OA-MATRIX by Cytomatrix

Each capsule contains: 250 mg glucosamine sulphate, 50 mg chondroitin sulphate, 200 mg methyl sulfonyl methane(MSM), 70 mg tumeric, 80 mg boswellia serrata extract, 100 mg picrorhiza kurroa extract.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the synovial joints in which a progressive loss of the normal structure and function of the articular cartilage occurs. The main symptoms associated with this disease are pain, stiffness and disability.

One of the key components necessary for the structure of the cartilage is glucosamine sulphate (GS). Occurring naturally in the body, this aminosaccharide is used to form specialized molecules called glycosaminoglycan, a component of proteoglycan, and an important constituent of the extracellular matrix of articular cartilage.

Another major constituent of cartilage is chondroitin sulphate (CS). CS provides structure by holding water, nutrients and allowing other molecules to move through cartilage. This is particularly important for cartilage tissue because there is no blood supply to cartilage that would otherwise allow for this function.

In a degenerative joint disease, such as OA, cartilage erodes thereby diminishing glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate. Glucosamine sulphate in OA-Matrix is stabilized with potassium to avoid the addition of excess sodium to the diet.

Symptomatic Relief: Studies in the early 1980's indicated that patients with OA of the knee reported gradual and progressive reduction of articular pain and tenderness, and improvement in the range of motion when administered GS as compared to placebo. A recent four-week double blind placebo controlled trial by Muller-Fassbender & colleagues; of 200 patients with the second week of treatment. Adverse events were reported in 35% of the ibuprofen group, but in only 6% of the GS group with fewer dropouts. Similarly, CS has demonstrated pain reduction and improved joint function in clinical trials.

Anti-inflammatory: Extracts of ayurvedic herbs such as picrorhiza kurroa, boswellia serrata and tumeric have traditionally been used in part for the demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin, the constituent of the rhizome of tumeric possesses anti-inflammatory activity, which may be due to the leukotriene inhibition. The selective influence of picrorhiza on membrane linked activation events in inflammatory effector cells could be the basis for the anti-inflammatory properties of picrorhiza kurroa. In vitro testing indicates that boswellia blocks the synthesis of pro-inflammatory 5-lipoxygenase products, including 5-hydroxyeicosatetraneonic acid (5-HETE) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4). Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane (MSM) has also been gaining attention for its anti-inflammatory properties and research is on going. There are no documented adverse side effects related to the aforementioned compounds when used at the recommended dosages.

Consult your health care practitioner when supplementing with any natural products.

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