Scientific Insights
The human body, with its nearly 400 joints, is a highly flexible and mobile machine.
It’s thanks to our joints that we can pick up a pen and write, bend down to pick up a piece of paper, or nod our head to say yes or no… These are the structures, like bones, that we often take for granted—until they start to make themselves felt. And when they do, the signals are strong and unmistakable.
Who hasn’t woken up in the morning feeling as stiff as a board, with the sensation of having been run over by a train? Or felt stiffness in the elbows or knees, or a “locked” feeling in the shoulders and back?
All of this happens over time as joints become inflamed and begin to wear down. Many people believe joint pain is only an issue of “old age,” but the reality is very different.
Today, almost 5 million Italians—both men and women—experience joint and muscle discomfort, and the age at which joints start to make themselves felt is already just after 30[15]!
It’s at the first sign that action should be taken to prevent the problem from becoming chronic and difficult to manage.
Over the years, studies highlighting the importance of a natural approach to supporting joint and musculoskeletal wellbeing have increased.
In the next section, we will look at some of these studies and explore how and why plant-based active ingredients can help support the natural function of the joints.
Experimental Phytotherapy
Boswellia
- 2014 May. Boswellia serrata extract attenuates inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in collagen induced arthritis. Umar S,Umar K,Sarwar AH,Khan A,Ahmad N,Ahmad S,Katiyar CK,Husain SA,Khan HA.
This study highlighted that Boswellia dry extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may be useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Yu G, Xiang W, Zhang T, Zeng L, Yang K, Li J. Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020;20(1):225. Published 2020 Jul 17. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of inflammatory joint disease. According to the studies compiled in this review, Boswellia serrata has long been recognised as a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and analgesic agent. Based on current evidence, Boswellia extracts may represent an effective and safe treatment option for patients with osteoarthritis.
Devil’s Claw
- Phytother Res. 2012 Jun;26(6):806-11. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3636. Epub 2011 Nov 10. Molecular targets of the antiinflammatory Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's claw): inhibition of TNF‑ and COX-2 gene expression by preventing activation of AP-1. Fiebich BL, Muñoz E, Rose T, Weiss G, McGregor GP.
In this study, the researchers started from the premise that Devil’s Claw is often used as a supportive treatment for inflammatory and degenerative conditions of the musculoskeletal system.
The aim of the study was to uncover the mechanism of action behind the positive response to Devil’s Claw treatment.
During the study, the researchers found that Devil’s Claw extract inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory substances such as interleukins and prostaglandins. This provides a possible explanation for the mechanism underlying Devil’s Claw’s effectiveness in managing osteoarticular disorders.
- J Altern Complement Med. 2006 Dec;12(10):981-93. doi: 10.1089/acm.2006.12.981. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) as a treatment for osteoarthritis: a review of efficacy and safety Sarah Brien 1, George T Lewith, Gerry McGregor
This study examines the role of Devil’s Claw in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
A review on Devil’s Claw and osteoarthritis was conducted, covering studies from 1966 to 2006. The data collected indicate that Devil’s Claw appears to be effective in reducing joint pain, with a lower risk of side effects compared to NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs).
Ash
- Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2007 Jun 10;4(4):411-6. Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of methanolic extract of the leaves of Fraxinus floribunda Wallich. Lingadurai S, Nath LK, Kar PK, Besra SE, Joseph RV.
This study, conducted on mice, analysed the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving activity of Ash leaf extract.
The results showed that, after administration of Ash leaves, the animals’ condition improved. The researchers concluded that this extract may be useful for alleviating pain in inflammatory conditions such as fractures and dislocations.
- 2019 Oct 18;8(10):494. doi: 10.3390/antiox8100494. Phenolic Composition of Hydrophilic Extract of Manna from Sicilian Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl and its Reducing, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Vitro. Alessandro Attanzio, Antonella D'Anneo, Francesco Pappalardo, Francesco Paolo Bonina, Maria Antonia Livrea, Mario Allegra, Luisa Tesoriere
This in vitro study analysed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Ash.
At the end of the experiment, the researchers found that Ash counteracted the oxidation of human red blood cell membrane lipids (antioxidant activity) and reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Grape Seeds
- Int Immunopharmacol. 2013 Sep;17(1):79-87. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp. 2013.05.026. Epub 2013 Jun 10. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract has potent anti-arthritic effects on collagen-induced arthritis by modifying the T cell balance. Ahmad SF, Zoheir KM, Abdel-Hamied HE, Ashour AE, Bakheet SA, Attia SM, Abd-Allah AR.
This study, conducted on mice, aimed to evaluate the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on arthritis, focusing in particular on key inflammatory mediators, namely T cell subgroups.
After administration of the extract, the animals’ blood showed a significant reduction in T cells and other pro-inflammatory cell subgroups.
This effect may underlie the anti-inflammatory activity of grape seeds, suggesting their potential as a supportive treatment in such cases.
Myrrh
- Nutrafoods (2019) 2 95-99. DOI 10.17470/NF-019-0013 Analgesic effects of RodeMyr®, a Commiphora molmol extract with a highly standardized furanodiene content. Di Pierro, Bertuccioli, Giuberti.
In this study, the researchers evaluated the pain-relieving effects of Myrrh in subjects suffering from chronic pain. The results showed that the use of Myrrh dry extract can reduce the perception of pain without causing adverse effects.
- Biomed Res Int . 2017;2017:3804356. doi: 10.1155/2017/3804356. Epub 2017 May 24. A Pilot Study on Bioactive Constituents and Analgesic Effects of MyrLiq®, a Commiphora myrrha Extract with a High Furanodiene Content Antonio Germano, Andrea Occhipinti, Francesca Barbero, Massimo E Maffei.
In this study, researchers analysed the pain-relieving effects of Myrrh extract.
The study involved 184 participants (95 women and 89 men) aged 18 to 60, experiencing a range of conditions: headaches, fever-related pain, joint pain, muscle pain, lower back pain, and menstrual cramps.
The group was divided in two: one group received Myrrh extract, while the other received a placebo for 20 days. By the end of the study, all participants who received the Myrrh extract reported a reduction in pain.
Based on these results, the researchers concluded that Myrrh extract has significant analgesic properties.
Sanaos New Formula is a dietary supplement: please read the warnings on the label. Supplements should not be considered a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. The information provided here is for educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as a diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition and is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
[1] Umar S, Umar K, Sarwar AH, et al. Boswellia serrata extract attenuates inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in collagen induced arthritis. Phytomedicine. 2014;21(6):847-856. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2014.02.001
[2] Phytother Res. 2012 Jun;26(6):806-11. Epub 2011 Nov 10. Molecular targets of the antiinflammatory Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's claw): inhibition of TNF‑ and COX-2 gene expression by preventing activation of AP-1. Fiebich BL, Muñoz E, Rose T, Weiss G, McGregor GP doi:10.1002/ptr.3636
[3] Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2007 Jun 10;4(4):411-6. Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of methanolic extract of the leaves of Fraxinus floribunda Wallich. Lingadurai S, Nath LK, Kar PK, Besra SE, Joseph RV. doi:10.4314/ajtcam.v4i4.31235
[4] Foshati S, Rouhani MH, Amani R. The effect of grape seed extract supplementation on oxidative stress and inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. Int J Clin Pract. 2021;75(11):e14469. doi:10.1111/ijcp.14469
[5] Nutrafoods (2019) 2 95-99. DOI 10.17470/NF-019-0013 Analgesic effects of RodeMyr®, a Commiphora molmol extract with a highly standardized furanodiene content. Di Pierro, Bertuccioli, Giuberti.
[6] Coppola C, Greco M, Munir A, et al. Osteoarthritis: Insights into Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, Therapeutic Avenues, and the Potential of Natural Extracts. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2024;46(5):4063-4105. Published 2024 Apr 29. doi:10.3390/cimb46050251
[7] Yu G, Xiang W, Zhang T, Zeng L, Yang K, Li J. Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020;20(1):225. Published 2020 Jul 17. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6
[8] Gagnier JJ, van Tulder MW, Berman B, Bombardier C. Herbal medicine for low back pain: a Cochrane review. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2007;32(1):82-92. doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000249525.70011.fe
[9] Haseeb A, Ansari MY, Haqqi TM. Harpagoside suppresses IL-6 expression in primary human osteoarthritis chondrocytes. J Orthop Res. 2017;35(2):311-320. doi:10.1002/jor.23262
[10] 2019 Oct 18;8(10):494. doi: 10.3390/antiox8100494. Phenolic Composition of Hydrophilic Extract of Manna from Sicilian Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl and its Reducing, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Vitro. Alessandro Attanzio, Antonella D'Anneo, Francesco Pappalardo, Francesco Paolo Bonina, Maria Antonia Livrea, Mario Allegra, Luisa Tesoriere
[11] Ahmad SF, Zoheir KM, Abdel-Hamied HE, et al. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract has potent anti-arthritic effects on collagen-induced arthritis by modifying the T cell balance. Int Immunopharmacol. 2013;17(1):79-87. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2013.05.026
[12] Germano A, Occhipinti A, Barbero F, Maffei ME. A Pilot Study on Bioactive Constituents and Analgesic Effects of MyrLiq®, a Commiphora myrrha Extract with a High Furanodiene Content. Biomed Res Int. 2017;2017:3804356. doi:10.1155/2017/3804356
[13] Fassett RG, Coombes JS. Astaxanthin, oxidative stress, inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Future Cardiol. 2009;5(4):333-342. doi:10.2217/fca.09.19
[14] Zhou YX, Zhang H, Peng C. Puerarin: a review of pharmacological effects. Phytother Res. 2014;28(7):961-975. doi:10.1002/ptr.5083
[15] Quotidiano Sanità - Studi e Analisi: Più di 20 milioni di italiani dichiarano di soffrire per dolori fisici.
I nostri testi hanno scopo divulgativo, non vanno intesi come indicazione di diagnosi e cura di stati patologici e non vogliono sostituirsi in alcun modo al parere del Medico.