Chebulic Myrobalan Extract Improves Joint Discomfort?
Natreon’s AyuFlex ingredient was found to significantly reduce joint discomfort in subjects aged 40–70, according to a new study.
Photo © iStockphoto.com/Raycat
A new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study suggests a chebulic myrobalan (Terminalia chebula) extract may be effective at improving joint discomfort. Researchers found that 500 mg of AyuFlex Terminalia chebula from Natreon (New Brunswick, NJ) produced statistically significant improvements to knee discomfort compared to placebo and other treatments studied.
Additionally, researchers also found that Chrominex, a proprietary chromium complex supplied by Natreon, also offered significant improvements to knee discomfort, although to a lesser degree than 500 mg of AyuFlex.
The study included 100 subjects aged 40–70 who complained of suffering from joint discomfort for at least six months. For twelve weeks, subjects were randomized to consume one of five treatment options: 500 mg AyuFlex twice daily, 250 mg AyuFlex twice daily, 500 mg AyuFlex twice daily plus 400 µg Chrominex once daily, 400 µg Chrominex once daily, or placebo.
To assess joint discomfort, researchers used the modified Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (mWOMAC) and knee swelling index (KSI), as well as a visual analog scale to provide a subjective assessment of pain, stiffness, and disability. These outcomes were measured at baseline and every four weeks from start to finish of the study period.
Researchers found that every experimental treatment group experienced significant reductions in mWOMAC scores, KSI, and VAS scores for pain, stiffness, and disability when compared to baseline and placebo. But the outcome parameters for the 500-mg AyuFlex group were found to be statistically higher than all other treatment groups, with a 36% reduction in mWOMAC scores for this group observed over the course of the study, compared to a 4.52% reduction in the placebo group.
Interestingly, a treatment group given both Chrominex and AyuFlex was included in the study to learn if there was an enhanced reduction of joint discomfort as a result of the combination. But researchers found that “the predicted synergism of their combination was not observed.”
As far as the different doses of AyuFlex, there was found to be a linear, dose-dependent effect on joint discomfort. The 500-mg AyuFlex group was also found to use the least amount of rescue medications of all the treatment groups.
“Due to its positive safety profile and ability to improve joint discomfort, AyuFlex may be a good choice for acute or chronic painful ailments, especially in patients who may be at higher risk for gastrointestinal or renal complications,” Natreon said, in a statement sharing the study results. By comparison, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), one of the most prevalent treatments for acute and chronic pain conditions, may carry a risk of gastrointestinal toxicity and renal impairments, Natreon noted.
Read more:
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Michael Crane
Associate Editor
Nutritional Outlook Magazine
michael.crane@ubm.com
References:
Chandrasekhar N et al., “A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group clinical study to evaluate the analgesic effect of aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula, a proprietary chromium complex, and their combination in subjects with joint discomfort,” Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, vol. 9, no. 3 (February 2016): 264–269
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