| abstract |
The present invention addresses the problem of providing: a composition for improving joint function, which promotes the proliferation of cartilage cells and inhibits the production of inflammation factors, cartilage matrix degradation factors, pain factors and nerve elongation factors by synovial cells, and, therefore, which is useful for preventing and treating various joint diseases such as osteoarthritis represented by osteoarthritis of the knee and rheumatoid arthritis; and products for improving joint function such as a food or beverage, a feed and a medicine each comprising the aforesaid composition. A composition for improving joint function that comprises cells of a bacterium belonging to the genus Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Streptococcus or Bifidobacterium or a culture thereof. An agent for improving joint function, a food or beverage for improving joint function, a nutritional composition for improving joint function, a feed for improving joint function or a medicine for improving joint function, each being characterized by comprising the aforesaid composition for improving joint function. |