05.20.24
A cucumber extract marketed by Euromed as CuberUp may be helpful in supporting joint health, according to a new double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study published in Applied Sciences. In addition to improving joint discomfort, the authors of the study noted that the extract was also associated with improvements in muscle function.
The eight week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated various outcomes related to knee pain and muscle function in 55 adults over the age of 40 supplementing with either a placebo or 20 mg of CuberUp daily.
Subjective perception of knee pain improved significantly in both study groups, but improvements were higher in those taking CuberUp. In addition to the reduced pain and stiffness, the researchers observed improvements in physical function significantly more pronounced in those taking the extract, in the timed up and go test, which is used to assess a patient’s mobility and risk of falling. There was also a greater improvement in muscle function during knee flexion exercises.
Furthermore, they found that inflammatory and cartilage degradation biomarkers decreased significantly in patients taking CuberUp.
Researchers also measured the development of pain on a weekly basis and found it was progressively reduced from week one and was significantly less than placebo from week four, indicating a fast onset of action.
Amino acid derivatives in cucumber extracts possess anti-inflammatory properties and may improve cartilage nutrition, while the flavonoids and tannins in cucumbers may be responsible for free radical scavenging and analgesic effects.
The study will be presented at the 14th Congress of Phytotherapy of the Spanish Society of Phytotherapy in Oviedo, Spain, from May 17-19.
“Joint health is a key piece in the healthy aging puzzle, and there is increasing interest in natural preventive options, offered by nutraceuticals and functional foods,” said Andrea Zangara, head of scientific communication and medical affairs. “Cucumber is already well-known in traditional medicine. Based on the beneficial effects on symptoms, inflammation, and cartilage degradation biomarkers observed in the study, CuberUp supplementation may be a promising approach to maintaining joint and connective tissue health, and preventing knee joint ‘wear and tear’ for improved mobility comfort. In addition, it is a high-quality, standardized cucumber extract obtained via eco-friendly technology and sustainable farming.”
The eight week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated various outcomes related to knee pain and muscle function in 55 adults over the age of 40 supplementing with either a placebo or 20 mg of CuberUp daily.
Subjective perception of knee pain improved significantly in both study groups, but improvements were higher in those taking CuberUp. In addition to the reduced pain and stiffness, the researchers observed improvements in physical function significantly more pronounced in those taking the extract, in the timed up and go test, which is used to assess a patient’s mobility and risk of falling. There was also a greater improvement in muscle function during knee flexion exercises.
Furthermore, they found that inflammatory and cartilage degradation biomarkers decreased significantly in patients taking CuberUp.
Researchers also measured the development of pain on a weekly basis and found it was progressively reduced from week one and was significantly less than placebo from week four, indicating a fast onset of action.
Amino acid derivatives in cucumber extracts possess anti-inflammatory properties and may improve cartilage nutrition, while the flavonoids and tannins in cucumbers may be responsible for free radical scavenging and analgesic effects.
The study will be presented at the 14th Congress of Phytotherapy of the Spanish Society of Phytotherapy in Oviedo, Spain, from May 17-19.
“Joint health is a key piece in the healthy aging puzzle, and there is increasing interest in natural preventive options, offered by nutraceuticals and functional foods,” said Andrea Zangara, head of scientific communication and medical affairs. “Cucumber is already well-known in traditional medicine. Based on the beneficial effects on symptoms, inflammation, and cartilage degradation biomarkers observed in the study, CuberUp supplementation may be a promising approach to maintaining joint and connective tissue health, and preventing knee joint ‘wear and tear’ for improved mobility comfort. In addition, it is a high-quality, standardized cucumber extract obtained via eco-friendly technology and sustainable farming.”
