IN Malaysia, an estimated 60% of the population will have some form of arthritis by the age of 60, particularly osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), on the other hand, affects a smaller percentage of our population and can affect all age groups.
Osteoarthritis (OA), the most widespread type of arthritis, is a degenerative disease of the joints. Although sometimes capable of causing acute inflammation, it is most commonly a “wear-and-tear” disease involving degeneration of joint cartilage and formation of bony spurs within various joints.
Most people over 60 years of age have this affliction to some extent, requiring them to seek medical care. The main goal of treatment is to relieve pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin have been widely promoted as a treatment for OA. Laboratory studies suggest that glucosamine may stimulate production of cartilage-building proteins.
Other research suggests that chondroitin may inhibit production of cartilage-destroying enzymes and fight inflammation too. Some human studies have found that either one may relieve arthritis pain and stiffness with fewer side-effects. Other studies have shown no benefit.
As the research accumulated, expert review bodies have been cautious because, although positive reports outnumber negative ones, the negative ones have been larger and better designed. In addition, whether glucosamine offers any advantages over established drugs such as acetaminophen, traditional NSAIDS, or selective Cox-2 inhibitors has not been determined.
The largest and best-designed clinical trial is the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), which is funded by the National Institutes of Health. So far, GAIT has produced two sets of negative results. The study found that glucosamine and chondroitin, alone or together, did not reduce osteoarthritis knee pain more effectively than a placebo. These research findings mirror actual anecdotal experience of millions of OA sufferers who are taking glucosamine chondroitin therapy (GCT).
The actual experience amongst those who are on GCT is neither overwhelmingly positive nor completely negative. Whilst many have found GCT to be effective to relieve their joint pains, a significant percentage who are on GCT for a long period (exceeding six months) continue to suffer pain.
The most effective method for osteoarthritis pain relief is any treatment that reduces inflammation. One class of treatment called “biologic response modifier” (BRM) reduces inflammation in the joints by blocking the action of a substance called tumour necrosis factor (TNF). TNF is a protein of the body’s immune system that triggers inflammation during normal immune responses; however, when overproduced, TNF can lead to excessive inflammation such as that experienced by patients with arthritis both RA and OA.
Within this class of treatment, available medications include etanercept and infliximab. These medicines are now increasingly being used in long-term and severe cases, but they are expensive and need to be given by injections.
There are also numerous natural treatments and herbs which effectively relief pain in the same manner as synthetic BRMs. Amongst them are boswellia tree extract, celadrin, devil’s claw, cat’s claw, evening primrose herb, ginger, turmeric and olive phenols. The best part? Many of these natural treatments have little or no side-effects.
Olive phenols contain biologic response modifiers that can help reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis.
Amongst these natural BRMs, the most researched and best documented is olive phenols. Although its chemical structure is quite different from the anti-inflammatory compounds in non-steroidal drugs, olive phenol’s anti-inflammatory component has a similar effect.
A 50 gram dose (about four tablespoons) of extra-virgin olive oil supplies enough phenols to produce an effect equivalent to that of about 10% of the ibuprofen dose recommended for adult pain relief.
There is a cost effective class of phenolics that acts as a biologic response modifier. Its active ingredient, hydroxytyrosol, reduces hs-CRP, CRP and acts as a non-toxic agent to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines. There is a wide body of medical publication on studies and control trials showing evidence on this extract in this class of treatment for indications associated with RA and OA.
One single capsule contains the phenolic quantity you find in 6oz of extra virgin olive oil. The high potency BRM and pain relief effect from olive is delivered to the human body without fats and calories.
Given the limitation of glucosamine and chondroitin on a large segment of OA and RA sufferers, there is a need to explore other safe alternatives. Since its launch at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur last year, this olive extract stands out as strong treatment of choice for OA and RA patients
Few, if any, products could pass the rigorous scrutiny by the medical profession to obtain consent to use a medical facility as a launch venue. It was possible only because of the wide body of scientific data and clinical findings, such as the double-blind placebo trial on the effectiveness of the product to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and improve mobility of patients with Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
After having been in Malaysia for more than a year, several thousand people are now benefitting from the multi-patented multi-action formulation of this olive extract on a daily basis. If you are still searching for an alternative to relieve your arthritic pain, join the thousands who have discovered this extracts. What is effective for them maybe the solution you need.
References:
1. Update on glucosamine for osteoarthritis. Medical Letter 43:111-112, 2001.
2. Clegg DO and others. Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis. New England Journal of Medicine 354:795-808, 2006.
3. Hochberg MC. Nutritional supplements for knee osteoarthritis—Still no resolution. New England Journal of medicine 354:848-850, 2006.
4. Sawitzke AD and others. The effect of glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate on the progression of knee osteoarthritis: A report from the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial. Arthritis & Rheumatism 58:3183-3191, 2008.
5. Reichenbach S, and others. Meta-analysis: chondroitin for osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. Annals of Internal Medicine 146:580-590, 2007.
6. Messier SP and others. Glucosamine/chondroitin combined with exercise for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a preliminary study. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 15:1256-1266, 2007.
7. Joint remedies. Consumer Reports, Jan 2002.
8. Beauchamp GK, Keast RS, Morel D, Lin J, Pika J, Han Q, Lee CH, Smith AB, Breslin PA. Phytochemistry: ibuprofen-like activity in extra-virgin olive oil. Nature. 2005 Sep 1;437(7055):45-6. 2005.
9. Bond R, Lloyd DH. A double-blind comparison of olive oil and a combination of evening primrose oil and fish oil in the management of canine atopy. Vet Rec 1992 Dec 12;131(24):558-60 1992.
10. Visioli F, Romani A, Mulinacci N, et al. Antioxidant and other biological activities of olive mill waste waters. J Agric Food Chem 1999 Aug;47(8):3397-401 1999. PMID:11320.
11. Weinbrenner T, Fito M, Farre Albaladejo M, Saez GT, et al,. Bioavailability of phenolic compounds from olive oil and oxidative/antioxidant status at postprandial state in healthy humans. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 2004;30(5-6):207-12. 2004.
This article is courtesy of Triniaire Sdn Bhd. For more information, e-mail starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
[Source: The Star Health]
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