Why Super*Flex™ Advanced?

Scientific Bio-Logics® Super*Flex™ is a comprehensive formula designed to help with cartilage regeneration and regulation of the inflammatory process in the body. Deficiency in glucosamine and or chondroitin can lead to various joint disorders characterized by increased cartilage degeneration, decreased mobility and increased pain and swelling in the affected area.

Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease affects over 30 million Americans with the highest prevalence found in people over the age of 50. Conventional therapy for osteoarthritis has consisted primarily of providing pain relief through the use of aspirin and more recently non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This type of drug therapy provides effective short term relief but long term use of these drugs can cause increased toxicity which may lead to serious stomach, liver and kidney damage.

Articular cartilage is found between all joints in the body and functions as a wear resistant tissue to reduce friction between the bones that are performing the movement around that particular joint area. This type of cartilage is composed of water, type II collagen, proteoglycans and chondrocytes, which are the cells that actively build and repair cartilage. Proteoglycans are large protein molecules that have carbohydrates, such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, attached to them which help maintain the permeability and build the gelatinous layers found within the cartilage. These proteins also link to hyaluronic acid and provide the essential building blocks for the synovial fluid that surrounds the articular cartilage. Synovial fluid is vital for the reduction of friction, absorption of shock, transfer of nutrients to chondrocytes and the removal of waste materials from the cartilage area. As we age chondrocytes no longer reproduce and their activity becomes diminished which leads to a decrease in functional proteoglycans and potential cartilage degradation. The breakdown of cartilage that creates osteoarthritis like symptoms is influenced by numerous factors that include mechanical load, hydrostatic pressure, integrity of the synovial fluid, prolonged injuries, and chronic inflammation that increases catabolic activity.

Super*Flex™ Advanced provides Glucosamine Hydrochloride (HCL) and Chondroitin Sulfate in combination with herbal extracts, such as Curcumin and Boswellia, that help regulate the inflammatory process in the body. Glucosamine is a natural compound found in healthy cartilage and is used by the body to produce glycosaminoglycans (GAGs otherwise known as proteoglycans that contain certain sugars bound to them) in the extracellular matrix along with helping to produce synovial fluid that surrounds the joint area. Some studies suggest glucosamine supplementation may be as effective at pain relief as standard NSAIDs(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Chondroitin Sulfate is a major component of the extracellular matrix, important in maintaining the structural integrity of tissue. It is the major glycosaminoglycan (GAG) present in cartilage and works to keep the cartilage healthy by absorbing water. Studies show that chondroitin sulfate supplementation may decrease osteoarthritis like symptoms and possibly slow progression of the disease.

Super*Flex™ Advanced combines chondroprotective agents with three synergistic anti-inflammatory ingredients; Curcumin C3 Complex, bromelain and boswellia. Curcumin C3 Complex, derived from turmeric root extract, decreases certain inflammatory markers in the body and provides protection against oxidative stress. Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme, extracted from pineapple, which may help inhibit edema and swelling of the joints and decrease recovery time after an injury. Boswellia is a traditional Ayurvedic herb that has been shown to help regulate cells which break down bone tissue. Modern research has demonstrated that these ingredients are safe and highly effective in regulating the inflammatory response in the body.

Inflammation is a critical mechanism in our body that provides the ability to contain and remove infectious agents as well as to respond and initiate healing during an acute injury. However there are times when chronic unregulated inflammation can exacerbate or even manifest a certain disease state within the body. For example when an individual is experiencing Osteoarthritis like symptoms particular inflammatory compounds,or cytokines, will actually inhibit enzyme activity that is involved in the production of proteoglycans in the cartilage, which will lead to increased tissue damage. Phytonutrients found in various herbal extracts and spices, including turmeric and boswellia, have the ability to regulate the expression of these particular inflammatory cytokines and allow the regeneration process to begin.

Highlight on Curcumin C3 Complex®

Curcuminoids are extracted compounds from the root of the Curcuma longa (Turmeric) plant. They have been found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-mutagen, as well as immune boosting and detoxifying properties. Curcumin C3 Complex® patents a unique composition and ratio of three curcuminoids; diferuloylmethane, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. This proprietary blend has been found to be highly effective in deactivating and preventing the formation of free radicals. Curcumin C3 Complex’s® unique formula has been shown to have greater stability and activity when taken orally compared to other standard turmeric extracts on the market.

Beneficial Effects of Curcuminoids

• Curcumin has been shown to be a COX-2 (Cyclo-oxygenase-2) inhibitor.
• Unlike conventional non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), curcuminoids do not cause gastrointestinal side effects or ulcers.
• Curcuminoids support a healthy immune system.
• Prevents connective tissue breakdown through inhibiting destructive enzymes, and the expression of inflammatory compounds.

Manganese is an essential trace mineral that is involved in bone and cartilage growth and repair. This mineral is a cofactor for enzymes that are involved in the production of proteoglycans and collagen formation in the body. Research on combination therapy of glucosamine, chondroitin, and manganese was found to help alleviate symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.

Provides vital nutrients to support connective tissue and cartilage regeneration and helps to balance the inflammatory response.