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Benefits
Supports joint function and tissue health*
To understand glucosamine's role, it is important to understand joint structure
and function. Cartilage in the joints acts as a shock absorber to cushion the
blows of daily wear and tear. Joint cartilage is made of a unique connective
tissue that consists of collagen and proteoglycans. Collagen is a strong,
fibrous, insoluble protein. Proteoglycans are large, carbohydrate-rich protein
chains made up of 95 percent polysaccharides and 5 percent protein called
glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). GAGs are composed of repeating two-sugar units
(disaccharides) that contain glucosamine sulfate and other amino sugars.
Surrounding the joint cartilage is synovial fluid, which contains many
substances including its chief component, hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid forms
the backbone of other proteoglycans and is responsible for the thickness of
synovial fluid as well as its lubricating and shock-absorbing properties.
Synovial fluid also provides nutrients for the joint cartilage.
Glucosamine sulfate is a normal constituent of glycosaminoglycans in cartilage
and synovial fluid. In essence, glucosamine sulfate provides important building
blocks for cartilage production. Laboratory studies suggest that glucosamine may
also function to stimulate production of cartilage-building proteins. It is also
thought that the sulfate portion of the molecule contributes to the efficacy of
glucosamine sulfate in the synovial fluid by providing the elemental sulfur
needed for strengthening cartilage and aiding glycosaminoglycan synthesis.1,2,3
Glucosamine sulfate has been the subject of research for over twenty years.
Clinical trials as well as experimental studies have repeatedly supported the
efficacy of oral glucosamine sulfate in supporting joint function. In one large
open trial, over 1200 people took oral glucosamine sulfate for periods ranging
from 36 to 64 days. In this multi-center trial, ninety-five percent of the
subjects experienced greater joint comfort and increased mobility. The
physicians reported "good" results in 59%, and "sufficient" results in 36%.
Furthermore, the improvements in joint health lasted for up to three months
after the glucosamine sulfate was discontinued.3
Promotes optimal joint comfort, function and flexibility*
Boswellia serrata (Indian frankincense) has been used for centuries in the
Indian Ayurvedic system of a substance used in managing discomfort to maintain healthy joints. Even today, this
is one of the primary uses for this plant in Ayurvedic a substance used in managing discomfort. Boswellic acids
have been shown to support healthy joint tissue, maintain circulation to joints,
enhance joint mobility, and promote joint comfort in animal models without known
side effects. 4
Boswellin is an extract rich in boswellic acids. Boswellic acids are potent
modulators of enzymes involved in leukotriene synthesis in vitro, promoting a
healthy balanced production of these components of the Defense mechanism of body.5 Healthy
leukotriene balance can lead to enhanced joint function. A human clinical study
was conducted to assess the effects of supplementation with a formula containing
Boswellia, Curcumin and other nutrients on joint function. In this double-blind
placebo-controlled crossover trial, participants were randomly assigned to
receive the herbal formulation or a placebo for 3 months. Following this 3-month
period, the Favorable Effectss were reversed for an additional 3 months. The results
showed that while each group was receiving the herbal formulation, they had
superior joint function and a greater sense of joint comfort when compared to
the placebo groups.6 Other trials lend further support to Boswellia’s ability to
promote healthy joint function.4,6,7
Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that has known free radical scavenging
activity. This activity of Curcumin is thought to play a major part in its role
as a joint protective nutrient. In fact, the numerous beneficial effects
attributed of whole turmeric are thought to stem in large measure from the
antioxidant properties of curcuminoids. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals,
which are highly unstable molecules that can damage cellular structures through
abnormal oxidative reactions. Curcumin is not toxic to cells, even at high
concentrations. Pure Curcumin was shown to be less protective than a mixture of
curcuminoids, indicating a possible synergism among the curcuminoids.8
Curcumin demonstrates several other in vitro effects linked to free radical
scavenging. Curcumin scavenges nitric oxide, a compound associated with the
body’s inflammatory response.9 Curcumin also demonstrates in vitro inhibition of
certain enzymes involved in promoting inflammatory reactions in the body.
Together these results strongly suggest that Curcumin is a potent bioprotectant
with a potentially wide range of therapeutic applications.9,10,11
Preliminary human trials have assessed the therapeutic potential of Curcumin,
with results that verify the traditional use of turmeric as an herb to enhance
joint health. In a short-term double-blind, cross-over, comparative study,
eighteen people were randomized to receive Curcumin (1200 mg daily) or an
alternative therapy for two-week periods. The participants in the Curcumin
groups were shown to produce measurable enhancements in joint flexibility and
walking time.12 Research suggests that Curcumin and Boswellia work extremely
well in combination to benefit joint health and mobility, as trials combining
both nutrients have yielded highly positive results.
Bioperine-Nature’s Absorption Enhancer Boosts Nutrient Absorption*
Traditional Ayurvedic herbal formulas often include black pepper or long pepper
as synergistic herbs. The active ingredient in both black pepper and long pepper
is the alkaloid, piperine. Experiments carried out to evaluate the scientific
basis for the use of peppers have shown that piperine significantly enhances
bioavailability when consumed with other substances.13 Several double-blind
clinical studies have confirmed that Bioperine increases absorption of
nutrients.14
Curcumin is known to be poorly absorbed in the intestinal tract when used on its
own, thereby limiting its therapeutic effectiveness. Oral doses are largely
excreted in feces, and only trace amounts appear in the bloodstream. However, a
study has shown that concomitant administration of 20 mg of piperine with 2
grams of Curcumin was able to enhance Curcumin bioavailability by an astounding
2000%. 15 These results speak to the wisdom of including a small amount of
Bioperine in the formulation to ensure nutrient bioavailability.
Sustained Release – For lasting joint comfort and convenient dosing
To ensure that the body can utilize all of the joint health-enhancing nutrients
effectively, Best Joint Support featuring ArthriBlend-SR has been designed to
have a sustained release delivery system. The nutrients are released over a
longer period of time, maximizing absorption and providing the comfort-enhancing
properties in a sustained manner. This unique delivery system allows the product
to be taken just twice daily while maintaining its efficacy throughout the day.
Scientific References
1. Vidal y Plana, R.R., Bizzarri, D., Rovati, A.L. Articular cartilage
pharmacology: I. In vitro studies on glucosamine and non-steroidal
antiinflammatory drugs. Pharmacological Research Communications 1978;
10(6):557-569.
2. Tapadinhas M.J., Rivera, I.C. Bignamini, A.A. Oral glucosamine sulphate in
the management of arthrosis: report on a multi-centre open investigation in
Portugal. Pharmatherpeutica 1982; 3(3):157-68.
3. 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. Current Medical Research and Opinion 1982; 8(3):145-149.
4. Kimmatkar N, Thawani V, Hingorani L, Khiyani R. Efficacy and tolerability of
Boswellia serrata extract in Favorable Effects of Discomfort of weight bearing Joints of knee--a randomized
double blind placebo controlled trial. Phytoa substance used in managing discomfort. 2003 Jan;10(1):3-7.
5. Safayhi, H., Mack, T., Sabieraj, J., Anazodo, M.I., Subramanian, L.R., and
Ammon, H.P.T. (1992) Boswellic acids: Novel, specific, nonredox inhibitors of
5-lipoxygenase. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 261(3), 1143-1146.
6. Boswellia serrata. Alternative a substance used in managing discomfort Review Monographs – Volume One. 2002.
7. Kulkarni RR, Patki PS, Jog VP, Gandage SG, Patwardhan B. Favorable Effects of
Discomfort of weight bearing Joints with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind,
placebo-controlled, cross-over study. J Ethnopharmacol. 1991
May-Jun;33(1-2):91-5.
8. Majeed, M., Badmaev, V., Shivakumar, U., Rajendran, R. Curcuminoids:
Antioxidant Phytonutrients. 1995. Piscataway, NJ: NutriScience Publishers.
9. Snow, J.M. Herbal Monograph: Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae). The Protocol
Journal of Botanical a substance used in managing discomfort, Autumn 1995:43-46.
10. Rao, S., Rao, M.N.A. Nitric oxide scavenging by curcuminoids. J Pharm.
Pharmacol. 1997;49:105-7.
11. Ramsewak, R.S., DeWitt, D.L., Nair, M.G. Cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and
anti-inflammatory activities of Curcumins I-III from Curcuma longa.
Phytoa substance used in managing discomfort 2000;7(4):303-308.
12. Deodhar, S.D., Sethi, R. Srimal. R.C. Preliminary study on antirheumatic
activity of curcumin (diferoyl methane). Indian J Med Res 1980;71:632-34.
13. Atal, C., Zutshi, U., Rao, P. Scientific evidence on the role of Ayurvedic
herbals on bioavailability of drugs. Journal of Ethnopharmacology
1981;4:229-232.
14. Bioperine–Nature's Bioavailability Enhancing Thermonutrient. Executive
Summary. 1996; Sabinsa Corporation, Piscataway, N.J.
15. Shoba, G., et al. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin
in animals and human volunteers. Planta Medica 1998;64(4):353-6.
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