Brand Name: Joint-Care

Product Dosage Quantity Reg Price New Price Order JOINT-CARE 120 Capsules $42.99 $39.95

If you ease the pain of osteoarthritis by taking glucosamine, there is good news. This dietary supplement, long thought to have a beneficial effect on relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis, is now starting to show additional benefits in clinical studies. Glucosamine is one of the chemical building blocks that keep connective tissue functioning properly in our joints. As we grow older, or if we experience damage to cartilage, the shock-absorbing ability of cartilage diminishes, causing painful inflammation of the joints themselves. Glucosamine essentially gives your joints an "organic lube job" by replenishing the natural building blocks that allow cartilage to support joints such as the knee. A recent analysis of seven clinical trials (all randomized and placebo-controlled) indicates that supplementing with chondroitin can markedly (by 50% or so) reduce osteoarthritis symptoms. However, design flaws in some of the studies may mean that this estimate is on the high side, according to a 2001 report in the journal Best Practice & Research. In an ongoing two-year Swiss study of 300 patients with knee arthritis, side effects from chondroitin were minimal, which may be one of its primary advantages over common NSAID drugs used to treat arthritis pain. Along with the benefits of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, research has identified specific active anti-inflammatory ingredients in Boswellin, which are commonly referred to as boswellic acids. In animal studies, these acids have been shown to significantly reduce inflammation in several ways. They deter inflammatory white cells from infiltrating damaged tissue. They improve blood flow to the joints and they also block chemical reactions that set the stage for inflammation to occur in chronic intestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Specifically, boswellia may help to ease osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Boswellia can be taken internally to relieve inflammation associated with these joint disorders. This may lessen morning stiffness and increase joint mobility. In a study of 175 patients with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, a crippling joint disease, 122 participants experienced reduced stiffness and inflammation two to four weeks after starting on a boswellia regimen. Boswellia's anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce aching and stiffness, especially when associated with low back pain. Modern research has confirmed that sea cucumber is beneficial for inflammatory diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, a rheumatic disease that affects the spine. Bromelain reduces swelling, bruising, redness, and tenderness that can result from tissue injuries or muscle aches and pains, or from surgery. In a 1995 German study, 59 people with strains and torn ligaments were given bromelain for one to three weeks; researchers found that the supplement caused a significant reduction in swelling, tenderness, and pain, both at rest and during movement. The results were comparable to those of people taking NSAIDs such as aspirin. Bromelain also has an anti-inflammatory effect on the muscles and can help excess fluid drain from the site of a muscle injury. In addition to easing the aching and stiffness of back muscles, bromelain also seems to relieve pain in chronically inflamed joints. It has been found that in some arthritis patients, smaller amounts of corticosteroids (such as prednisone) were needed when bromelain was taken at the same time. Quercetin can be used to prevent recurrent gout attacks. Taken with cherry fruit extract (as well as fresh or canned cherries), vitamin C, and possibly fish oils, quercetin may do the trick in forestalling acute attacks by lowering elevated uric acid levels--the cause of the painful attacks. The combination can be taken on a long-term basis. Curcumin provides broad-spectrum effects throughout the body. In addition to being a potent antioxidant, curcumin suppresses the enzyme COX-2. Over expression of COX-2 is related to the development of certain cancers and chronic inflammatory diseases. By suppressing COX-2 curcumin is thought to help prevent the development of colon cancer and alleviate arthritic conditions. Devils Claw another herb which is also known as Harpagophytum procumbens, has been an essential element in the back care of the people of Namibia, where the herb is grown in properly managed estates to support the local economy. A standardized extract of the Devil's Claw root that is scientifically proven to help maintain healthy and supple joints, ligaments and tendons, especially in the back through its action as a mild anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant. One recent double blind, placebo-controlled trial using 480mg Devil's Claw tablets twice daily, demonstrated the herb's joint care benefits. Otherwise healthy people in the active group, who have suffered from shoulder, neck and back pain for the at least two weeks, were found to have significantly reduced muscle pain, pain sensitivity and muscle tension after taking Devil's Claw special extract for a month. No significant side effects were reported, and benefits were recorded from as early as two weeks into the study. Finally the saponins in Yucca are a precursor of natural coritsone normally produced by the adrenal glands. This makes it a popular remedy for all kinds of inflammation, such as arthritis, rheumatism, bursitis, colitis, and other inflammatory conditions. In 1975, Dr. Robert Bingham, director of the National Arthritis Medical Clinic, tested a Yucca saponin extract on 149 patients at the California center. Most of the patients' felt less pain, stiffness, and swelling in their joints after finishing the experiment. Others also received additional benefits, such as, migraine relief, lower blood pressure, and cholesterol/triglyceride reduction. Dr. Bingham believes that the saponins aid digestion and absorption of fats. They also work as cleansing substances which help prevent absorption of harmful bacteria and protozoa from the bowel that cause the stiffness and inflammation in the joints, he says. These compounds also appear to improve circulation. Yucca is high in vitamins A, B, and C, and contains potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese and copper which make it very soothing to the intestinal tract. The plant provides nutritional support to the structural system (bones, joints, muscles).