Natreon’s AyuFlex, a clinically studied and standardized aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula, significantly improved joint mobility, comfort, and functional capacity in healthy overweight subjects according to a study recently published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (Lopez et al). AyuFlex is a potent antioxidant and previous studies have noted the efficacy of AyuFlex for modulating inflammation and oxidative stress.    
 
This study, conducted at The Center for Applied Health Sciences in Ohio, was a 14-week, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study in 105 healthy overweight men and women (ages 35-70) with knee discomfort associated with exercise. Subjects were randomized to receive AyuFlex 500 mg/day, AyuFlex 1000 mg/day, or placebo. AyuFlex supplementation resulted in significant improvements in mWOMAC scores, distance covered in the six-minute walk test, and various VAS subscales. A significant reduction of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) was observed in the AyuFlex 500 mg/day group relative to placebo. This is a biochemical marker of connective tissue integrity and cartilage matrix turnover. This finding is consistent with a decrease in the net degradation of joint cartilage matrix molecules. Data from this study also suggest that the benefits of AyuFlex may extend beyond knee joints to include overall/whole-body joint and spine health.
 
“This study represents a thorough effort to explore the potential of AyuFlex (aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula) dietary supplementation to augment joint health and function in a healthy population. The study design included a randomized, placebo-controlled trial with placebo lead-in period, rigorous exclusion / inclusion criteria, validated outcome measures and markers of joint health, mobility and functional capacity and was well powered with N=105 and 2 dose groups. Taken together, these parameters lead to high-quality, reliable and clean data that can be interpreted with substantial validity. Natreon should be commended for the considerable investment in such science that provide brands, consumers, healthcare providers and all stakeholders with reliable data to make evidence-based dietary supplement recommendations,” said Hector L. Lopez, M.D., CSCS, FAAPMR, FISSN, chief medical officer and partner, The Center for Applied Health Sciences, LLC and co-founder of Supplement Safety Solutions, LLC.