A Traditional Herbal Blend with Antioxidant Protection for Joints*

PRODUCT DISCUSSION
CTR Support™ combines a blend of traditional herbs, including Turmeric, Boswellia, Devil’s Claw, Ginger and Yucca, along with Bromelain and Quercetin. This unique formula is designed to maximize the body’s ability to maintain the everyday health of joints and connective tissue.*

STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
Turmeric, an herb used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, has been the subject of many research studies. Curcumin, thought to be one of turmeric’s most active constituents, has been found in in vitro studies to reduce arachidonic acid release from phospholipids by reducing the activity of phospholipase A2, as well as to inhibit cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, macrophage production of nitric oxide, and TNFa’s activation of nuclear factor kappa-beta (NF-kB).*

Boswellic acids are pentacyclic triterpenes thought to be the active ingredients of Boswellia serrata gum resin, a traditional herb of the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. Boswellic acids have been found to inhibit the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzyme in vitro, thereby inhibiting the synthesis of leukotrienes from arachidonic acid.* In vitro research has also suggested that boswellia’s beneficial effects are a result of its ability to prevent the expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 induced by TNFa.* Boswellia has not been found to lead to a disturbance in glycosaminoglycan synthesis.*

Bromelain is the name given to a group of proteolytic (proteindigesting) enzymes, derived from the stem and fruit of pineapple. Bromelain administration in experimental animals has been found to interfere with the arachidonic acid cascade as well as to lead to significant reductions in concentrations of 2-series prostaglandins.* Animal research has also found that it may not only cause reductions of substance P but also inhibit bradykinin release; both of these molecules are chemical mediators which can affect well-being.*

Ginger has a long history of use in both Ayurvedic and Asian systems for health and well-being.* It naturally contains a matrix of active constituents including gingerols, betacarotene, capsaicin, curcumin and salicylate. In in vitro research, ginger has been found to reduce biosynthesis of leukotrienes, nitric oxide and 2-series prostaglandins, the latter which has also been found in a study with animals.* Ginger’s unique actions are suggested to be a reflection of it being an inhibitor of both COX and LOX enzymes.*

Devil’s claw is an herb that is native to Southern Africa. Both the whole herb and one of its major constituents, the iridoid harpagoside, have been studied in in vitro and animal research for their beneficial actions.* Their ability to reduce cytokine production includes the inhibition of NF-kB activation and its subsequent inducible expression of COX-2 and nitric oxide.*

Quercetin belongs to the flavonol family of flavonoid phytonutrient. Not only does quercetin have strong antioxidant activity, but results from in vitro studies suggest that it may also prevent mast cell degranulation, reduce leukotriene synthesis, and inhibit the activity of the NF-kB pathway; the latter mechanism may in turn decrease nitric oxide synthase expression.*

Yucca is a plant native to the Southwestern United States and Mexico. Yucca contains saponins as well as unique phenolics known as yuccaols, which have been found to have significant antioxidant activity.* Recently, researchers have identified the presence of resveratrol, as well as resveratrol-like stilbenes, in yucca. Resveratrol is the phytonutrient present in red wine that has been attributed with many of its health-promoting benefits; among its other numerous actions suggested by in vitro studies, resveratrol has been found to inhibit NF-kB activation and nitric oxide.*

INDICATIONS
CTR Support™ addresses the needs of clients looking for a natural approach to promoting the overall health of their connective tissue and joints.* It features a blend of botanicals and health-supportive nutrients found to reduce the production of cytokines and eicosanoids such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes and nitric oxide in in vitro research.* The ingredients in CTR Support™ also provide antioxidant protection against the damaging effects of free radicals.*

HOW CLIENTS MAY BENEFIT

• Supports the structure and function of connective tissues and joints*
• Reduces the generation of eicosanoids and cytokines in in vitro studies*
• Targets enzyme pathways of COX and LOX enzymes during in vitro analysis*
• Offers antioxidant protection against free oxygen radicals*

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
In a double-blind, crossover study published by Deodhar et al. (1980), administration of 1200 mg of curcumin for 2 weeks was found to improve morning joint comfort and walking time in individuals with joint concerns. One serving of CTR Support contains 750 mg of turmeric standardized to contain 713 mg of curcuminoids.

A double-blind, crossover trial performed by Kimmatkar et al. (2003) found improvements in joint comfort as well as an increase in knee flexion and walking distance in participants who received 999 mg per day of boswellia for 8 weeks. One serving of CTR Support contains 500 mg of boswellia. In an open, non-placebo controlled trial of healthy adults with recently developed, mild joint concerns, Walker et al. (2002) found that those receiving either 200 or 400 mg per day of bromelain for 30 days reported improvements in joint comfort. One serving of CTR Support contains 250 milligrams of Bromelain.

The results of a double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover study by Wigler et al. (2003) found that individuals receiving 1000 mg per day of ginger extract for 60 days had improvements in joint comfort on movement measured by a visual analog scale. One serving of CTR Support contains 100 milligrams of ginger.

SUMMARY
The botanicals and nutrients included in CTR Support™ promote overall connective tissue and joint health through various mechanisms.* Its botanical and nutritional ingredients have been found to inhibit the generation of numerous eicosanoids and cytokines when tested in-vitro.* Since it may inhibit not only COX enzymes, but LOX enzymes as well, CTR Support™ may offer unique benefits.*

SUGGESTED DOSAGE
Take two (2) to three (3) capsules daily, preferably on an empty stomach, or follow the advice of your health care professional. As a reminder, discuss the supplements and medications you take with your health care providers.

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