Best for Osteoarthritis

Best for Osteoarthritis

SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine)

What it is:   The synthetic form of a chemical found in all human cells.

How it works:  SAM-e is a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory and may stimulate cartilage growth by signaling production of cartilage proteins.  It also affects neurotransmitters such as serotonin.

Studies:  Equivalency trials have shown that SAM-e relieves OA symptoms as effectively as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs), with fewer side effects and more prolonged benefit.  A 2004 University of California, Irving study found SAM-e equal to the prescription drug celecoxib (Celebrex) and a 2009 study found it comparable to the NSAID nabumetone.

How much:  Capsules: 600 to 1,200 milligrams (mg) daily in three doses for OA; 200 to 800 mg twice daily for fibromyalgia; 800 to 1,600 mg twice daily for depression (but talk to your doctor if you have bipolar disorder).  Taking with vitamin B12, B6 and folate improves absorption.

Boswellia Serrata             

What it is:  Gum resin of the boswellia tree.

How it works:  Boswellic acids – the active components – have strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.  They also may help prevent cartilage loss and inhibit the autoimmune process, making boswellia a potential therapy for RA, too.

Studies:  A 2008 study in India, where boswellia is a traditional remedy, found that a supplement called 5-Loxin significantly improved OA pain and function within seven days and slowed cartilage damage after three months.

How much:  Capsule or tablet:  300 to 400 mg three times daily.  Look for 60 percent boswellic acids.

Capsaicin                       

What it is:  The active, heat-producing component in chili peppers.

How it works:  Applied as a tropical cream, gel or patch, capsaicin temporarily reduces substance P, a pain transmitter.

Studies:  Many studies have shown that capsaicin effectively reduces pain from OA.  In a 2010 study published in Phyto-therapy Research, joint pain decreased nearly 50 percent after three weeks’ use of 0.05 percent capsaicin cream.

How much:  Most capsaicin products contain between 0.025 and 0.075 percent concentrations.  Apply regularly three times a day.

NOTE:  Studies show capsaicin may help reduce pain in RA and improve grip strength in fibromyalgia.

Turmeric/curcumin       

What it is:  An ingredient in may curries and often used in Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is the root of a plant in the ginger family.  Curcumin is a key chemical in turmeric.

How it works:  Curcumin blocks inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the target of celecoxib.

Studies:  a 2010 clinical trial found that a turmeric supplement called Meriva (standardized to 75 percent curcumin combined with phosphatidylcholine) provided long-term improvement in pain and function in 100 patients with knee OA.  In a small 2012 pilot study, a curcumin product called BCM-95 reduced joint pain and swelling in patients with active RA better than diclofenac sodium did.

How much:  Extract, which is more likely to be free of contaminants, or capsule:  500 mg two to four times daily for OA;  500mg twice daily for RA.

Avocado-soybean unsaponifiables 

What it is:  A supplement composed of one-third avocado oil and two-thirds soybean oil.

How it works:  ASU blocks pro-inflammatory chemicals, prevents deterioration of synovial cells, which line joints, and may help regenerate normal connective tissue.

Studies:  It has been studied extensively in Europe, where it is routinely used to treat OA.  A 2008 meta-analysis found that ASU improved symptoms of hip and knee OA and reduced or eliminated NSADI use.  Especially notable:  A large, three-year study published in 2013 in the BMJ showed that ASU significantly reduced progression of hip OA compared with placebo

 Innovative Vitality offers:  COX Free, Inflamma Shield, Pro DHA, and Vasculo Calm.