Active Ingredient
Purified Capsaicin (0.03%)
Capsaicin is an active component of chilli peppers that makes the peppers hot. It is a topical analgesic that binds to nerve cell receptors that are responsible for pain, producing a heating sensation (this sensation diminshes after several days of regular use). The nerve cells are depleted of their pain neurotransmitter substance P, and are temporarily unable to sense and transmit pain signals for an extended period of time.
A meta-analysis of three randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials showed that capsaicin cream was effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Topical capsaicin is an effective therapy for a number of persistent pain conditions including neuralgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and shingles. The CellMedics® delivery system has the release properties to optimize capsaicin’s therapeutic effect.
Other Ingredients
Harpagophytum Procumbens Extract
Harpagophytum procumbens (aka Devil's Claw) is a plant native to southern Africa. It contains a group of compounds in its roots including harpagoside, which have significant pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Harpagophytum extracts vary considerably in quality and potency. CellMedics uses a Harpagophytum procumbens extract with the highest titrations of up to 20% harpagoside (as measured by HPLC) bringing up to 10 times more actives for a better efficiency at a lower dosage. It is produced under the strictest manufacturing procedures: ISO 22 000. The German Commission E approves Harpagophytum extracts for degenerative disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
What the Data Shows
14 clinical trials have assessed Harpagophytum's efficacy/effectiveness in osteoarthritis (OA). Data from the higher quality studies suggest that Devil's Claw appeared effective in the reduction of the main clinical symptom of pain1. There is evidence of effectiveness for the use of Harpagophytum in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the spine, hip and knee; in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic non-specific low back pain (NSLBP); and the use of Harpagophytum being non-inferior to rofecoxib for chronic NSLBP in the short term. Strong evidence exists for the use of Harpagophytum in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic NSLBP2. Data provides evidence that Harpagophytum has a broader mechanism of action than NSAIDs3,4 (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) and is associated with minor risk relative to NSAIDs.
Bromelain
Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme obtained from the pineapple plant, which is known for its anti-inflammatory activity. Bromelain was the most potent of nine anti-inflammatory substances tested on experimentally induced edemas in test subjects. Prednisone and bromelain have been shown to be comparable in their ability to reduce inflammation in experimental models.
In a recent human clinical trial published in the journal Clinical Rheumatology, treatment with a bromelain preparation was shown to be effective for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis5. The CellMedics® delivery system has the properties to optimize bromelain's stability in a topical formulation.
Niacinamide
In a study involving hundreds of patients, niacinamide therapy resulted in an increase in joint mobility, improvements in joint discomfort, inflammation, and pain. Improvement is progressive, occurring after several weeks of use, and has lasted for as long as 20 years with continuous use.
In a study of patients with osteoarthritis of at least five years' duration, global arthritis impact improved by 29%, erythrocyte sedimentation rate was reduced by 22%, and joint mobility increased by eight degrees. Another study found that niacinamide suppresses the activation of macrophages or white blood cells that contribute to the inflammatory response associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
MSM
MSM is a naturally occurring organosulfur compound used for joint problems. Two double blind, placebo-controlled trials evaluating patients with osteoarthritis of the knee reported significant improvement in pain outcomes.
One study found positive effects of MSM in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. MSM facilitates transmembrane transport enabling deep penetration of actives into muscle and joints.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant that has properties to reduce oxidative stress, decrease production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and suppress the activation of pro-inflammatory nuclear factors. High intake of vitamin C may reduce the risk of cartilage loss and disease progression in people with osteoarthritis (OA).
In a pilot study published in the Journal of Modern Research in Inflammation, researchers found that high dose vitamin C delivered intravenously reduced inflammation and pain levels in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
