Suppliers Corner

Research Highlights

Study Highlights the Need For Bilberry Extract Standards

A study led by Indena researchers and recently published in the Journal of AOAC International [90 (4):911-9] has measured the quality of products containing bilberry extracts on the market. Its purpose was to reveal differences between the various brands in terms of identity, conformity, dosages and labeling. The results were disappointing.

Forty preparations containing bilberry extract, marketed under 24 different brands, were bought in the U.S., Italy, Japan and Malaysia and analyzed with a validated HPLC method to establish their content in anthocyanins (anthocyanosides). Anthocyanins, the poliphenols responsible for the beneficial proprieties of bilberry extract, are useful in the prevention and treatment of conditions associated with fragility of blood vessels and eye health.

The HPLC fingerprint of 25% of the products revealed a profile different from the authentic bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus, L.) extract; 10% of the products examined did not even contain the active principle anthocyanin, and only 15% of the preparations examined were found to possess a sufficient quantity of anthocyanin proven to be effective in clinical trials.
According to Roberto Pace, Indena’s analytical research director and author of the study, “in order to unequivocally identify and quantify the profile of a botanical extract, Indena has always developed and validated analytical methods, which are recognized as reliable and reproducible. With this study we have highlighted how the use of validated analytical methods to determine identity can be successfully applied to single or multi-component formulations.”
For further information: 39-02-57496-1.

UC-II Benefits Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

InterHealth Nutraceuticals has released the results of research conducted on its patented ingredient, UC-II. The only source of undenatured (native) type II collagen available as a dietary ingredient, the research demonstrates its value relative to both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

This latest research explored the effects of UC-II on dogs and horses. In the study of more than 100 osteoarthritic dogs, UC-II was more than twice as effective in decreasing pain than glucosamine and chondroitin alone. It was also more than twice as effective in reducing pain and increasing joint flexibility and activity as glucosamine and chondroitin alone. And in the horse study, conducted over a period of 150 days, UC-II decreased overall pain by 79% and lameness by 78%.

Dr. Debasis Bagchi, PhD, FACN, CNS, MAIChE, professor at Creighton University Medical Center and senior vice president of research and development for InterHealth Nutraceuticals, explained, “The clinical studies on horses and dogs are extremely significant because these animals suffer from the same osteoarthritis problems that humans do. This research, along with a small human pilot study, indicates that UC-II is both safe and effective in promoting healthy joints and increasing joint mobility and flexibility.”

UC-II works by slowing and subsequently stopping the body’s immune response to the destructive process that leads to erosion of joint collagen. At the same time, it reduces pain and inflammation while helping to repair and rebuild cartilage. The result is improved mobility and flexibility as well as long-term joint health.
For further information: 707-751-2800.