CT Joint Care

Connective tissue and joint support complex

• Supports healthy inflammatory response
• Promotes joint flexibility, function and comfort
• Helps reduce minor pain

Unique Properties
Patient One CT Joint Care supplies a blend of traditional herbs along with flavonoids and enzymes that support joint comfort. This formula provides Turmeric, Boswellia, Ginger, Devils Claw and Yucca extracts along with Quercetin and Bromelain. Black pepper extract is included to support enhanced absorption of turmeric. CT Joint Cares combination of ingredients is formulated to reduce minor pain and maintain a healthy inflammatory response.

Key Ingredients

Turmeric Extract and Bioperine® Black Pepper Extract
Turmeric’s active constituent curcumin acts as an orchestrator of whole body inflammatory responses, influencing pro-inflammatory COX enzymes, their transcription factors and gene expression. However, it has been found that the therapeutic effectiveness of curcumin is often limited due to its poor absorption from the GI tract. When taken orally only traces appear in the blood, whereas most of the dose is excreted though the feces. Our formula includes Bioperine®, a patented extract derived from the common black pepper fruit that contains the alkaloid piperine. Black pepper has been shown to enhance the bioavailability and promote absorption of curcumin both in pre-clinical studies and in studies on human volunteers.

After a dose of curcumin, human serum levels of curcumin were either undetectable or very low. When the same dose was given along with piperine, there was a 2000% increase in the bioavailability of the curcumin without adverse effects.

Boswellia serrata Extract
An ayurvedic herb, Boswellia serratas principle constituents—boswellic acid and alpha-boswellic acid—may help maintain healthy leukotriene metabolism by reducing the activity of the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, Boswellia extract produced statistically significant and clinically relevant decreases in knee discomfort, increases in knee flexion, and increases in walking distance.

Bromelain and Quercetin
Bromelain, an enzyme extracted from the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant, helps modulate the inflammatory response. Its anti-inflammatory action is in part a result of inhibiting the generation of bradykinin at the inflammatory site via depletion of the plasma kallikrein system, as well as limiting the formation of fibrin by reduction of clotting cascade intermediates. Research suggests that bromelain reduces leukocyte migration into inflamed areas and prevents firm adhesion of leukocytes to blood vessels at the site of inflammation.

Bromelain also has been found to enhance the absorption of quercetin, an active bioflavonoid also included in this formula. Quercetin, which belongs to a class of water-soluable plant pigments that cannot be produced in the human body, supports healthy mast cell function. It has been found to moderate pro-inflammatory pathways by inhibiting inducible ICAM-1 expression.

Devils Claw Extract
Devils claw supports immune mediator activity. It promotes both healthy cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase enzyme activity. Devil’s claw is included to provide added support for joint flexibility, function and comfort, in part by maintaining healthy eicosanoid metabolism. A review of 12 human studies indicates that devil’s claw may reduce mild pain to promote musculoskeletal comfort and function.

Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)
Used since antiquity, Zingiber officinale contains phytochemicals and has been studied for its effects on inflammatory mediator biosynthesis. The anti-inflammatory effect of ginger has been scientifically proven by its potential inhibitory effect in reducing prostaglandin synthesis and leukotriene biosynthesis. It has demonstrated therapeutic benefits for rheumatoid arthritis, muscular aches, pains and sprains, among other ailments.

Yucca (Yucca schidigera)
A medicinal plant native to Mexico, Yucca schidigera contains several physiologically active phytochemicals. Used in traditional medicine by Native Americans, it is believed to have anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects. Yucca is a rich source of steroidal saponins, and it has been postulated that saponins may have anti-arthritic properties by suppressing intestinal protozoa which may have a role in joint inflammation. Yucca is also a rich source of polyphenolics, including resveratrol and a number of other stilbenes, which have anti-inflammatory activity.

References

1. Jurenka JS. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research. Altern Med Rev. 2009 Jun;14(2):141-53. [PMID: 19594223]
2. Shoba G, Joy D, Joseph T, et al. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Med. 1998 May; 64 (4):353-6. [PMID: 9619120]
3. Safayhi H, Boden SE, Schweizer S, et al. Concentration-dependent potentiating and inhibitory effects of Boswellia extract on 5-Lipoxygenase product formation in stimulated PMNL. Planta Med. 2000 Mar;66(2):110-3. [PMID: 10763581]
4. Kimmatkar N, Thawani V, Hingorani L, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee—a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2003 Jan;10(1):3-7. [PMID: 12622457]
5. Lakhanpal, P, Rai DK. Quercetin: A Versatile Flavonoid. IJMU. 2007 Jul- Dec;2(2):22-37.
6. Bito T, Roy S, Sen CK, et al. Flavonoids differentially regulate IFN gamma- induced ICAM-1 expression in human keratinocytes: molecular mechanisms of action. FEBS Lett. 2002 Jun 5;520(1-3):145-52. [PMID: 12044887]
7. PR Cheeke, S Piacente and W Oleszek. Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of yucca schidigera: A review. Journal of Inflammation2006, 3:6.