Miller
- Glucosamine Sulphate
Glucosamine is popularly used to support joint function, particularly against the general wear and tear of cartilage, and has become one of the world’s leading food supplements for the treatment of arthritis.
Although glucosamine is naturally produced by the human body, supplements have become popular dietary supports to replenish the body’s natural supply. There are two main types of glucosamine in supplement form; glucosamine sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride.
To date, glucosamine sulphate is the most widely used and extensively studied, while glucosamine hydrochloride is a vegetarian alternative for which the emerging evidence is promising. There is some evidence that glucosamine supplements can help to:
- Improve pain and joint function in people with osteoarthritis, particularly of the knee or hip
- Slow the degradation of joint cartilage and the progression of age-related joint conditions
- Glucosamine is an amino sugar which plays an important role in the body’s production of glycosaminoglycan’s and glycoproteins. These are the essential building blocks of joint ligaments, tendons, cartilage and synovial fluid.
- Glucosamine is a very popular supplement that may contribute to the support of health joints.
- Glucosamine is naturally occurring in our bodies and is needed for the production of various joint tissues.
- Although it is not currently known how glucosamine works, scientists believe glucosamine increases the availability of substrates for building joint tissues and reduces inflammatory markers that breakdown collagen.
- Glucosamine is a safe supplement to take, with only minor side-effects noted by some people.
- Glucosamine comes in two different forms, sulphate or hydrochloride. Glucosamine sulphate is the more researched form, but is not suitable for people aiming to reduce salt intake, vegetarians, or individuals with a seafood allergy.
- The majority of people feel a benefit after a few weeks of daily glucosamine provision.
- With regards to dosage, most people take between 1,500 and 3,000mg per day. It is recommended that glucosamine is taken at meal times.
- Glucosamine is popularly taken with chondroitin and other nutrients such as vitamin C and calcium, which have important roles in bone and joint health.
- Rose hip Extract
It is the part of the rose flower just below the petals that contains the rose plant seeds. It has been used for osteoarthritis and contains vitamin C.
People use rose hip for osteoarthritis and pain after surgery. It is also used for many other conditions.
Uses & Effectiveness
- Osteoarthritis. Taking rose hip by mouth, alone or with other natural medicines, can reduce pain and stiffness and improve function in people with osteoarthritis.
- Pain after surgery. Taking a single dose of rose hip extract by mouth right before a C-section helps to reduce pain and the need for pain medications after surgery.
- Chondroitin Sulphate
Chondroitin sulfate reduces pain, increases joint mobility, and promotes healing within the joints. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a major component of the lining of joints
Chondroitin sulfate (CS) being a natural glycosaminoglycan is found in the cartilage and extracellular matrix. It shows clinical benefits in symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the finger, knee, hip joints, low back, facial joints and other diseases due to its anti-inflammatory activity. It also helps in OA by providing resistance to compression, maintaining the structural integrity, homeostasis, slows breakdown and reduces pain in sore muscles. It is most often used in combination with glucosamine to treat OA.
Chondroitin sulfate is a chemical found in human and animal cartilage. It is commonly used by mouth with glucosamine or other ingredients for osteoarthritis.
Chondroitin sulfate is one of the building blocks of cartilage. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the joints breaks down. Taking chondroitin sulfate might slow this breakdown. It is usually manufactured from animal sources, such as shark and cow cartilage. It can also be made in a lab.
Chondroitin sulfate is used for osteoarthritis and cataracts. It is often used together with other ingredients, including manganese ascorbate, hyaluronic acid, collagen peptides, or glucosamine. Chondroitin sulfate is also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- Boswellia Serrata Extract
Studies show that Boswellia may reduce inflammation and may be useful in treating the following conditions:
Because Boswellia is an effective anti-inflammatory, it can be an effective painkiller and may prevent the loss of cartilage. Some studies have found that it may even be useful in treating certain cancers, such as leukemia and breast cancer.
Boswellia may interact with and decrease the effects of anti-inflammatory medications.
How Boswellia works:
Some research shows that boswellic acid can prevent the formation of leukotrienes in the body. Leukotrienes are molecules that have been identified as a cause of inflammation. They may trigger asthma symptoms.
Four acids in Boswellia resin contribute to the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties. These acids inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), an enzyme that produces leukotriene. Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is thought to be the most powerful of the four boswellic acids. However, other research suggests other boswellic acids are responsible for the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties. Boswellia products are generally rated on their concentration of boswellic acids.
On OA
One 2003 study published in the journalPhytomedicine found that all 30 people with OA knee pain who received boswellia reported a decrease in knee pain. They also reported an increase in knee flexion and how far they could walk.
Newer studies support the continued use of boswellia for OA.
Another study, funded by a boswellia production company, found that increasing the dosage of enriched boswellia extract led to an increase in physical ability. OA knee pain decreased after 90 days with the boswellia product, compared to a lesser dosage and placebo. It also helped reduce the levels of a cartilage-degrading enzyme.
On RA
Studies on the usefulness of boswellia in RA treatment have shown mixed results. An older study published in the Journal of Rheumatology found that boswellia helps to reduce RA joint swelling. Some research suggests that boswellia may interfere with the autoimmune process, which would make it an effective therapy for RA. Further research supports the effective anti-inflammatory and immune-balancing properties
- Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme mixture that people can extract from the stem or fruit of the pineapple plant Ananas comosus. Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes that have active effects in the body. The active ingredients in bromelain include proteinases and proteases, which are enzymes that break down proteins in the body.
Treating osteoarthritis
People commonly use bromelain supplements to improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
A 2004 review of clinical studiesTrusted Source found that bromelain is a useful treatment for osteoarthritis, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory effects. The researchers say that further research is needed into the effectiveness and suitable dosages.
Anti-inflammatory effects
According to a 2016 review of studies, research in cell and animal models has suggested that bromelain can reduce certain compounds associated with cancer inflammation and tumor growth.
Bromelain also may help stimulate a healthy immune system to release inflammation-fighting immune system compounds.
The review also suggests that bromelain can reduce transforming growth factor beta, which is a compound associated with inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and osteomyelofibrosis.
Anticancer effects
Bromelain may have anticancer effects both on cancer cells and by improving inflammation in the body and boosting the immune system, according to a 2010 reviewTrusted Source in the journal Cancer Letters.
However, the NIH say thatTrusted Source there is currently not enough evidence to suggest that bromelain has any effects on cancer.
Enhancing digestion
Some people take bromelain to relieve stomach upset and the symptoms of digestive disorders. Due to its inflammation-reducing properties, some people use it as an adjunct therapy to treat inflammatory bowel disorders.
The NIH state thatTrusted Source there is not enough evidence for using bromelain to aid digestion.
Animal studies have suggested that bromelain can reduce the effects of some bacteria that affect the intestine, such as Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholera. These are both common causes of diarrhea.
Weight loss
Some supplement manufacturers are marketing bromelain as a weight loss aid. They state that the enzymes in bromelain can increase the speed at which the body digests fats.
However, there is little research to suggest that bromelain could help a person lose weight.
- Type ll Collagen
Type II collagen is a fibrillar protein made up of 3 long chains of amino acids that form a tightly packed network of fibrils and fibers. It is the main component of cartilage in the body. It consists of dry weight and collagens. Type II collagen is what gives cartilage its tensile strength and elasticity, thereby enabling it to support the joints. It helps in the binding process with the help of fibronectin and other collagens.
Benefits of hydrolyzed type II collagen support joint health?
Many people around the world suffer with some kind of joint condition, the most common being Osteoarthritis (OA). Sufferers of joint conditions typically present with discomfort and reduced mobility in the affected joint(s).
The latest research shows that OA is driven by inflammation in the joint. This inflammation has a cascade effect which eventually leads to a breakdown of the cartilage matrix1,2,3.
Taking type II collagen peptides as a supplement can help people protect their joints by reducing the inflammation and, thereby extending the durability of their joints.
Type II collagen peptide supplementation in summary
Hydrolyzed type II collagen is widely recognised as being a key ingredient in leading-edge supplements for joint health.
- Because it is hydrolyzed it can be absorbed by the body
- It’s highly bioactive and bioavailable
- It can protect cartilages from degenerationfrom wear and tear
- Promotes cartilage lubrication
- Reduces inflammation in the synovial fluid
- Protection of bones at the joints
There’s a growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating type II collagen’s ability to help reduce discomfort and improve mobility for those people with joint conditions; it can also help protect the joints for those people who are conscious of joint health and wish to actively protect their joints.
- Selenium Citrate
Selenium is a vital mineral for the human body that has numerous roles.
What is selenium used for? It increases immunity, takes part in antioxidant activity, defends against free radical damage and inflammation, and plays a key role in maintaining a healthy metabolism.
According to studies, consuming foods with selenium — such as Brazil nuts, eggs, liver, tuna, cod and sunflower seeds and/or taking a daily selenium supplement can have positive antiviral effects, support fertility and reproduction, and may even reduce the risk of some types of cancer, autoimmune diseases and thyroid disorders.
- Turmeric
- Quercetin
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
- Methionine
- Hyaluronic acid
- Vitamin D3