The body is in a continuous state of tissue turnover, which breaks down old, damaged proteins and creates new, more functional ones. Cartilage tissue is no exception. Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue that provides support and structure in the body, cushions and protects the joints where bones meet, and helps absorb shock.
Cartilage is vital to healthy, pain-free movement, which is top of mind when the leaves begin to change color and the temperature cools. Some conditions can affect cartilage, characterized by altered inflammatory responses in and around joint tissue, which may contribute to joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
Joint conditions are common. In fact, osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, affects nearly 600 million people worldwide. By 2050, cases are expected to rise by more than 70% for knee and hip joints alone. While joint replacement surgery is an option for advanced cases, many people are looking for ways to support their cartilage and mobility long before it gets to that point.
A novel nutraceutical on the market, called RestorCel™ is a proprietary blend of Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian frankincense, and celery seed extract (Apium graveolens). These two botanicals contain more than a dozen active compounds, including boswellic acids, serratol, tirucallic acids, apiin, and bergapten, that work together to support cartilage health and help promote normal inflammatory responses. In OA, many cellular, molecular, and morphological changes occur, including age-related changes in collagen synthesis, the destruction of articular cartilage, narrowed joint spaces, tissue-specific cross-talk, heightened inflammatory responses, osteophyte formation, and sclerosis.
B. serrata and celery seed extract may promote normal cartilage turnover by attenuating inflammatory responses typical of joints with normal wear and tear. The effects of B. serrata and celery seed extract on pain, stiffness, and mobility were investigated in a clinical trial of 60 participants (aged 40 to 65 years) with diagnosed knee OA. The participants were divided into two groups: one who received a capsule containing RestorCel™ or a placebo. Each capsule of RestorCel™ contains 300 mg of B. serrata and 250 mg of Apium graveolens, whereas the placebo group received a capsule containing equal amounts of dextrin. The participants were instructed to take the capsule twice daily (one after breakfast and one after dinner) for 90 days.
Several markers of joint health and pain scores were utilized to study the effects of B. serrata and celery seed extract. From baseline, compared to the group that received the placebo, the group that received RestorCel™ exhibited complete resolution of joint swelling, joint tenderness, and warmth around the joint at day 90. Pain scores in the group that received RestorCel™ decreased from 6.4 ± 0.62 at baseline to 2.1 ± 0.87 at day 90 of the study. This represents an average 67.7% drop in pain scores in the treatment group compared to a 7.5% in the placebo group. Additionally, the group that received RestorCel™ exhibited a reduction in pain, as indicated by an improved Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC-A) score, which decreased from 14.53 at baseline to 3.17 at day 90. The WOMAC-B score, which assesses joint stiffness, decreased from 5.17 ± 0.75 at baseline to 1.13 ± 0.73 at the end of the study in the RestorCel™ group. These symptomatic improvements of roughly 78% translate to improved mobility scores (evaluated by WOMAC-C). Compared to baseline, the group that received RestorCel™ experienced a 57.8% reduction in the immobility score (WOMAC-C), improving from 45.20 at day zero to 19.07 at the study’s conclusion. In comparison, the group that received a placebo experienced a 4.1% improvement in the WOMAC-C score, decreasing from only 45.07 to 43.20.
Expanding upon this, 1,236 participants with diagnosed OA were given 250 mg of celery seed extract and 300 mg of B. serrata twice daily for three months. The primary outcomes of the study were to investigate the effectiveness of this intervention by measuring changes in WOMAC and pain scores. Compared to baseline assessments, WOMAC scores decreased from 62.64 to 17.22 after 90 days. Additionally, pain scores decreased from 8.07 at baseline to 1.78 after 90 days.7
The effects of B. serrata and celery seed extract on changes in distance covered while walking were evaluated. Compared to the group that received the placebo, the group that received RestorCel™ was able to walk farther, reflecting an approximately 110-meter (~360-foot) difference from baseline results. These results may have been influenced by a reduction in fatigue experienced by the group that received RestorCel™, which improved 40.97% at day 90 compared to baseline.
Perhaps one of the most notable findings from this clinical trial centered around changes in the participants’ quality of life. Compared to baseline, the participants who received RestorCel™ experienced statistically significantly increase in confidence and decrease in difficulty with their affected knee by the end of the study.
Cartilage health plays a central role in keeping joints comfortable and mobile. The clinical research on RestorCel™ shows promising support for joint pain, stiffness, mobility, and overall quality of life within a relatively short period of time. Unlike quick fixes, this blend works with the body’s normal inflammatory responses to support normal cartilage turnover. As joint concerns continue to rise worldwide, novel opportunities that help support healthy joint aging when normal wear and tear occurs are needed. However, although these clinical studies show promising results, longer clinical trials with more diverse populations are needed to fully understand this proprietary blend’s effects on overall joint health.
To learn more about joint health:
Meta-Analysis Investigates Omega-3 PUFAs and Age-Related Changes to Joint Health
Recent Review Investigates Relationship Between Collagen Supplementation and Musculoskeletal Health
Recent Review Highlights the Role of Certain Micronutrients in Osteoarthritis
By Bri Mesenbring, MS, CNS, LDN
Designs for Health has been dedicated to being the most trusted source for superior quality, science-based nutritional products for nearly three decades. We’re committed to maximizing successful health outcomes by providing healthcare practitioners with comprehensive support through our extensive product line, ongoing clinical education, and practice development programs. The blogs we publish here cover a range of topics, including new and original approaches to diet and healthcare, analyses of the latest cutting-edge research, deep-dives into specific nutrients, botanicals, nutraceuticals and more, all fully referenced for those who want to dig deeper into the primary literature.
