Ginger Curcumin Joint Ease™

. . . a traditional Ayurvedic herbal formula for joints*

Doctor Formulated

• Ginger and Curcumin help reduce discomfort and swelling by blocking inflammatory pathways.1,2,3*

• Ginger and Curcumin reduce leukotriene synthesis which is a potent cause of the inflammatory response.1,4,5,6*

• Acting as an antihistamine, Ginger helps reduce soreness and swelling.7*

• Ginger is an antioxidant, protecting joints by inhibiting production of superoxide radical.8*

• Curcumin is a strong antioxidant that helps to protect joints from damaging free radicals.9*

Benefits of Ginger Curcumin Joint Ease™

Every movement of your body involves your joints. Keeping joints functioning smoothly and easily will help you feel your best. Joints are made of cartilage and synovial fluid which provide cushioning while ligaments, tendons and connective tissue hold your bones together.

Ginger has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Studies have confirmed that ginger effectively reduces joint aching and the body’s natural inflammatory response.1,8,9* Ginger helps two ways. First, Ginger inhibits production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes.1,4,9,10,11,12* These hormone-like substances circulate to the blood, causing inflammation to various parts of the body. Ginger also helps prevent the release of histamine,1,7,10 another inflammation-causing substance, by protecting a type of white blood cell from destruction by free radicals.7* When histamine is not released from the cells, inflammation, redness, swelling and pain decrease.*

Curcumin also helps reduce painful inflammatory response in two different ways.3,5* One is by inhibiting production of the powerful leukotrienes.5,6* Breaking apart fibrin deposits is another way curcumin lessens the painful inflammatory response.3,6* Some individuals have a decreased ability to break down a material called fibrin. Fibrin deposits can occur in areas of inflammation where it causes pain. Curcumin promotes the breakdown of fibrin so it will not collect in one spot.6* In a double-blinded trial, people given 1,200 mg of curcumin per day experienced less stiffness and joint swelling without experiencing any side effects.5*

Ingredient Highlights

Based on scientific research,* an effective dosage of these herbs is 500 mg to 1,300 mg of Ginger1 and 1,200 mg to 2,100 mg of Curcumin5 each day. Both Ginger and Curcumin are in the Zingiberacae family of plants.

Ginger is widely used in Oriental cooking and is also one of the eight most frequently prescribed natural remedies in China.10 Dried Ginger contains about 55-60% starch, 10% proteins, 10% fats, 5% fibers, 6% minerals, 10% moisture and 1-4% essential oils.1 The essential oil from ginger contains over 200 compounds, mostly terpenes and phenolic compounds.1 Some of these volatile substances are gingerols, shogaol, gingerones, zingiberol, zingiberene, phellandrene and dextro-camphene.10 Ginger has no reported side effects.1,13*

Turmeric, the source of Curcumin, is extensively used to color and flavor foods. Curcumin is isolated from the yellow constituents of turmeric and is a common traditional herbal medicine in Asia. In controlled studies, no side effects were reported.14* Curcumin does not cause stomach irritation or change blood chemistry and is very safe.5*

References

1. Med Hypoth 1992;39:342-8.

2. Indian J Med Res 1976;64:601.

3. Indian J Med Res 1971;59:1289-95.

4. Prostaglandins Leukot Med 1984;13:227-35.

5. Planta Med 1991;57:1-7.

6. Indian J. Med Res 1980;71:632-4

7. Medicinal Plants of China, p657, Reference Publications, 1985, Michigan

8. Med Hypoth 1989;29:25-8.

9. Prostaglandins Leukot Med 1986;25:187-98.

10. Economical and Medical Plant Research, vol 1, Academic Press, 1985, London.

11. Biochim Biochim Acta 1984;43:335s-6s.

12. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1982;30:754-7.

13. Anaesthesia 1990;45(8):669-71.

14. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1986;24:651-4.

Natural Products To Help Maintain Healthy Joints*

Every movement of your body involves your joints. Keeping joints moving smoothly and easily will help you feel your best. Joints are made of cartilage and synovial fluid which provide cushioning while ligaments, tendons and connective tissue hold your bones and muscles together.

Cartilage is dense connective tissue consisting mainly of chondroitin sulfate and is capable of withstanding large amounts of pressure. Synovial fluid is thick, lubricating fluid that surrounds joints. Ligaments are dense bands of fibrous tissue linking two bones together, forming joints. Ligaments are flexible but won’t stretch; they make joints strong and limit movement in certain directions. Tendons are made of bundles of collagen fibers that attach muscle to bone and aid in the pulling action of muscles. They also won’t stretch but are flexible.

Swollen, irritated and reddened tissue is the body's natural inflammatory response to injury. This is true whether the injury results from a cut, burn, bruise, infection, or even an autoimmune response to joint degeneration. The body's natural inflammatory response includes the release of histamine, which causes redness and swelling, and an increased supply of white blood cells. Histamine is a compound derived from the amino acid histidine, found in nearly all tissues of the body, and is released in large quantities after trauma. These changes are the body's attempt to minimize the adverse affects of injury. Often after trauma, however, this natural inflammatory response is excessive, resulting in unnecessary pain and swelling which can actually worsen and prolong the symptoms of the injury.

Drugs such as aspirin and cortisone control inflammation. However these drugs have side effects, which in some cases are worse than the inflammation itself. Fortunately, there are natural substances which reduce the natural inflammatory response with few, if any, side effects.*1

Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples. Both animal and human research show that it is well absorbed and remains relatively intact in the stomach.2, 3 When taken between meals, bromelain is especially effective in reducing many types of natural inflammatory responses, including those arising from physcal trauma, immune system reactions and prostaglandin metabolism.*1, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13

Bromelain appears to block the formation of certain prostaglandins (hormone-like substances), which trigger inflammatory responses.*1 Aspirin and related drugs do the same, but unlike aspirin, bromelain does not cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or gastrointestinal bleeding. Large doses of bromelain have been consumed without apparent toxicity5 except for uncommon allergic reactions.6 The mechanisms by which bromelain reduces the natural inflammatory responses have also been extensively validated in animals.4

Bromelain may also increase another substance called PGE1, which is a prostaglandin that reduces the body's natural inflammatory response.*7 In addition, bromelain reduces the inflammatory response in ways related to fibrin breakdown.* Fibrin is a substance that collects in inflamed areas.* Bromelain can lyse (break apart) the accumulation of fibrin, leading to a decrease in the natural inflammatory response thus reducing swelling.*8

In a double-blinded trial, swollen and irritated nasal cavities cleared up more quickly with high-potency bromelain supplements.*9 In preliminary studies, bromelain has proven effective in reducing the natural inflammatory response from joint trauma and other swollen and irritated skin problems.10,11, 12, 13

How Much Is Effective?

Bromelain "potency" is measured not by weight, but by activity as "MCUs" (milk clotting units) or "GDUs" (gelatin digesting units). The higher the number, the greater the activity. Nature's Life's bromelain supplements list weight (in milligrams) and specify activity in MCUs or GDUs so you can always be sure of an effective amount.

Activity varies widely; knowing only how much the bromelain weighs can be misleading. Research indicates that daily intake of 1,500 mg (or 3,000 GDUs; 4,500 MCUs) may be necessary to help reduce the natural inflammatory response.*4, 7, 8, 10, 11

Quercetin

Quercetin is a safe, natural bioflavonoid, found in many plants. Clinical trials have not yet validated quercetin's ability to reduce the natural inflammatory response. However, several inflammatory pathways are known to be inhibited by quercetin.*14

One of the body's triggers for the natural inflammatory response is histamine which is released from certain white blood cells when they break down. Quercetin protects white blood cells from breaking down, thus helping to reduce histamine release and decreasing swelling.*14, 15 Quercetin has also been shown to inhibit release of leukotrienes: prostaglandin-like substances which also trigger the natural inflammatory response.*16 Quercetin is recommended in all instances where the natural inflammatory response needs to be inhibited.*17

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, like bromelain, is known to lyse fibrin, and fibrin has been directly linked to the natural inflammatory response associated with aching back muscles.*18, 19 By helping to break down fibrin, vitamin C helps lessen the natural inflammatory response.*

Vitamin C is also needed for collagen synthesis.*20 Collagen is the "glue" that holds muscle cells together. Easy bruising is one of the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency and is a result of impaired collagen synthesis. However, most Americans are not deficient in vitamin C. Following joint trauma, the body requires collagen synthesis and vitamin C helps produce more collagen.*20

To test the effects of vitamin C in reducing muscle soreness, researchers at Western States Chiropractic College gave 3 grams of vitamin C to students beginning three days before exposing them to the stress of exercise. The vitamin C group developed significantly less muscle soreness than did the control group.*21

Zinc, Copper and Manganese

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a powerful antioxidant enzyme produced by the body that helps protect against excess natural inflammatory response in joints.*22 Although SOD has been sold as a dietary supplement, animal research shows that oral SOD is destroyed by the digestive system before it can help joints.22 Responsible scientists presume the same is true for humans, and there is NO human research supporting the effectiveness of oral SOD supplements.

Your body can synthesize its own SOD with three common trace minerals: zinc, copper, and manganese. Deficient levels of copper23 and manganese24 will lower SOD levels in animals. Moreover, copper-deficient humans have low SOD levels which increase with copper supplementation.*25 Several scientific studies with zinc and copper have shown their ability to reduce swelling and soreness in joints.*27, 28, 29 Research with zinc has been mixed,25 though most trials report some improvement.*27, 28, 29

Natural Joint Relief

Bromelain Joint Ease contains proven ingredients to help combat the effects of the body's natural inflammatory response. Bromelain, Quercetin, vitamin C and select trace minerals have all been validated in clinical trials to help support and maintain healthy joints. This doctor-formulated supplement is a completely natural way to help your joints feel their best.

Ginger

Historically, ginger root (Zingiber officinale) has been used in Ayurvedic (traditional Indian) medicine to help sore, aching joints.*30, 31 Ginger helps inhibit histmine release and also appears to inhibit pathways that lead to producing pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.*30 In one scientific study, 500 mg of powdered ginger per day helped people feel less discomfort and decreased symptoms of the inflammatory response.*31

Curcumin

Curcumin (Curcuma longa) extract comes from the spice turmeric. The root of this plant has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce the natural inflammatory response.*32 Curcumin extract appears to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory leukotriene and also promotes the breakdown of fibrin which reduces the inflammatory response.*33 In a double-blinded trial, 1,200 mg of curcumin per day reduced stiffness and joint swelling.*32

Lowering the Inflammatory Response Naturally

When it comes to swollen, irritated and painful tissues, the body doesn't always know when to call it quits. Drugs that reduce inflammation are effective, but the relatively "safe" ones like aspirin, can cause gastritis or even ulcers. Although they are sometimes necessary, taking the more dangerous anti-inflammatory drugs, such as prednisone, on a regular basis, can contribute to diabetes, osteoporosis, or even more serious conditions. Nature's Life offers natural substances which can help quell histamine release and the natural inflammatory response.* With the exception of the swelling and pain of minor trauma, the cause of these symptoms needs to be understood before taking any supplements. When suffering the effects from an excessive inflammatory response, consult your nutritionally-oriented physician first, and discuss how these natural substances might help.

References:

1. Taussig SJ. The mechanism of the physiological action of bromelain. Med Hypoth 1980;6:99-104.

2. Izaka K, Yamada M, Kawano T, Suyama T. Gastrointestinal absorption and anti-inflammatory effect of bromelain. Japan J Pharmacol 1972;22:519-34.

3. Miller J, Opher A. The increased proteolytic activity of human blood serum after oral administration of bromelain. Exp Med Surg 1964;22:277-93.

4. Lotz-Winter. On the pharmacology of Bromelain: an update with special regard to animal studies on does-dependent effects. Planta Medica 1990;56:249-53.

5. Gutfruend A, Taussig S, Morris A. Effect of oral bromelain on blood pressure and heart rate of hypertensive patients. Hawaii Med J 1978;37:143-6.

6. Baur X. Studies on the specificity of human IgE-antibodies to the plant proteases papain and bromelain. Cinical Allerg 1979;9:443-50.

7. Felton G. Does kinin released by pineapple stem bromelain stimulate production of prostaglandin E1-like compounds? Hawaii Med J 1977;36:39-47.

8. Ako H, Cheung A, Matsura P. Isolation of a fibrinolysis enzyme activator from commercial bromelain. Arch Int Pharmacodyn 1987;254:157-67.

9. Ryan R. A double-blind clinical evaluation of bromelains in the treatment of acute sinusitis. Headache 1967;7:13-7

10. Seltzer AP. Minimizing post-operative edema and ecchymoses by the use of an oral enzyme preparation (bromelain). EENT Monthly 1962;41:813-7.

11. Tassman G, Zafran J Zayon G. A double-blind crossover study of a plant proteolytic enzyme in oral surgery. J Dent Med 1965;20:51-4.

12. Cirelli MG. Treatment of inflammation and edema with bromelain. Delaware Med J 1962;34(6):159-67.

13. Seligman B. Bromelain: an anti-inflammatory agent. Angiology 1962;13:508-10.

14. Middleton E, Drzewieki G. Naturally occurring flavonoids and human basophil histamine release. Arch Allerg Applied Immunol 1985;77:155-7.

15. Middleton C Jr, Drzewiecki G, Krishnarao D. J Immunol 1981;127:546.

16. Busse WW, Kopp DE, Middleton E. Flavonoid modultion of human neutrophil function. J Allerg Clin Immunol 1984;73:801-9.

17. Pizzorno JE, Murray MT. A Textbook of Natural Medicine, Quercetin. John Bastyr College Publications, Seattle, 1987, pp.V:Querc- 1-Querc-5.

18. Klimiuk PS, et al. Serial measurements of fibrinolytic activity in acute low back pain and sciatica. Spine 1987;12(9):925-8.

19. Jayson MIV, et al. A fibrinolytic defect in chronic back pain syndromes. Lancet 1984;ii:1186-7.

20. Guthrie, Helen Andrews. Basic Principles of Nutrition 1975; pp. 240-241.

21. Kaminski M, Boal B. An effect of ascorbic acid on delayed-onset muscle soreness. Pain 1992;50:317-21.

22. Zidenberg-Cherr S, Keen Lönnerdal B, Hurley LS. Dietary superoxide dismutase does not affect tissue levels. Am J Clin Nutr 1983;37:5-7.

23. Williams DM, Lynch RE, Lee GR, Cartwright GE. Superoxide dismutase activity in copper-deficient swine. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1975;149:534-6.

24. de Rosa G, Keen CL, Leach RM, Hurley LS. Regulation of superoxide dismutase activity by dietary manganese. J Nutr 1980;110:795-804.

25. Uauy R, Castillo-Duran C, Fisberg M, et al. Red cell superoxide dismutase activity as an index of human copper nutrition. J Nutr 1985;115:1650-5.

26. Peret A, Nève, Jeghers O, Pelen F. Zinc distribution in blood components, inflammatory status, and clinical indexes of disease activity during zinc supplementation in inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Am J Clin Nutr 1993;57:690-4.

27. Simkin PA. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with oral zinc sulfate. Agents Actions 1981;Suppl 8:587-95 [reviews other literature].

28. Pandley SP, Bhattacharya SK, Sundar S. Zinc in rheumatoid arthritis. Indian Med Res 1985;81:618-20.

29. Mattingly PC, Mowat AG. Zinc sulphate in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheumatic Dis 1982;41:456-7.

30. Srivastava KC, Mustafa T. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in rheumatism and musculoskeletal disorders. Med Hypoth 1992;39:342-8 [review].

31. Srivastava KC, Mustafa T. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and rheumatic disorders. Med Hypoth 1989;29:25-8.

32. Deodhar SD, Sethi R, Srimal RC. Preliminary studies on antirheumatic activity of curcumin (diferuloyl methane). Indian J Med Res 1980;71:632-4.

33. Satoskar RR, Shah SJ, Shenoy SG. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory property of curcumin (diferuloyl methane) in patients with post operative inflammation. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1986;24:651-4.