Alleviating joint pain woes
COOKING for her loved ones has always been something C. Fernandez, 66 enjoyed. However, she is not able to stand very long these days because of the arthritis in her knees.
The joint problems started a few years ago but has been getting increasingly worse. She tried various joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, knee guards and ointments to no avail. More recently, she has also been experiencing joint stiffness in her fingers.
The joint problems Fernandez is experiencing are medically termed as osteoarthritis (OA). Contrary to popular belief, OA is not exclusively attributed to ageing and accompanying wear and tear of joint cushions.
A lesser-known cause is the imbalance of joint-ageing enzymes, or Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), which clean up joint damage through breaking down damaged joints to facilitate remodelling.
When in abundance, these enzymes accelerate joints breaking down faster than they can rebuild. MMP enzymes also trigger inflammatory responses.
Natural remedy
Mother Nature has offered a natural remedy – native Maoris living along the coast of New Zealand were found to be free of joint problems or arthritis, thanks to their diet of fresh, raw New Zealand green-lipped mussel.
First produced in the 1970s, Biolane is a patented extract from New Zealand greenlipped mussel, with over 40 years of research history. This natural joint ageing enzyme inhibitor is clinically proven to restore the MMP enzymes balance.
Although there are various New Zealand green-lipped mussel supplements in the market, only Biolane NZ green-lipped mussel extract is endowed with activity against MMP enzymes as the active components involved are specially preserved through its unique manufacturing process. It also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and marine mineral healing actions.
Biolane NZ green-lipped mussel extract works through different pathways in supporting joint health compared to glucosamine, which serves as the building block to repair damaged cartilage but hardly has any effect on joint-ageing enzymes.
Arthritis patients taking glucosamine for at least six months but still fail to derive optimal relief should try Biolane NZ green- lipped mussel extract.
With OA being a multi-pathological disease, it is sensible to combine different joint formulas. However, the joints restoration process by Biolane NZ green-lipped mussel extract will take time.
Results from a clinical study lead by Kendall, Lawson and Hurley in 2000 showed 70% of patients with moderate to severe arthritis experienced significant improvements in their joints conditions after taking a dose of two capsules twice daily for at least three months. (1)
Patients also need to understand that Biolane NZ green-lipped mussel extract is not a substitute for painkillers. Those on painkillers may still need to continue initially before the benefits kick in.
Stomach-protecting properties
Biolane’s unique stomach-protecting properties also help safeguard the stomach when taken together with painkillers, leading to a reduction in gastric lesions by over 50%.
Backing up its extensive research history, Biolane NZ Green-Lipped Mussel Extract is probably one of the most enduring joint products in the world today.
In 2005, the Australian Centre for Complementary Research and Education (ACCMER) awarded Biolane NZ Green Lipped Mussel Extract the Ideal AntiArthritic Agent accolade, further cementing its sterling reputation.
Fernandez’s son bought a treatment course for his mother at the pharmacy. Though sceptical, she dutifully took two capsules twice a day after breakfast and dinner.
Nothing much changed after two months and she was on the verge of giving up. Her son again intervened.
Slightly over three months later, she discovered she had gradually regained flexibility in her fingers. Further on, the joint stiffness in her knees also reduced significantly.
This article is brought to you by the Nuvaceuticals Division of Nuvanta Sdn Bhd.
■ For more information, call 03-5636 3758 or 1300 881 712 or e-mail pharmacist@nuvanta.com
references
(1) Kendall R, Lawson J and Hurley LA. New research and a clinical report on the use of Perna canaliculus in the management of arthritis. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, 2000; 204:98-111