What are the specific joint support ingredients and how do they work together?

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin Sulfate (CS) is a sulfated gylcosaminoglycan and is one of the proteoglycans present in the articular cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate maintains the cartilage characteristics through the increase of gylcosaminoglycan pool used by the chondrocytes in proteoglycan synthesis³. In addition to the restorative affect, the incorporation of CS to the articular cartilage supports the joint structure⁴.

Glucosamine HCl

Glucosamine is the key precursor in the synthesis of the connective tissue matrix, it also composes over half of hyaluronic acid found in the joint structures. Being the key rate limiting step, Glucosamine stimulates production of GAGs, like hyaluronic acid, and Chondroitin Sulfate (and the production of collagen) and finally, connective tissue⁵. In human and dog trials, Glucosamine supplementation showed significant joint support, and improved joint function in a short period of time⁶.

Ester-C® (Calcium Ascorbate)

Ester-C® is a patented ascorbate supplement that contains calcium ascorbate, naturally occurring dehydroascorbate, and the Vitamin C metabolite, threonate. Threonate allows ascorbate to be more rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, cross cell membranes more efficiently, to reach higher cellular levels, and be excreted more slowly than ordinary Vitamin C. Vitamin C is involved in a number of biochemical processes. Most importantly, the body needs Vitamin C to grow, maintain, and repair structural tissues. Vitamin C has been shown to play an integral role in production of specific proteins, like collagen, and other structural elements of connective tissues. The antioxitive qualities of Vitamin C also limit the deterioration of connective tissues by free radicals⁷. Various types of stress can apparently increase the animals need for Vitamin C, while decreasing their ability to synthesize it⁸. Ester-C® provides greater levels of intracellular ascorbate and helps increase compression resistance of cartilage, and enhances prostaglandin synthesis. In 1992, clinical trials to assess and quantify the effects of Ester-C® calcium ascorbate in horses were initiated⁹. Over an 18-month period, horses diagnosed with a variety of conditions were given oral Ester-C®. Preliminary radiographs with veterinary examination classified the degree of response in accordance with the American Association of Equine Practitioners¹⁰. At the conclusion of the 18-month trial period, over ninety percent (90%) of the horses had shown good to excellent response to Ester-C® calcium ascorbate. Eighty percent (80%) of the “improved” horses remained sound and usable even after the supplement was discontinued¹¹. On-going clinical trials are currently being conducted to monitor the long-term effects. Ester-C® promotes a higher level of intracellular ascorbic acid without negative side effects.

Manganese Proteinate

Most importantly; it is essential for the production of Chondroitin sulfate, important in maintaining normal joint cartilage.¹². Power-Flex® Liquid supplies manganese in an organic form for better assimilation.

Yucca Schidigera

Yucca is the common name for 40 species of herbaceous plants of the genus Yucca, native to the Southwest U.S. and Central America. The active ingredient in Yucca is “Saponin,” which is a group of basic sugars. Saponins have been a tremendous economic mainstay to the pharmaceutical industry for 50 years. Yucca is nontoxic and is supplied in a pure form.

Devil’s Claw

Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is found in Africa and is a herbal root extract. Most herbal pharmacopoeia identifications list Devil’s Claw as supportive to joint function. In Hilary Page Selfs’ definitive book “A Modern Horse Herbal,” the author describes Devil’s Claw, its use, and efficacy¹³: Tests carried out in Germany (one of the biggest users of Devil’s Claw) have shown it to be very helpful to joint health.¹⁴

Caution:

Because of its classification with human herbal trials as a “Uterine Muscle Stimulant,” Devil’s Claw should not be fed to mares in foal. May also be prohibited, please check with your governing association or club.

Sources

1.) Bucci, Luke R., PhD, CCN, C(ASCP), Chondroprotective Agents: Glucosamine Salts and Chondroitin Sulfates. Townsend Letter for Doctors, January 1994

2.) Videla Dorna I. DVM and R.C. Guerro DVM, Effects of Oral and Intramuscular Use of Chondroitin Sulfate in Induced Equine Aseptic Arthritis. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, pgs. 14-18, Supplement 1: March 1, 1999

3.) Adolphe, M., Ed, Biological of Chonrocytes. CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1992

4.) Ishikawa, K., Kitagawa, T.,Tanaka, T., Tereama, K., Kurina, N., Iwata, H., Niwa, S., Sakurai M, Clinical Evaluation of Glycosaminogylcans Polysulphate for Osteoarthritis of the Knee Joint: A Multicentric Double Blind Controlled Study. Z Orthop, 1982; 120: 708-716

5.) Bucci, Luke R., PhD, CCN, C(ASCP), Chondroprotective Agents: Glucosamine Salts and Chondroitin Sulfates. Townsend Letter for Doctors, January 1994

6.) Setnikar L, Giachtti, C., Zanolo, G. Pharmacokinetics of Glucosamine in the Dog and Man. Arzneimttelforscung 36(2) 729-736 (1986)

7.) Wong, SF. Halliwell,B., RichMond, P., Skowroneck Wr., The Role of Superoxide and Hydroxyl Radicals in the Degradation of Hyaluronic Acid Induced By Metal Ions and by Ascorbic Acid. Jinorg Biochem 1981; 14: 127-134

8.) Ivos, J, et al 1971. Thermic stress as a factor of disturbances in the reproduction of pigs and the possibility of prevention of these disturbances by the addition of ascorbic acid. Veterinarski Archiv. 41 No. 7-8:202

9.) Vetilangieri, Anthony J., Ester-C Research Summary. Inter-Cal Corp., Prescott, AZ, 1987-1991

10.) Guideline for Veterinary Service and Judging of Equestrian Events. 4th ed., American Association of Equine Practitioners, Lexington, KY., 1991, Pg. 19

11.) N. Lee Newman , D.V.M., Equine Degenerative Joint Disease. A Nutritional Approach with Ester-C, Natural Pet, Pgs. 56-57, March-April 1995

12.) Equine Supplements & Nutraceuticals, Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD (Breakthrough Press, Ossining NY, 1998) pgs. 62-63

13.) A Modern Horse Herbal, Hilary Page Self, (Kenilworth Press, Great Britain, 1996) pg. 36

14.) Lanthers M. C. et al, Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Harpagophytum procumbens’ Planta Medica

Power-Flex® Liquid Label Information

Select Power-Flex® is a joint support product for performance horses.

Directions:

Shake well before using.

Loading Administration: 4 ounces for 4 days.

Maintenance Administration: 1 ounce per day.

Inactive ingredients:

Water, Molasses, and Citric acid, Potassium sorbate, Propylparaben (used to preserve freshness)

PRECAUTIONS:

Not to be used if pregnant, or while nursing.

AHPA, CoPntraindicated in gastric/duodenal ulcers; should not be used in conjunction with NSAIDS.

Consult with your veterinarian before using this product in animals; with clotting disorders; being treated with anticoagulant medications; diabetes, or any metabolic disorder causing hyperglycemia; history of urinary tract stones; know allergies to shellfish.

If lameness worsens, discontinue use and consult your veterinarian.

Arthroglycan™ is a licensed trademark of Syntex, S.A. Ester-C® “Manufactured under U.S. Patent No. 4,822,816. Other foreign patents pending.” “The E-C logo and Ester-C® are licensed trademarks of Inter-Cal Corporation.”