Arthrozene

Joint pain is among the top reasons for doctor visits each year. Definitive care for this condition often includes joint replacement surgery, though many battle joint pain for years before this option is available.

For this reason, there is a strong push for less invasive treatments that may delay or prevent the need for a joint replacement. As symptoms can differ greatly from person to person, the possible treatment options may be just as variable.

Arthrozene may be one such option. This pill is reported to reduce your joint pain and stiffness through a blend of 3 ingredients.

In this article, we will review the safety and effectiveness of this product.

What is Arthrozene?

Arthrozene claims to have a variety of effects that all serve to promote overall joint health through their “3-step solution.” This solution is a combination of 3 “all-natural”, clinically tested ingredients. These ingredients are thought to attack the source of joint pain and provide relief “in as little as 5 days.”

Recommended use is described as 1 capsule to be taken once per day, with a glass of water, on an empty stomach.

Arthrozene is reported to slow the breakdown of joint cartilage, or the smooth lining that acts as a shock absorber at the end of bones. This product also works to promote the production of joint fluid, which is vital for reducing friction within the joint.

Lastly, Arthrozene claims to reduce inflammation, a key player in the process of joint pain.

The sum of these actions are said to battle joint pain, limit stiffness, and promote mobility.

Ingredients

Arhtrozene consists of 3 key ingredients offered in a capsule format: type II collagen, hyaluronic acid (HA), and Boswellia Serrata.

Type II Collagen (B-2Cool) - 40mg

As type II collagen is an important structural component of your cartilage, its role in joint pain has been studied extensively. Arthrozene boasts a patented form of this protein, B-2Cool^®, that is obtained from the breastbone of chickens. B-2Cool^® is thought to improve your joint function by limiting the destruction of collagen, inflammation, and pain.

Arthrozene sites a number of studies for clinical support of this ingredient. In 2008, a group of patients treated with type II collagen had lower levels of molecules found in urine that are used to track the progress of arthritis at 6-months and 1-year when compared to a group treated with glucosamine, another component of cartilage.³

In 2013, arthritis was induced in rats and they were treated with type II collagen over the course of 2-weeks; on day 14, balance and weight bearing was improved and lab markers for arthritis were reduced.⁴

More recently, 39 patients with knee arthritis were randomly assigned to either Tylenol or type II collagen + Tylenol treatment; patient reported outcomes related to function and quality of life were significantly better at 3-months in the type II collagen + Tylenol group.⁵

Key Takeaways

Animal studies are an important part of pre-clinical testing in which the safety and effectiveness of drugs and supplements are examined before being tested on humans. This does not mean that the effects a drug or supplement has on an animal are predictive for how they will affect a human, however. These products eventually need to be tested on human subjects – if they are not, beware.

A double-blinded, randomized controlled trial is often considered the “gold standard” for conducting research. Biases are minimized as both the subjects and investigators do not have knowledge of which treatment is being administered/received.

When compared to animal studies or retrospective reviews, the randomized trial provides stronger evidence that 10mg of type II collagen can improve patient reported outcomes in those with knee arthritis, particularly if taken along with Tylenol. The dosage of type II collagen in Arthrozene is 4x this amount.

Hyaluronic Acid (Mobilee) - 80mg

HA is the main component of joint fluid. This fluid is vital for joint health, making HA another hot button topic regarding possible treatment options.

There are a number of injectable HA treatments on the market, though a systematic review of the best available studies does not seem to point towards benefits.⁶

Mobilee^® is an FDA approved and patented form of HA found in Arthrozene.² Taken orally, this ingredient is thought to promote joint function by reducing joint pain and swelling.² Arthrozene sites a number of clinical studies investigating the potential benefits of HA in those with joint pain.

A 2008 pilot study randomized 10 patients with a history of knee pain to either Mobilee^® treatment or placebo, i.e. a sugar pill; after 8-weeks, Tylenol use was higher in the placebo group (as these subjects felt pain was not well controlled with treatment alone), while pain and function were improved in the Mobilee^® group.⁷

A meta-analysis of 2 randomized trials reviewed the effects of oral HA treatment in individuals with mild knee pain; the HA group demonstrated increased knee flexion and reduced swelling when compared to the placebo group.⁸

In 2014, 68 patients with mild knee pain received either oral HA treatment or placebo; the HA group demonstrated reduced pain and swelling, as well as increased muscular strength.⁹

Key Takeaways

Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials can provide the strongest evidence as these reviews aim to examine the best scientific studies available for a given research question.

A review of studies investigating injectable forms of HA concluded that this method of delivery does not appear to offer benefits. A review of those that examined daily oral HA treatment at 80mg doses (the same dose included in Arthrozene) describes potential benefits to include improved strength and motion, as well as a reduction in pain and swelling.

Keep in mind that subjects in these studies had mild knee pain; these benefits may differ in those with arthritis.

Boswellia Serrata (AprèsFlex) - 100mg

AprèsFlex^® is the patented, next-generation Boswellia Serrata extract found in Arthrozene, which the company claims is “10 times more powerful” than other extracts.

This herb comes from the Boswellia tree in the Middle East and is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. Arthrozene eludes to research regarding this compound being carried out in India, though they do not cite specific articles.

Laila Nutraceuticals, the owner of the AprèsFlex^® patent, completed a randomized trial comparing the effects 2 different Boswellia Serrata extract to placebo in 60 patients with knee arthritis.¹⁰ At 90 days, the Boswellia Serrata extracts improved joint function, and also reduced pain in as quickly as 7 days.¹⁰

Key Takeaways

Again, double-blinded, randomized controlled trials offer the best scientific method available when examining a research question. In this particular study, patients with knee arthritis receiving the Boswellia Serrata Extracts at 100mg doses, the same dosage offered in Arthrozene, experienced reduced pain and improved function.

On their web site, Arthrozene discloses that this investigation was carried out by a research center that is a division of the company that owns the AprèsFlex^® patent. This is permitted, but ethically speaking, must be made known as there is a bias in that the company conducting the research would benefit more if the supplement was effective.

Is Arthrozene Safe?

Arthrozene is said to deliver results while avoiding liver damage, upset stomach, or bleeding risk – side effects common with over the counter anti-inflammatory medications often used to control joint pain.

With respect to type II collagen, the 40mg dose included in 1 Arthrozene capsule appears to be safe in humans, though occasional headaches and constipation were reported.^3-5,11

Hyaluronic acid doses 2-3 times larger than the 80mg included in 1 Arthrozene capsule appear to be safe in humans.^6-9,12

Lastly, a daily 100mg Boswellia Serrata extract was as safe as a placebo. The risk for adverse events is considered low, though it may interact with common arthritis medications like Tylenol or Aspirin.¹³

Who Is It Good For?

Arthrozene warns against using this supplement if you're pregnant, nursing, or under the age of 18, though it is billed as being safe and effective for nearly everyone.

The research regarding the key ingredients is similarly broad and included various arthritic joints, painful nonarthritic joints, and swollen joints.

The effects of type II collagen and Boswellia Serrata have been extensively studied in those suffering from osteoarthritis, whereas much of the data regarding the benefits of oral HA cites studies examining those with knee pain in the absence of arthritis.

Much of the interest regarding these types of products is that they are generally safe even when compared to common over the counter treatments like Tylenol or aspirin.

Nonetheless, “all natural” does not mean they are without risk. Peanut butter, protein powder, and pre-workout supplements seem safe but can also have adverse effects.

Joint pain can have a variety of causes, so it is always best to include a medical professional in your care. Discuss your interest in starting a new supplement with them to avoid any potential interaction with medications or other supplements you may already be taking.

How Much Does Arthrozene Cost?

Arthrozene can be ordered directly from their site. They do not offer a subscription service but do offer a few purchasing options.

• One bottle: $49.95
• Two Bottles: $44.95 Each
• Six bottles: $39.95 Each

Keep in mind, 1 bottle contains 30 capsules, a one month supply.

Arthrozene offers refunds on all orders with a 90-day, full-money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied.

These prices place Arthrozene on the more expensive side in terms of joint health supplements. You may be able to obtain products that offer these ingredients independently – this is likely less convenient and may or may not result in savings.

The Bottom Line

The 3 ingredients included in Arthrozene are reported to combat joint pain by reducing the destruction of cartilage, promoting the production of joint fluid, and reducing inflammation.

These ingredients have been studied extensively; the available research is broad and includes animal studies, retrospective reviews, and randomized controlled trials – the latter representing the strongest evidence.

Taking in all of the available information, Arthrozene appears to be safe when used as described and a promising option for those with joint pain and/or osteoarthritis. Nonetheless, these studies range from 2-weeks to 12-months so we can’t comment on long-term benefits or risks with chronic Arthrozene use.

As joint pain can span decades, more long-term data is needed to fully understand Arthrozene’s role in delaying or preventing the progression of arthritis. Always consult a medical professional before starting a new supplement.