Antioxidant botanicals for joint support

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 52 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis—that's 23 percent of the entire adult population. The joint nutraceuticals glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid (HA) are agents that work well for joint support, but sometimes more intensive support is needed. Many herbs and botanical extracts have shown great promise in supporting joint health. Studies show a potent blend of these herbal extracts can provide tissue support benefits and relief from minor pain while supporting healthy joints and muscle tissue.

Botanicals can aid in the relief of muscular pain following intense exercise and provide antioxidants to help protect connective tissue from the damaging effect of free radicals. Devils claw extract, Boswellia serrata extract, turmeric root extract, bromelain, green tea, quercitin, grape seed extract, ginger and phellodendron have all been shown to exert a powerful influence for joint support.

Antioxidants are substances that fight free radicals—compounds in the body that can damage cells, DNA and cause cell death.

Green tea contains a high concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, which can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause (Cell Biophys. 1989 Apr;14(2):175-85).

Quercetin belongs to a group of plant pigments called flavonoids, antioxidants that give many fruits, flowers and vegetables their color. In combination with other joint botanicals, it has been shown to impact muscle recovery and joint inflammation on tissues compromised by inflammation and its impact on muscle recovery (Nutr J. 2011 Sep 7;10:90. DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-10-90).

Grape seed extract is one of the richest sources of antioxidants, including proanthocyanidins, that reduces the toxic effects of oxidative stress. Grape seed extract may be as much as 50 times more potent that vitamin E and 20 times more potent than vitamin C as an antioxidant (Int J Mol Sci. 2010;11(2):622-646).

An increasing body of knowledge continues to substantiate the use of botanical approaches to support joint health. These approaches are now readily and economically available. The right ingredients in the right proportion can help support healthy joint function and structure.

This post is excerpted from an article in INSIDER’s botanicals digital magazine. Click here to download the issue.

Jack Grogan is chief science officer for Uckele Health & Nutrition. He is an expert in hair mineral analysis, a tool in determining the causes of nutritional imbalances or deficiencies. With considerable experience in the fields of biology, biochemistry and nutrition, he has been influential in the development of hundreds of proprietary nutritional formulas and programs. Uckele Health & Nutrition has formulated a full spectrum of quality nutritional supplements for contract and private label clients for over 50 years.