Joint Medic™ – FAQs

Allantoin is a water-soluble crystal known to support wound healing and encourage healthy tissue growth. Allantoin is present in botanical extracts of the comfrey plant. Natural allantoin is safe, non-toxic, compatible with cosmetic raw materials and meets CTFA and JSCI requirements. Manufacturers cite several beneficial effects for allantoin as an active ingredient in over-the-counter cosmetics, including: a moisturizing and keratolytic effect, increasing the water content of the extracellular matrix and enhancing the desquamation of upper layers of dead skin cells, increasing the smoothness of the skin; promoting cell proliferation and wound healing; and a soothing, anti-irritant, and skin protectant effect by forming complexes. A study published in 2009 reported the use of Allantoin for pruritus in mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis with a topical non-steroidal agent containing allantoin.

Pregnenolone is produced naturally in the human body. It is a precursor for many hormones and was studied extensively for stress, fatigue and joint soreness and discomfort in the 1940s. Researchers now believe it plays a major role in the abatement of joint and muscle discomfort and has healthy-aging properties by helping your body produce healthy levels of essential hormones. As a hormone precursor it may be the key to regaining “younger” levels of vital hormones. Pregnenolone is a chemical that is found in our bodies. Pregnenolone can also be used for fatigue and increasing energy and enhancing memory; trauma and injuries; as well as stress and regulating immunity. It is also used for strengthening the heart and promoting a normal response to allergic reactions and detoxification.

MSM (methyl sulfonylmethane) is a naturally-occurring dietary sulfur compound found in all living things. Sulfur holds water and glucosamine utilizes the sulfur, provided by MSM, to make healthy cartilage. Research has shown that MSM offers relief from joint and muscle discomfort, assisting joint function and strengthening natural defenses against allergies and environmental toxins. As an immune system stabilizer, it helps deal with the source of many acute and chronic health problems and diseases. The sulfur provided by MSM is also available for vital biochemical processes in the body, including energy production. MSM can be taken alone or in combination with other joint-health ingredients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin.

CMO (cis-9-cetylmyristoleate) has been hailed by researchers like Dr. Harry Diehl of the National Institute of Health as “… one of the most important discoveries this century in supporting joint and cartilage health.” The active ingredients in CMO are wholly derived from 100% natural food sources. When used for joint support, in a randomized clinical trial, cetyl myristoleate achieved an astounding 87.3% response when taken with glucosamine and hydrolyzed cartilage. Cetyl myristoleate and other related fatty acids have been researched in relation to improving joint health and the research has shown that these fatty acids can help regulate a natural response to inflammation. It has also been proposed that this nutrient acts as a joint ―”lubricant”.

Glucosamine is made from glucose and the amino acid glutamine, substances occurring naturally in the body. With the help of sulfur, provided by MSM, cartilage is made and kept moist and pliant. Glucosamine plays a vital role in the structuring of healthy bone, cartilage and other connective tissues. Glucosamine is also one of the nutrients that form the cushioning ingredients in the fluids of the joints and surrounding tissues, again due to the water holding ability of sulfur. Glucosamine is needed to produce glycosaminoglycan, a molecule used in the formation and repair of cartilage and other connective tissues in the body. The production of glucosamine in the human body slows with age. Glucosamine is often combined with chondroitin sulfate, a molecule naturally present in cartilage. Research has shown that the absorption of Chondroitin from the GI tract is highly inconsistent. Chondroitin gives cartilage elasticity and is believed to prevent the destruction of cartilage by enzymes. Glucosamine is sometimes combined with methylsulfonylmethane or MSM.

Chondroitin works together with Glucosamine in practical and clinical trials to help build new cartilage. When these nutrients (found naturally in our joints) are not sufficiently available to the body, joint problems often result. Chondroitin sulfate is often combined with glucosamine which is naturally present in cartilage. Chondroitin gives cartilage elasticity and is believed to prevent the destruction of cartilage by enzymes. Glucosamine is sometimes combined with methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, in nutritional supplements.

Vitamin A helps cells and their structures reproduce normally, maintain healthy membranes, prevents invasion by disease-causing microorganisms and stimulates immunity. Vitamin A also functions as an antioxidant. Other benefits of Vitamin A may also help to boost the functioning of your immune system. Vitamin A plays a role in the development of lymphocytes. These are the cells of your immune system that fight off bacteria and disease. There is abundant research on the benefits of Vitamin A.

Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals in the body that cause tissue and cellular damage. Vitamin E also contributes to a healthy circulatory system and aids in proper blood clotting and improves wound healing. Other studies have shown that taking large doses of Vitamin E helps regulate the risk of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Animal studies have suggested that vitamin E, does, in fact, regulate the development of atherosclerosis.

Panthenol (vitamin B5) plays an important role in metabolism of fats, carbohydrates & proteins. It fosters growth and maintenance of body tissues and delays onset of fatigue while improving one’s ability to heal. The health benefits of Vitamin B5, also known as Pantothenic Acid, include the alleviation of conditions like asthma, hair loss, allergies, stress and anxiety, respiratory disorders and heart problems. It also helps to boost immunity, reduce osteoarthritis and signs of aging, increase resistance to various types of infections, stimulate physical growth, and manage diabetes and skin disorders. Vitamin B5 is widely known to be beneficial in chronic stress and anxiety. It performs a wide variety of functions in our body, including the production of neurotransmitters in the brain, the fabrication of steroids, and the extraction of fats, proteins and other vital nutrients from food.

Ginger is normally known for its benefits in digestion, but ginger can also stimulate blood flow to vital organs, bones and joints. Additionally, ―gingeroles‖, the active ingredients in ginger, can block the Cox 2 and Lipox 2 enzymes, thereby potently decreasing the biochemical cascades that cause soreness and discomfort. Studies have shown that the comforting effects of ginger are substantial.

Veronica Americana is edible and nutritious and is reported to have a flavor similar to watercress. Native Americans used Veronica species as an expectorant tea to alleviate bronchial congestion associated with asthma and allergies. The plant can be confused with skullcap and other members of the mint family. Members of the mint family have square sided stems, and Veronica species have rounded stems. Veronica herb has been used in traditional Austrian practices, internally (as a tea), for the nervous system, respiratory tract, cardiovascular system, and metabolism. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veronica_(plant)

Dong Quai frequently has been used by the Chinese to strengthen the heart, spleen, liver and kidneys. Men and women use the herb as a general blood tonic. It contains vitamins A, E and B12. Researchers have isolated at least six derivatives, from Dong Quai, that exert antispasmodic effects and it acts as a blood purifier that promotes blood flow. It is high in iron and therefore, it may help prevent iron deficiency and anemia. Studies show that it aids in regulating blood sugar. It is also used orally as a ―blood purifier‖ and to regulate Histamine. Dong Quai is also used orally for Vitiligo (depigmentation of the skin) and Psoriasis.

Primrose Oil aids the autoimmune system and regulates mood. Evening primrose oil contains ―Fatty Acids‖ that help soothe sore joints and muscles. Evening primrose oil is the oil from the seed of the evening primrose plant and can be used to soothe the skin. Some people use evening primrose oil for fatigue.

Caprylic mainly works as a skin softener (emollient) & dispersing agent in our formulation. As an emollient, it both quickly penetrates the skin surface and provides a non-greasy layer of lubrication. As a dispersing agent, it helps enhance the delivery of our other ingredients so that they become evenly spread out and fully absorbed by the skin. This ingredient greatly enhances the transdermal delivery of the cream’s ingredients.

Commonly known as Alfalfa, this plant extract is naturally high in many essential vitamins and minerals including Vitamins A, D, E,K, the full family of B vitamins; biotin, calcium, folic acid and many more. Known for its’ myriad of health benefits, the alfalfa plant is known for its beneficial properties on sore or achy joints.

Arnica montana – also known as Leapard’s Bane and Wolf’s Bane, grows in alpine regions up to 3,000 feet above sea level. The blossoms of this plant are used to make Arnica Oil. Known to reduce swelling and relieve pain, it is the ideal supplement to support pain relief for muscle sprains and strains. Arnica oil is comprised of approximately 50% fatty acids including linolenic, palmitic, linoleic and myristic acids. It’s anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties are attributed to its thymol derivatives. Thymol has been found to be effective as a vasodilator which helps in the transport of blood and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

From the seeds of the fruit of the Shea Tera, Shea Butter is natuarally rich in Vitamins A,E and F*. It has excellent skin moisturizing properties and because it contains cinnamic acid, & some of the chemical constituents of shea butter are reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. *Vitamin F is a lesser known beneficial vitamin composed of two fatty acids – linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid. Since the human body does not produce essential fatty acids, they must be introduced by food (or cream!). Fatty acids help repair and create tissue, help with metabolism, healing, reproductive health, skin health and hair growth.