Tumeric / Curcumin:

Turmeric contains curcuminoids, which are bioactive compounds, and curcumin is one of these curcuminoid compounds. ... While turmeric contains only 2 – 9% curcuminoids, 75% of these active curcuminoids are curcumin, which is why curcumin is the “star” of turmeric.

In the U.S., turmeric is best known as a spice. It's one of the main components of curry powder. In India and other parts of Asia, turmeric is used to treat many health conditions. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and perhaps even anticancer properties.

 Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica* extracts compared with ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a multicenter study

*Curcuma domestica is the same thing as Curcuma longa, which is used in ARTHRO-EASE

 

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in pain reduction and functional improvement.

Conclusion: C. domestica extracts are as effective as ibuprofen for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The side effect profile was similar but with fewer gastrointestinal AE reports in the C. domestica extracts group.

 

 

 

Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Abstract

We systemically evaluated all RCTs**  of turmeric extracts and curcumin for treating arthritis symptoms to elucidate the efficacy of curcuma for alleviating the symptoms of arthritis.

In conclusion, these RCTs provide scientific evidence that supports the efficacy of turmeric extract (about 1000 mg/day of curcumin)***  in the treatment of arthritis.

**Randomized Controlled Trials – considered the best scientific studies available

***Curcumin is very poorly absorbed by our bodies, and that is why the dose of it is very high in these studies. ARTHRO-EASE contains a lower total dose of curcumin, but it is mixed with Bioperine, which significantly increases the absorption of the Curcumin and can make up for the small difference in total dose.

 

 

 

 

BIOPERINE

BioPerine in a Nutshell

BioPerine is researched, pioneered, and created by Sabinsa, a health and wellness company founded in 1988. Holding more than 260 patents around the world in the nutraceutical industry, Sabinsa developed BioPerine as a nutritional supplement that offers a better, safer, more powerful, and more accessible way to enjoy the health benefits associated with the chemical ingredients in black pepper that are beneficial to the human body.

Where Does BioPerine Come From?

BioPerine is a patented extract obtained from black pepper fruits. BioPerine provides a standardized amount of piperine, the bioactive ingredient in black pepper, to a minimum of 95 percent.

Anti-Inflammatory Agent

Inflammation is a leading cause of pain and discomfort. Whether from injury, illness, or joint conditions like arthritis, inflammation can be treated by anti-inflammatory agents, and the role of the piperine present in black pepper, and therefore BioPerine as a powerful piperine extract, as an anti-inflammatory agent has been well researched.

High Antioxidant Activity

BioPerine is a high-level antioxidant, capable of eliminating free radicals within the body and help prevent the damage these free radicals can cause. In fact, studies have shown that black pepper extracts are effective in reducing free radical damage.

Why Is BioPerine Used With Curcumin?

As a piperine extract, BioPerine is uniquely suited to give curcumin, the bioactive ingredient in turmeric, a major boost when it comes to bioavailability. In fact, studies have shown that taking piperine in conjunction with curcumin can increase the latter’s bioavailability by as much as 2000 percent!

 

Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine sulfate is a natural sugar found in and around the fluid and tissues that cushion your joints. This tissue is called cartilage.

Why do people take glucosamine sulfate?

Glucosamine sulfate is a widely used supplement that may help ease pain in people with osteoarthritis.

 

Scientists have been studying glucosamine sulfate alone, and together with another supplement called chondroitin, for many years. Research results have been conflicting.

Some studies show the supplement reduces knee pain in people with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis. However, it doesn't seem to work as well in people who:

  • Have mild knee pain
  • Have had the condition for a long time
  • Are overweight

The supplement seems to reduce pain as much as ibuprofen. But it doesn't work as fast. It can take four to eight weeks for glucosamine sulfate to ease pain.

Some studies show that glucosamine sulfate may also work for:

A study in men also suggests that glucosamine sulfate may help a person bend and flex the knee better after a sudden knee injury. Glucosamine may also slow the progression of osteoarthritis. but the studies are mixed.

 

The majority of the articles can be summarized with three points.

  1. The combination of glucosamine and chrondroitin does not appear to have any more benefit than either one alone, and together they may be less active compared to their individual effects.
  1. In several studies, pain and swelling were decreased (WOMAC scale), but there were just as many studies that found no effect. If there was a beneficial effect, according to most articles, it was at long-term, taking effect at 3, 6, or 9 months. As far as safety goes, the use of glucosamine or chondroitin is equal to a placebo.
  1. Glucosamine sulfate was more effective in most studies than glucosamine chloride as far as lowering pain scores.

 

MSM

MSM is a chemical in animals, humans, and many plants. People use it most often to try to treat arthritis.

Why do people take MSM?

People take MSM by mouth or apply it to the skin, mostly using it to lessen inflammation.

They take MSM to try to relieve pain or swelling from:

There is evidence that MSM in combination with other supplements may help a bit with the pain and swelling of knee osteoarthritis. Also, early animal research shows some promise for decreasing joint degeneration.

 

 

Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled study

 

Conclusions

Patients with OA of the knee taking MSM for 12 weeks showed an improvement in pain and physical function.

 

 

BOSWELLIA

Overview

Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is an herbal extract taken from the Boswellia serrata tree.

Resin made from boswellia extract has been used for centuries in Asian and African folk medicine. It’s believed to treat chronic inflammatory illnesses as well as a number of other health conditions. Boswellia is available as a resin, pill, or cream.

 

 

 

Benefits of antioxidant supplements for knee osteoarthritis: rationale and reality

 

Recommendations

This review shows that there is some evidence for benefits of antioxidant supplements in pain relief and function in knee OA. These supplements with the most evidence include curcumin, avocado-soya bean unsaponifiables, Boswellia and several preparations used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. These should be tested further and used, at least, to decrease the use of NSAIDs which have more adverse effects.

 

GINGER

Ginger is a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia. It’s among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet.

It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and it’s closely related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal.

Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It’s been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few of its purposes.

The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol.

Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger. It’s responsible for much of ginger’s medicinal properties.

 

Health benefits of ginger that are supported by scientific research:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common health problem.

It involves degeneration of the joints in the body, leading to symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness.

One literature review found that people who used ginger to treat their OA saw significant reductions in pain and disability (17).

Another study from 2011 found that a combination of topical ginger, mastic, cinnamon, and sesame oil can help reduce pain and stiffness in people with OA of the knee.

In addition, Ginger:

  1. Can treat many forms of nausea;
  2. May help with weight loss;
  3. May drastically lower blood sugars and improve heart disease risk factors
  4. Can help treat chronic indigestion;
  5. May significantly reduce menstrual pain;
  6. May help lower cholesterol levels
  7. Contains a substance that may help prevent cancer;
  8. May improve brain function and help fight against Alzheimer’s Disease;
  9. Can help fight infections, especially oral infection like gingivitis and peridontitis

Efficacy and safety of ginger in osteoarthritis patients: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials (2015)

 

Discussion

Based on the empirical evidence, our data supports that oral ginger is able to reduce pain and disability in OA4