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Posted by Elaine Moore Feb 19, 2007 |
The benefits of chronroitin sulfate, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and glucosamine for joint health are well known. But unfortunately, these compounds are slow-acting and sometimes it can take several weeks to several months before improvement is seen. For patients seeking faster relief from arthritic pain, including patients with autoimmune rheumatologic disorders, several new nutritional compounds are available.
The newest products available for reducing joint pain include nutraceuticals that restore healthy joint function and structure, relieve inflammation and provide immediate pain relief. Used in conjunction with the other slower-acting joint supplements such as MSM previously mentioned, these compounds include:
- Keratin, a compound that stimulates healthy new joint tissue while offering antioxidant protection.
- Hyaluronic Acid, a naturally-occurring component of connective joint tissue formerly available only by prescription in which case it was injected directly into joints.
- Korean angelica, an herbal extract that targets the central nervous system, reducing pain without the side effects associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
- Boswellia, an ancient herb recently introduced in the form of 5-LOXIN, which effectively reduces pain and inflammation without the side effects associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. For more information on boswellia, see autoimmunedisease.suite101.com/blog.cfm/boswellia_reduces_inflammation.
Keratin
Keratin comprises a class of fundamental proteins with a high content of the amino acid cysteine, which is rich in sulfur molecules. Sulfur is one of the major components of joint tissue. When sulfur molecules are joined together they give joint tissue the rigidity needed for weight bearing, flexibility and resilience.
Healthy joints are partially composed of biological polymers and proteoglycans rich in sulfur. Damaged and arthritic joints are characterized by impaired sulfur metabolism. This inability to incorporate sulfur efficiently leads to structural deterioration, pain, and stiffness. Besides providing essential sulfur, keratin offers antioxidant support to joint tissues and fights damage from oxidative stress and free radicals by helping with the manufacture of glutathione, one of the body’s most important antioxidant molecules.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is the primary naturally occurring polymer present in the synovial (joint) fluid that cushions joints. Hyaluronic acid creates a viscous, protective environment for joint cartilage. Formerly injected directly into joints as a means of providing temporary pain relief, hyaluronic acid supplements have been found to stimulate the body’s own production of hyaluronic acid. Increased hyaluronic acid production relieves joint pain and inflammation and promotes healing.
Korean angelica
Korean angelica (Angelica gigas Nakai) has powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Specialized forms of Korean angelica known as Decursinol-50 have been found to inhibit nuclear factor-kappa Beta, a DNA transcription factor that is activated in many inflammatory conditions. In addition Korean angelica mediates receptors for serotonin and noradrenaline, reducing the stimuli associated with inflammatory pain.
Available Preparations
Available preparations include Life Extension’s Fast-Acting Joint Formula, which provides 300 mg of solubilized keratin, 200 mg of Decursinol-50, and 40 mg of Hyal-Joint, a patented form of hyaluronic acid. For more information call 1-800-544-440 or visit www.lef.org.
Resources:
Dale Kiefer, Next-Generation Nutrients for Rapid Relief of Joint Pain, Life Extension, March 2007: 23-28.
Lee S, Lee YS, Jung SH, Anti-tumor activities of decursin angelate and decursin from Angelica gigas Arch Pharm Res, 2003 September; 26(9): 727-30.