The Marine‐derived, Multi‐mineral formula, AquaPT Reduces TNF- Levels in Osteoarthritis Patients

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease of the joints. Current anti-inflammatory treatment strategies for OA, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are effective for symptom relief but are associated with adverse side effects including gastrointestinal and cardiovascular complications during long term use. Thus, alternative treatments for the disease are necessary to supplement current treatment options. The nutraceutical, Aquamin, is a seaweed-derived, multi-mineral supplement that has proven promising in ameliorating the symptoms of moderate to severe OA, potentially through blockade of pro-inflammatory signalling pathways and cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Aquamin or Aquamin supplemented with green tea and pine bark extract (AquaPT) on inflammatory biomarker levels in the blood of OA patients. OA subjects received Aquamin or AquaPT for 6 weeks. The impact of the treatment on Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) OA index scores and serum tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were investigated. While no significant differences in WOMAC scores were evident post treatment, the AquaPT-treated subjects had reduced serum TNF-α levels. These data suggest that the addition of green tea and pine bark extract to Aquamin gives the seaweed-derived supplement a detectable anti- inflammatory effect.