Monograph

Sore joints. Stiff muscles. Aches and pains from normal activities can diminish well-being, as inflammation compromises the muscular and joint systems, inhibits cardiovascular health, and weakens cognitive function. To help ease these conditions, NUTRA Relief, combines three natural ingredients. Boswellin® Forte, Willow Bark, and Tart Cherry work together to help lessen inflammation and soothe aches and tenderness. Support your full range of motion with NUTRA Relief.
 

Description

NUTRA Relief combines three herbal compounds with alleviating properties: Boswellin® Forte, Willow Bark, and Tart Cherry.

Research

Boswellia (Boswellin®** Forte)

Boswellic acid, an active compound found in the gum resin of Boswellia serrata, provides beneficial relief to inflammatory ailments. Boswellic acid suppresses leukotriene activity, which is associated with the development of inflammation.[1] Ayurvedic medicine has commonly used boswellic acid to relieve tissue swelling. Various compounds from boswellic acid have anti-inflammatory actions, specifically pentacyclic triterpenes and 5-lipoxygenase.[2]

These actions make boswellic acid a beneficial source for alleviating a variety of inflammatory ailments, including joint, colon, bronchial, and brain inflammation.[3] One study observed boswellic acid relieved inflammation in patients with ulcers in the colon.[4] A six-week study gave 40 patients with breathing ailments Boswellia or a placebo. Results showed Boswellia improved symptoms in 70% of patients, in comparison to 27% improvement in the placebo group.1 In addition, researchers found that boswellic acid suppressed two pro-inflammatory enzymes suggesting the extract alleviated sore joints and muscles.[5]

Tart Cherry

Tart cherry contains several potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that are effective in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, including anthocyanins.[6],[7] One study reviewed tart cherry's effect on exercise induced muscle damage in male college students. Results indicated weakness and pain were significantly reduced in subjects taking tart cherry juice, when compared to the placebo group.6

Inflammation markers were measured in healthy women that consumed one dose of tart cherry after an overnight fast. Measurements showed that several inflammatory actions decreased in subjects taking tart cherry.[8] Similarly, another study measured inflammation markers in healthy subjects consuming tart cherries for 28 days observing inflammatory actions decreased among subjects consuming the fruit.[9]

Willow Bark

Rich in polyphenols[10], Willow bark is the precursor to salicylic acid that is more commonly known as aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).10 Researchers suggest that willow bark's anti-inflammatory actions are comparable to a traditional aspirin treatment; plus, the extract is less harsh on the stomach.[11]

A two-week study gave patients with chronic joint pain willow bark (240 mg salicin/day) or a placebo. Results indicated subjects taking the extract had a significant decrease in pain, when compared to the placebo group.[12] Another study found willow bark extract was significantly superior to relieving knee and hip pain in patients taking the nutrient.11

Inflammatory markers were compared between willow bark and aspirin in rats with inflammation. Results found the extract significantly raised glutathione levels to inhibit lipid peroxidation related to inflammation. In addition, willow bark was more effective than ASA in reducing COX-2 and leukotrienes, which are pro-inflammatory mechanisms.10

Additional Information – Dosage & Interactions

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take three capsules daily, or as directed by a physician.

Dosage

Boswellia (Boswellin®** Forte) – Up to 1,200 mg per day in divided doses

Tart Cherry – Up to 3 grams per day

Willow Bark – Up to 12 g per day

Precautions

The maximum safe dosages of the nutrients in this formula have not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

Boswellia (Boswellin®** Forte) - Minor gastrointestinal disturbances and rash have been reported on rare occasions with the use of boswellia. Individuals with preexisting gastritis should use boswellia with caution, as it may cause nausea, abdominal fullness, stomach pain, or burning.

Tart Cherry – There are no known adverse reactions with proper supplementation.

Willow Bark - Do not take Willow Bark if you are sensitive to aspirin. Individuals with diabetes, gastric or duodenal ulcers, asthma, bleeding disorders, kidney or liver disease should consult a physician prior to taking Willow Bark.

Drug Interactions

Consult a physician before taking NUTRA Relief, as the following key nutrients may interact with certain medications.

Boswellia (Boswellin®** Forte) – There are no known interactions with proper supplementation.

Tart Cherry – There are no known interactions with proper supplementation.

Willow Bark - Blood Thinning Medicine (Coumadin, Lovenox, Dicumarol, etc.), Aspirin, Heparin, or Pain Relievers (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc.)

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

[1] Gupta, I, Gupta, B, Parrihar, A, et al. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study. Eur J Med Res. 1998 Nov; 3(11):511-514.

[2] Ammon, HP. Boswellic acids in chronic inflammatory diseases. Planta Med. 2006 Oct; 72(12):1100-1116.

[3] Ammon, HP. Boswellic acids (components of frankincense) as the active principle in treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2002; 152(15-16):373-378.

[4] Gupta, I, Parihar, A, et al. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis. Eur J Med Res. 1997 Jan; 2(1):37-43.

[5] Safayhi, H, Rall, B, et al. Inhibition by boswellic acids of human leukocyte elastase. Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1997 Apr; 281(1):460-463.

[6] Connolly, DA, McHugh, MP, et al. Efficacy of a tart cherry juice blend in preventing the symptoms of muscle damage. Sports Med. 2006 Aug; 40(8):679-683.

[7] Tall, JM, Seeram, NP, et al. Tart cherry anthocyanins suppress inflammation-induced pain behavior in rat. Behav Brain Res. 2004 Aug 12; 153(1):181-188.

[8] Jacob, RA, Spinozzi, GM, et al. Consumption of cherries lowers plasma urate in healthy women. J Nutr. 2003 Jun; 133(6):1826-1829.

[9] Kelley, DS, Rasooly, R, et al. Consumption of Bing sweet cherries lowers circulating concentrations of inflammation markers in healthy men and women. J Nutr. 2006 Apr;136(4):981-986.

[10] Khayyal, MT, El-Ghazaly, MA, et al. Mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of a standardized willow bark extract. Arzneimittelforschung. 2005; 55(11):677-687.

[11] Marz, RW, Kemper, F. Willow bark extract--effects and effectiveness. Status of current knowledge regarding pharmacology, toxicology and clinical aspects. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2002; 152(15-16):354-359.

[12] Schmid, B, Ludtke, R, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of a standardized willow bark extract in patients with osteoarthritis: randomized placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2001 Jun; 15(4):344-350.