also increases the amount of hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid, which allows for greater fluid volume in joint spaces and enhances the smooth functioning of the joints.* (10)
Several double-blind, placebo-controlled human studies have shown that chondroitin sulfate supports joint health, increases joint mobility and reduces joint discomfort.* (11,12,13,14,15) One study conducted on 104 subjects found that taking chondroitin supplements increased joint function by 50 percent.* (12) Like glucosamine, chondroitin may actually promote cartilage formation.* (16)
Methylsulfonylmethane
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sulfur-containing compound that naturally occurs in the food supply.
Two double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trials indicate that MSM benefits joint health.* The first study compared the effects of glucosamine alone, MSM alone, glucosamine plus MSM (combination treatment) and placebo on various indices of joint wellness. The results indicated that MSM alone decreased joint discomfort and improved joint function; however, glucosamine plus MSM produced even more significant improvements.* The combination treatment also created more rapid improvement than glucosamine alone.* (17) The second study found that MSM supplementation reduced joint discomfort, increased physical function and improved the performance of everyday activities.* (18)
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.* (19,20,21)
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.* (22) In a study on healthy adults experiencing acute knee pain, bromelain relieved discomfort, improved joint flexibility and physical function, and promoted psychological well-being.* (23) High-dose bromelain was significantly more effective than low-dose. (23)
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.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover human study found that taking boswellia for eight weeks significantly contributed to joint comfort, improved knee flexion and increased walking distance compared to placebo.* (24)
Laboratory research indicates it works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase.* (25,26,27,28,29)
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.*
Preliminary evidence indicates that devil's claw may support joint health.* A double-blind human study comparing devil's claw to another commonly used ingredient found the herb equally effective at reducing joint discomfort and improving mobility.* (30) Two other double-blind studies produced similar results.* (31,32)
Devi's claw also appears to relieve occasional muscle pain and tension.* A double-blind, placebo-controlled human study found that devil's claw for four weeks had a highly significant clinical effect in reducing slight muscular pain of the back, shoulder and neck.* (33)
Laboratory research suggests devil's claw works by suppressing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expressions.* (34)
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- Reginster JY, et al. "Long-term effects of glucosamine sulphate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial." Lancet (2001) Jan; 357(9252): 251-6.
- Pavelta K, et al. "Glucosamine sulfate use and delay of progression of knee osteoarthritis: a 3-year, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study." Arch Intern Med (2002) 162:2113-2123.
- Richy F, et al. "Structural and symptomatic efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin in knee osteoarthritis: a comprehensive meta-analysis." Arch Intern Med (2003) 163:1514-1522.
- Muller-Fassbender H., et al. "Glucosamine sulfate compared to ibuprofen in osteoarthritis of the knee." Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (1994) 2(1):61-69.
- Vaz A.L. "Double-blind clinical evaluation of the relative efficacy of ibuprofen and glucosamine sulphate in the management of osteoarthrosis of the knee in out-patients." Curr Med Res Opin (1982) 8(3):145-49.
- Qui G.X., et al. "Efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate versus ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis." Arzneimittelforschung (1998) May; 48(5):469-74.
- Herrero-Beaumont G, et al. "Glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study using acetaminophen as a side comparator." Arthritis Rheum (2007) Feb;56(2):555-67.
- D'Ambrosio E, et al. "Glucosamine sulphate: a controlled clinical investigation in arthrosis." Pharmatherapeutica (1981) 2:504-508.
- Noack W, et al. "Glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthritis of the knee." Osteoarthritis Cartilage (1994) 2:51-59.
- McCarty MF, Russell AL, Seed MP. "Sulfate glycosaminoglycans and glucosamine synergize in promoting synovial hyaluronic acid." Med Hypotheses (2000) May; 54(5):798-802.Close window
- Bucsi L, Poor G. "Efficacy and tolerability of oral chondroitin sulfate as a symptomatic slow-acting drug for osteoarthritis (SYSADOA) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis." Osteoarthritis Cartilage (1998) 6(suppl A):31-36.
- Conrozier T. "Anti-arthrosis treatments: efficacy and tolerance of chondroitin sulfates (CS 4&6) [translated from French]." Presse Med (1998) 27:1862-1865.
- Uebelhart D, et al. "Effects of oral chondroitin sulfate on the progression of knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study." Osteoarthritis Cartilage (1998) 6(suppl A):39-46.
- Bourgeois P, et al. "Efficacy and tolerability of chondroitin sulfate 1200 mg/day vs chondroitin sulfate 3 x 400 mg/day vs placebo." Osteoarthritis Cartilage (1998) 6(suppl A):25-30.
- Mazieres B, et al. "Chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of gonarthrosis and coxarthrosis. 5-months result of a multicenter double-blind controlled prospective study using placebo [in French; English abstract]." Rev Rhum Mal Osteoartic (1992) 59:466-472.
- Volpi N. "The pathobiololgy of osteoarthritis and the rationale for using chondroitin sulphate for its treatment." Curr Drug Targets Immune Endocr Metabol Disord (2004) Jun; 4(2):119-127.
- Usha PR, Naidu MUR. "Randomised, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study of oral glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane and their combination in osteoarthritis." Clinical Drug Investigation (2004) 24:353-363.
- Kim LS, et al. "Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial." Osteoarthritis Cartilage (2006) Mar;14(3):286-94.
- 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.Close window
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- "Boswellia serrata." Altern Med Rev (1998) Aug;3(4):306-307.
- Safayhi H., et al. "Inhibition by boswellic acids of human leukocyte elastase." J Pharmacol Exp Ther (1997) Apr;281(1):460-63.
- Ammon H.P., 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 H.P., et al. "Mechanism of anti-inflammatory actions of curcumine and boswellic acids." J Ethnopharmacol (1993) 38(2-3)113-9.
- Safayhi H., et al. "Boswellic acids: novel, specific, nonredox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase." J Pharmacol Exp Ther (1992) Jun; 261(3):1143-6
- Chantre P, et al. "Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis." Phytomedicine (2000) Jun;7(3):177-83.Close window
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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