AB Carsa Giox - Take the pain out of arthritis

GLUCOSAMINE

Glucosamine plays an important role in cartilage health and resilience. It is the major building block used in the formation of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans that binds water within the structure of cartilage, giving cartilage its flexible and joint protective properties. Glucosamine also stimulates the production of collagen. Other than cartilage and bone joints, glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans are also components of ligaments and tendons.

Glucosamine has been proved to be superior to or at least equal to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. In over 20 controlled clinical trials with over 6000 participants it has been judged to be effective and safe. Evidence suggests that formulations with glucosamine reduce the pain associated with arthritis and may slow down and potentially reverse the progression of the disease.

CHONDROITIN

The effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin as co-factors has been proven clinically. Acting as a water and nutrient attractant, chondroitin assists in improving and maintaining levels of synovial fluid in the joint.

Chondroitin is normally the most abundant glycosaminoglycan in cartilage, being responsible for binding with collagen, improving and maintaining cartilage strength and cushioning properties. Chondroitin sulphate supplementation is beneficial as it inhibits the action of destructive enzymes in the joint.

GINGER

The British Herbal Compendium indicates ginger for inflammation and rheumatic problems. Ginger, a natural pain reliever, contains melatonin and 12 different anti-inflammatory compounds, some with mild aspirin-like properties, that collective mediate potent anti-inflammatory effects. Used in Japan for spinal and joint pains for thousands of years, ginger provides temporary relief from arthritic pain and also functions as a powerful antioxidant. It can alleviate the pain, inflammation and joint stiffness associated with arthritis. Studies have shown ginger to reduce the production of the inflammatory mediator prostaglandins, thereby reducing the pain sensitisation normally associated with its release and providing a strong underlying basis ginger’s effectiveness as an analgesic. 

PHELLONDENDRON AMURENSE

Phellodendron amurense has been used for centuries in Asia and North America for the treatment of joint inflammation and swelling. Phellodendron amurense is unique compared to other COX inhibitors such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in that it possesses COX-2 enzyme selectivity, suppressing the pro-inflammatory COX¬2 receptor while sparing the protective COX-1.

NSAIDs such as aspirin exert their therapeutic effects by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. Being non-selective, NSAIDs suppress the release of important protective prostaglandins due to COX-1 inhibition, contributing to intestinal lining deterioration, renal dysfunction and clotting problems.
Unlike other COX-2 inhibitors, phellodendron amurense is not associated with causing thrombosis, but rather the opposite. Phellodendron’s main active ingredient berberine has been shown to possess anti-thrombotic properties.[1,2]

References

1. Huang CG, et al. Effect of berberine on arachidonic acid metabolism in rabbit platelets and endothelial cells. Thromb Res. 2002 May 15;106(4-5):223-7.
2. Leng SH, et al. Therapeutic effects of berberine in impaired glucose tolerance rats and its influence on insulin secretion. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2004 Apr;25(4):496