NXT USA launches vegan Ayurvedic joint health ingredient amid renewed interest in naturality

23 Nov 2020 --- NXT USA has introduced a new vegan joint health product called TamaFlex. The plant-based blend features a proprietary combination of the Ayurvedic ingredients tamarind seed and turmeric rhizome extracts that can help inhibit inflammation. 

According to company clinical study results, TamaFlex can improve joint comfort, flexibility and function in as soon as five days, in both healthy people as well as patients who already have joint pain issues. 

When asked why consumers should choose TamaFlex over faster-acting solutions, Eric Anderson, managing director of NXT USA, tells NutritionInsight: “TamaFlex is not designed as a rescue medication. Nor are acute over-the-counter (OTC) solutions designed for long-term use.” 

“TamaFlex is a food-based product with known benefits based on Ayurvedic knowledge and has been clinically validated in both healthy populations and populations with mild to moderate joint discomfort.”

Mobility and naturality trending amid COVID-19
TamaFlex has been in development for “several years,” says Anderson. 

“It recognizes consumers’ desire for a healthy, active lifestyle while also acknowledging their desire for natural products that provide real health benefits and address clean label demands.”

The company has seen a significant resurgence of the naturality trend in the US, observing how consumers are preparing their own meals, mindful that general health is “the best defense against health challenges.” 

Tamaflex subjects experienced up to 38 percent improvement in total WOMAC compared to those given a placebo in the 2019 study.“For the consumers saying, ‘I need to get up off of the couch and get active to take care of myself,’ this is the perfect product to support their comfort, flexibility and mobility. The pandemic illustrates what the natural products industry has been built upon – real products with real health benefits,” Anderson maintains.

NXT USA’s target audience includes athletes and active seniors besides individuals with joint discomfort and companies seeking to innovate within the joint health category. 

Addressing inflammation enzymes
TamaFlex is positioned to address two major pathways that cause joint inflammation by inhibiting both 5‐Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) activity. Most joint health ingredients address only one of these, says NXT USA.

“COX-2 inhibitors, including natural supplements and OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), have traditionally addressed the breakdown of arachidonic acid via the COX-2 channel, mediating inflammation,” Anderson explains.

“In recent years, it has been recognized that the 5-LOX channel also addresses systemic inflammation. When we set out to design TamaFlex, we intentionally chose tamarind seed and turmeric root to address each of these factors.”

As natural antioxidants, tamarind seed and turmeric root can also help protect cartilage and connective tissues. “Essentially, TamaFlex addresses three mechanisms of benefit: COX-2, 5-LOX and connective tissues,” adds Anderson.

TamaFlex is designed for foods, capsules and tablets and is also suitable for powdered mixes and sports bars. It is currently available in several markets via GNC and Schiff brands, but currently only in the US.

Turmeric extracts are known for their anti-inflammatory benefits, NXT USA highlights.Botanicals for joint health 
In a 2019 study, TamaFlex dosed at 250 mg and 400 mg reduced joint pain and stiffness and improved physical function in 90 healthy subjects with joint discomfort caused by physical activity.

The results revealed that TamaFlex-supplementing subjects experienced a 23 to 38 percent improvement in total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores compared to those given a placebo.

Notably, supplementation could significantly increase distances walked and reduce both stair climb time and pain scores.

Natural solutions and joint health have previously been seen going hand in hand. PLT Health Solutions similarly looked to Ayurvedic ingredients for its RipFactor Muscle Accelerator that supports muscle strength. 

In August, Chenland introduced JointAlive, a botanical blend of three traditional Chinese herbs for joint pain relief.

“Many will recognize the benefits [of Ayurvedic ingredients] very quickly, and they will also appreciate the benefits long-term allowing them to engage in healthy activity,” Anderson concludes.

By Anni Schleicher

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