There will soon be a next generation of compounds available to supplement manufacturers that will provide superior healing properties and pain relief for those with joint injuries and incapacities. These new aids will work over time—either alone or in combination with traditional joint-health supplements—to provide comprehensive, broad-spectrum support for joint repair and tissue regeneration.

One of the detractions of the glucosamine-chondroitin regime has been the quantity of active compound required for treatment. Another impediment is their onset of action; with studies suggesting that it may take two weeks or often even longer longer to fully experience their effects.

Looking to address these shortcomings, the new legion of compounds is led by Keratin, which stimulates healthy new joint tissue and confers powerful antioxidant protection. Hyaluronic acid, an important component of connective joint tissue formerly available only by prescription—and only then by injection directly into the joints. Korean Angelica, a herbal extract that acts on the central nervous system to fight pain, without the adverse gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects associated with treatments like ibuprofen and Celebrex®.

These new substances work through several mechanisms to restore healthy joint function and structure, relieve inflammation, and provide immediate pain relief. They also complement traditional joint-health supplements such as glucosamine and MSM, by keeping pain at bay and “buying time” for these effective but slower-acting compounds to take full effect.

Keratin benefits joint health by:

Found in much of the body’s connective tissue (including skin, hair, and teeth), keratin is actually a class of fundamental proteins containing an exceptionally high content of the amino acid cysteine. Cysteine is a rich source of sulfur molecules, which make up an important constituent of joint tissue. When sulfur molecules bond to one another, they form an extraordinarily strong link. These “cysteine bridges” provide much of keratin’s structural rigidity.

This rigidity is a vital trait in weight-bearing joints, which require both flexibility and resilience in order to function as effective shock absorbers.

As well as promoting healthy joint structure, keratin gives antioxidant support to joint tissues. It acts as an antioxidant itself and supplies cysteine to the joints, which works as an intracellular antioxidant to fight damaging reactive oxygen species.

Hyaluronic acid is the main natural polymer compound in the synovial fluid of joints. Produced by specialized cells that line the fluid-filled sac around joints, hyaluronic acid creates a viscous, cushioning space for joint cartilage, preventing friction from affecting these tissues. In osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid loses viscosity and with it elasticity.

With the herb known as Korean Angelica (Angelica gigas Nakai),research revealed it to be a potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent with a quick acting mechanism. In contrast to common pain relievers that inhibit the COX (cyclooxygenase) enzymes, this specialized form of Korean
Angelica fights pain through its effects on the central nervous system.

Boswellia, known also as boswellia serrata, is a branching tree that is native to India. It grows in dry, hilly regions of the country and produces a resin that can be extracted and purified for medicinal preparations. In Ayurvedic (traditional Indian) medicine, boswellia extract is grouped with other resins that are classified as guggals. Boswellia extract is best known among herbalists as a treatment for arthritis. One of its primary active ingredients, boswellic acid, is an anti-inflammatory that can be used in ointments to ease joint pain.

Boswellia extract can also be taken internally as an anti-inflammatory agent, much like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which are commonly used to treat pain. In strong contrast to NSAIDs, boswellia extracts are effective over time without disrupting digestive balance and triggering unwanted pain.

Joints are complex areas to diagnose and treat as are the associated degenerative diseases necessitating a thorough consultation with your medical practitioner and where applicable, your specialist before flashing cash at your local health store for the latest generation herbal supplements. That said, there is no doubt the new compounds keratin, hyaluronic acid, and Korean Angelica may provide effective relief of joint pain and promote healing.