Valensa’s joint health formula surprises researchers with cartilage protection

08 May 2020 --- Valensa International’s FlexPro MD may help overcome joint deterioration thanks to its combination of krill oil, astaxanthin and hyaluronic acid. This is according to a new South Korean study published in Nutrients, which evaluated the response to osteoarthritis-induced conditions in rats. The study was sponsored by Valensa’s partner, Novarex, and reveals new potential for the formula in protecting cartilage.

“Using dosages that would correlate to humans, the study shows FlexPro MD significantly ameliorated joint pain and decreased the severity of articular cartilage destruction after 21 days in the animal model,” says Valensa’s Chief Science Officer Margaret Dohnalek, who collaborated on the publication of the data.

The study also established further science behind the proprietary formulation, which includes Valensa’s Zanthin Natural Astaxanthin, a specific molecular weight hyaluronic acid, with krill oil to deliver important fatty acids.

“We know that Zanthin Natural Astaxanthin is a powerful anti-inflammatory, which is important in pain management, and these data from the Korean team would suggest that Zanthin also plays an important role in joint health. Certainly, the published literature continues to strengthen our appreciation of the power of astaxanthin, and this study further emphasizes the role a naturally-sourced joint health solution like FlexPro MD can bring to healthy aging and mobility,” adds Dohnalek.

The study used an animal osteoarthritis pain model to build upon a previous human clinical study that showed FlexPro MD to be three to five times more effective in relieving joint discomfort than a standard commercial formulation of glucosamine and chondroitin. In this new study, the researchers found that animals treated with FlexPro MD were less affected by the osteoarthritis-induced conditions, which include relief from pain and inflammation. Surprisingly, the scientists saw the possibility of protecting the cartilage, a finding not before assessed for the joint health formulation.

It was also in collaboration with researchers from the Division of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Ewha Woman’s University and the College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center at Chungbuk National University.

New pathways for joint health
The study abstract explains that osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease with no known cure. Pharmacologic treatments may alleviate symptoms, but they do not inhibit the disease progression and may have negative side effects. As a result, people have turned to alternative approaches, including dietary supplements, in an effort to improve symptoms.

The researchers conclude that the findings suggest FlexPro MD is a promising dietary supplement for reducing pain, minimizing cartilage damage, and improving functional status in osteoarthritis. This is without the disadvantages of previous dietary supplements – including glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate – and medicinal agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The researchers note that many of these options have multiple adverse effects.

Dohnalek adds that although the new finding is unexpected, it could be highly relevant to joint health and anti-aging implications. “Through this research study, [the collaborators] have added new insights to the science of FlexPro MD to support the South Korean authorities in their regulatory review of these ingredients, opening a door for this population to find relief through natural means,” Dr. Dohnalek said. She added that further research needs to be done, however.

In a similar space, Enovate Biolife’s botanical ingredient Lanconone was recently found to provide joint pain relief within three hours of the first dose. In March, Stratum Nutrition’s NEM – short for natural eggshell membrane – received confirmation in a new independent study that it can reduce joint pain and stiffness in patients with grade 2 and 3 osteoarthritis knee. Collagen and botanicals have also been major topics within joint health.

Edited by Katherine Durrell