Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Although many medications are available to relieve the symptoms, conventional medicine has nothing to offer in terms of controlling or reversing this condition. In fact, there is evidence that long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) actually accelerates joint destruction in patients with osteoarthritis. Furthermore, NSAID's have a number of side effects, including peptic ulceration and damage to the liver or kidneys.

These studies indicate that glucosamine sulfate is effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis, apparently more so than NSAID's. Glucosamine sulfate is not an analgesic or an anti-inflammatory agent per se, rather, it appears to exert a beneficial effect on the disease process. Consequently, improvements occur more slowly with glucosamine sulfate than with NSAID's, but eventually the former overtakes the latter in terms of effectiveness. In addition, glucosamine sulfate is virtually free of side effects and there are no known contraindications to its use. In contrast, conventional medications can cause relatively severe side effects. Glucosamine sulfate should, therefore, be considered one of the "treatments of choice" for osteoarthritis.

GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE
This naturally occuring substance shows great promise in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Although much of the research on glucosamine sulfate is more than ten years old, this substance has not, until recently, been available in the United States. Italian researchers have investigated the effect of glucosamine sulfate in patients with osteoarthritis. In one study, 30 patients with chronic osteoarthritis were divided into two groups. Half of the patients received glucosamine sulfate, 400 mg/day for 7 days, followed by 500 mg three times a day by mouth for another 14 days. The control group received injections of piperazine/chlorbutanol combination daily for 7 days, followed by oral placebo capsules for another 14 days. Symptoms improved during both initial parenteral treatments, but to significantly greater extent in the glucosamine sulfate group than in the control group. During the oral treatment period, symptoms improved further in the patients receiving glucosamine sulfate, but reverted almost to pretreatment levels in the placebo group. After three weeks, the total symptom score had improved by 71% in the glucosamine sulfate group, but was little changed in the placebo group. These results were replicated by another group of investigators.

In another study, 40 patients with unilateral osteoarthritis of the knee received glucosamine sulfate, 500 mg, three times a day, or 1.2 g/day of Ibuprofen, in an eight week double blind study. Pain scores decreased faster during the first two weeks with Ibuprofen than with glucosamine sulfate. Although the rate of improvement was slower in the glucosamine sulfate group, the improvement became progressively more pronounced in that group throughout the study, to the point that glucosamine sulfate was significantly more effective than Ibuprofen by the eighth week.

In another study, 20 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee received glucosamine sulfate, 500 mg three times a day, or a placebo, for 6-8 weeks. Glucosamine sulfate was significantly superior to the placebo in terms of relieving pain, joint tenderness, and swelling. The results were rated as "excellent" in all 10 patients receiving glucosamine sulfate, whereas all 10 patients receiving the placebo rated the results as "fair" or "poor".

SHARK CARTILAGE
The current medical literature contains much scientific evidence that shark cartilage is a tremendously effective treatment in many degenerative and inflammatory conditions. Amazingly, we look to one of the earth's oldest and most feared creatures to provide the means to treat or ameliorate many of our most devastating and enigmatic diseases.

Arthritis and Cartilage Research
Dr. Stephen Freedman, marine biologist and immunobiochemist at the University of Utah, is particularly interested in the anti-inflammatory aspects of shark cartilage. These properties are in addition to its angiogenesis inhibiting ability and are produced by powerful anti-inflammatory molecules called mucopolysaccharides. Dr. Freedman cites exciting scientific research on using shark cartilage supplements in the successful treatment of arthritis. These experiments were conducted in Belgium and by Mote Labs in Florida and were overwhelmingly effective in relieving joint pain and inflammation.

A dozen elderly arthritic patients with severe knee pain were treated with shark cartilage by Dr. Joseph Orcasity, M.D., a consultant at the University of Miami Medical School. He reported that after four weeks of taking shark cartilage, most patients exhibited reduced pain and swelling, and greater mobility. Dr. Allen Pressman, a prominent sports nutritionist, routinely uses shark cartilage in his healthy and active patient population as an adjunct in the treatment of low back joint pains. He reports that using shark cartilage as a treatment is becoming widely accepted in the medical community. In his acutely injured patients he finds an almost immediate reduction in pain and swelling and a marked increase in the range of limb motion.

ZINC
Zinc is part of the molecular structure of 80 or more known enzymes. These particular enzymes work with red blood cells to move carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs.

Reasons to Use Zinc:

• Functions as anti-oxidant.
• Promotes normal growth and development.
• Aids wound healing.
• Helps synthesize DNA and RNA.
• Promotes cell division, cell repair, cell growth.
• Maintains normal level of Vitamin A in blood.

Reasons to Use Copper:

• Promotes normal red blood cell formation.
• Acts as a catalyst in storage and release of iron to form hemoglobin for red blood cells.
• Assists in production of several enzymes involved in respiration.
• Promotes connective tissue formation and central nervous system function.
• Is used as a nutritional supplement for anyone receiving prolonged feedings through veins or tubes into the stomach.

BOSWELLIA RESIN EXTRACT
Used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and analgesic pain reliever for rheumatic disorders. Users report relief of symptoms of joint stiffness and swelling. It may also help preserve joint function, halt progressin and suppress active disease. Reported to help asthma, prostate, mytosis and sports injuries.

DEVIL'S CLAW ROOT
Primarily used as an anti-inflammatory and pain killer against arthritis and rheumatism. Promotes flexibility in the joints, reducing the pain of arthritis and rheumatism.

FEVERFEW
Believed to relieve problems of inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Promotes restful sleep, improves digestion, and relievs asthma attacks. Believed to releive headaches and migraine pain.

KAVA KAVA ROOT
Promotes relaxation, sound sleep. Relaxes the nervous system and reduces water retention.

CAT'S CLAW
Cat's Claw is a woody vine found in the highlands of the Peruvian Rain Forest. Studies suggest Cat's Claw may be useful in the treatment of a host of ailments, including Cancer, Heart Disease, Arthritis, Gastrointestinal upsets, Ulcers, Allegies, PMS, AIDS, Herpes, Lupus, Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatism, Depression, reducing of blood pressure and increasing circulation.

SILICA
Extracted from Equiseti Herba (Horsetail). Horsetail is an excellent source of naturally occuring silica. This helps the body adsorb calcium and contributes to healthier hair and nails. It helps build or rebuild strong bones. It is also helpful for symptoms of arthritis.

Zinc .................................................... 7.5 mg
(as zinc glycinate)
Copper ...................................................1 mg
(as copper lysinate)
Glucosamine HCI .............................. 300 mg
Turmeric Extract ............................... 100 mg
(95% curcuminoids) (Rhizome)
Boswella Resin Extract ..................... 100 mg
(Boswellia Serrata)
Devil's Claw Root ............................. 100 mg
Feverfew Herb .................................... 50 mg
Kava Kava Root .................................. 75 mg
Silica ................................................... 30 mg
Cat's Claw Root Bark .......................... 50 mg
Shark Cartilage .................................. 100 mg

Relieve Recommended Use:
Begin with 6 caplets per day in a divided dose for 10 days, therafter 2 per day or as needed.