Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a long, stringy, gel-like disaccharide (a type of sugar) composed of alternating molecules of Glucosamine and Glucuronic Acid and is responsible for the viscoelastic behaviour of Synovial Fluid ("joint oil") and the hydration and elastic strength of cartilage.
Hyaluronic acid has traditionally been derived from type II collagen sourced from Rooster comb. This type of hyaluronic acid has a very high molecular weight of up to six million Daltons (the unit of measurement for molecular weight).
This form of hyaluronic acid has been shown to be effective when injected but has too large a molecular weight to be effectively absorbed through the intestinal tract - if you are going to take something as an oral supplement it has to get from your intestines into the bloodstream and then into the cells of the joints where it is needed!
Smaller Molecules of Hyaluronic Acid
The hyaluronic acid used in Cortaflex is produced from a vegetable source and has a molecular weight of less than fifty thousand Daltons. These much smaller molecules are more easily absorbed than the larger molecule hyaluronic acid.
This means that hyaluronic acid can now be taken as a effective oral supplement for joints which have experienced excessive wear and tear, or where an extra boost to the joints is needed.
- Hyaluronic Acid is a major component of joint lubricating fluid (Synovial Fluid)
- Hyaluronic acid is a key component of cartilage
Hyaluronic Acid now features in most formulations of Cortaflex:-
- Cortaflex HA Capsules for humans - the power of Cortaflex with Hyaluronic Acid.
- Canine Cortaflex Capsules - now fortified with Hyaluronic acid
and there is a brand new... - Canine HA Cortaflex Powder which contains a much higher level of Hyaluronic Acid.
- Equine Cortaflex Powder is now fortified with hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic Acid Research
Comparison of two hyaluronan drugs and placebo in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A controlled, randomized, double-blind, parallel-design multicentre study - Oxford Journals (Rheumatology)
J. Karlsson, L. S. Sjögren and L. S. Lohmander
"...there was a significantly longer duration of clinical benefit for hyaluronan treatment than for placebo."
Effect of a natural extract of chicken combs with a high content of hyaluronic acid (Hyal-Joint) on pain relief and quality of life in subjects with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial - Pubmed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Kalman DS, Heimer M, Valdeon A, Schwartz H, Sheldon E
"This pilot clinical trial showed that daily supplementation with oral hyaluronic acid from a natural extract of chicken combs (Hyal-Joint) was useful to enhance several markers of quality of life in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee."
Therapeutic effects of hyaluronic acid on osteoarthritis of the knee. A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials - Pubmed.com, US National Library of Medicine
"This meta-analysis confirmed the therapeutic efficacy and safety of intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee."
Effects of hyaluronate sodium on pain and physical functioning in osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial - Pubmed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Petrella RJ, DiSilvestro MD, Hildebrand C
"...for pain with physical activity and functional performance, hyaluronate sodium may be superior to placebo alone or NSAIDs alone."
Hylan G-F 20 efficacy on articular cartilage quality in patients with knee osteoarthritis: clinical and MRI assessment - Pubmed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Cubukçu D, Ardiç F, Karabulut N, Topuz O
"...In conclusion, intra-articular injections of HA is an effective choice of treatment in patients with knee osteoarthritis."
Hyaluronan (also called hyaluronic acid or hyaluronate) - Wikipedia - a rather full explanation of Hyaluronic Acid: structure, functions, medical applications, cosmetic applications etc.
Intra-articular Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis - American Academy of Family Physicians
DENNIS Y. WEN, M.D.
Dr Wen discusses the use of Hyaluronic Acid, Clinical Studies and costs $661 for a course of treatment
Hyaluronic Acid - The Pain Clinic
Dr. Richard Stephen Walker
Dr Walker explains the use of Hyaluronic Acid in protecting the cartilage, cartilage nutrition and relieving pain.