| abstract |
The invention encompasses compositions and methods for effectively treating and/or preventing the development and/or progression of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and for promoting overall joint health. This is accomplished by totally addressing the key multiple biochemical processes and mechanisms that lead to such disorders. The invention includes compositions comprising a combination of natural agents that safely and effectively suppress, regulate or interfere with the various biochemical processes and mechanisms that increase the risk for or lead to the development and/or progression of OA and RA. The present compositions are holistically formulated to be effective in preventing/arresting loss of and/or damage to the articular cartilage (AC) by suppressing (a) extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, (b) chondrocyte apoptosis, and (c) inflammation of synovium through modulation of mechanisms that involve transcription factors, growth factors, kinases, antiapoptotic/apoptotic factors and deacetylases. The active agents used herein are natural materials, in particular phytonutrients (or phytochemicals), minerals and/or vitamins. |