Bioiberica study reinforces collagen credentials in boosting joint health
A study involving Bioiberica scientists, points to the life science company’s b-2Cool native type II collagen, b-Bioactive chondroitin sulphate and Mobilee hyaluronic acid as ingredients contributing to healthier cartilage and joints.
“This study provides additional validation for the benefits of using native type II collagen in innovative mobility solutions and allows Bioiberica to further position b-2Cool as a trusted ingredient for effective joint health formulations,” says Jaume Reguant, director of healthcare at Bioiberica.
“As younger, health-conscious consumers take more of an interest in their mobility, the joint health market must evolve to appeal beyond the senior population,” he adds.
“These audiences are interested in comprehensive solutions that target overall mobility and help them live life to the fullest as they age. These new results show the effectiveness of combining Bioiberica’s ingredients for joint health and opens up new opportunities for manufacturers looking to expand their portfolio and explore more holistic mobility offerings for consumers.”
Osteoarthritis and collagen
The study, which uses a rabbit model of OA, looks to evaluate these ingredients and its effects on articular cartilage, subchondral bone and synovial membrane.
In the past, OA has been characterised as a degenerative, wear-and-tear disease. However, new research has classed this condition as an immunopathological disease or a disease in which the immune system plays a key role.
OA’s autoimmune component, where the immune system acts against the body’s own type II collagen, results in by-products produced that are recognised as potentially harmful.
As a result, the immune response leads to inflammation and cartilage degradation, further damaging the joints.
In the study, 54 white rabbits were distributed into three groups and received the following treatments: Group 0 (Control group - no treatment), Group 1 [chondroitin sulphate (CS Bioactive) + glucosamine hydrochloride (Gl) + hyaluronic acid (HA Mobilee)], and Group 2 [(CS + Gl + HA + native type II collagen (NC b-2Cool)].
After the quarantine period, a section of the anterior cruciate ligament of the right stifle was performed in all rabbits under general anaesthesia.
Results revealed all rabbits developed degenerative changes associated with osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament section.
The group receiving the b-2Cool showed a lower degree of cartilage degeneration, signs of less advanced osteoarthritis, healthier cartilage and joints and significantly better synovial membrane values.
Useful for joint health
“A beneficial treatment effect on articular cartilage, subchondral bone and synovial membrane was achieved following oral administration of the combinations CS+Gl+HA and CS+Gl+HA+NC,” the study highlights.
“Moreover, the addition of NC to CS+Gl+HA allowed the combination CS+Gl+HA+NC to provide even significantly better results in terms of macroscopic cartilage evaluation and microscopic synovial membrane assessment.”
The research team adds that while extrapolations between species should be made with caution, data presented herein supports the “potential usefulness of these combinations in human and veterinary medicine for the management of patients with joint conditions”.
Source: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage
Published online: doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2020.02.335
“Macroscopic and histologic improvements in joint cartilage, subchondral bone and synovial membrane with glycosaminoglycans and native type ii collagen in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis.”
Authors: V. Sifre et al.
