Methods for treating joint inflammation

Abstract

This invention provides methods and formulations for treating an inflammatory disease or reducing an inflammatory reaction comprising administering a fortified formulation comprising stabilized rice bran derivative and a fortification agent. Preferred rice bran derivatives are rice bran oil and the solubilized fraction of rice bran. Preferred fortification agents are glucosamine derivative, methylsulfonylmethane, yucca concentrate, and grape seed extract.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 60 / 307,588, filed Jul. 23, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to fortified formulations and methods for using such formulations for treating joint inflammation, pain, and loss of mobility. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Joint disorders and injuries are widespread, can cause considerable discomfort, and cost billions of dollars in lost days of work. Symptoms of these diseases and injuries include inflammation, lameness, loss of mobility, and pain. [0004] Arthritis is a multifactorial degenerative joint disease, which progresses with age and results in joint stiffness, inflammation, and pain. A joint is formed where two bones meet. The healthy joint bones are lined with spongy cartilage which act as shock absorbers, and the synovial fluid, which is secreted by the synovial membrane lining the joint...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] It has now been surprisingly found that a stabilized rice bran derivative, having significant amounts of potent phytonutrients and antioxidants, has an excellent effect in relieving arthritic pain and pain associated with inflammation. Fortification of these derivatives with certain minor herbal components enhances their action. The fortified formulations comprising a stabilized rice bran derivative and a fortification agent reduce inflammation, pain, lameness, and loss of mobility. These fortified formulations are more effective, have more immediate action, and require lower dosages than currently existing formulations for such conditions.

[0015] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for reducing pain in a mammal, the method comprising administration of a formulation comprising a stabilized rice bran derivative and a fortification agent.

[0016] In still yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for reducing prostaglandin synthetase activity, the method comprising administration of a formulation comprising a stabilized rice bran derivative and a fortification agent.

[0024] The term “yucca concentrate” refers to a preparation of the root of the yucca plant. Yucca is a desert plant that is rich in a steroidal saponin (sarasaponin). This saponin helps the body's production of cortisone and improves the ratio of cortisol / DHEA.

[0027] The term “reducing lameness or loss of mobility” refers to improving the function of any joint. Joint function can be measured by evaluating parameters such as the range of motion and presence of discomfort or pain during movement.

Problems solved by technology

Joint disorders and injuries are widespread, can cause considerable discomfort, and cost billions of dollars in lost days of work.

Arthritis is a multifactorial degenerative joint disease, which progresses with age and results in joint stiffness, inflammation, and pain.

Being overweight, inheriting the wrong genes, or simply growing old can make the problem worse.

OA begins with the breakdown of cartilage resulting in pain, inflammation, and progressive stiffness in the joint.

Osteoarthritis is often accompanied by osteoporosis, a condition where the bone calcium resorption occurs due to hormonal imbalance, making the bone more brittle, which may lead to frequent fractures.

This condition is difficult to handle and only prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors can give some relief to patients.

Statin drugs, which are immunomodulators, are used frequently, though they have serious side effects.

However, overuse of these drugs can lead to ulcers.

Injury to any of these soft tissues can produce inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

Nevertheless, expedited recovery is still desirable, as these injuries can cause considerable discomfort and reduce workplace productivity.

Unfortunately, certain anti-inflammatory drugs presently available produce cytotoxic effects that reflect their initial employment as cancer chemotherapeutics, typically anti-neoplastics.

For example, corticosteroids, which are often used for treatment of acute inflammation, manifest significant adverse effects, such as inducing Cushingoid features, skin thinning, increased susceptibility to infection, and suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

In particular, horses often sustain considerable joint injuries due to their participation in sporting events or use for farm work.

Lameness due to traumatic joint disease is a common clinical problem in horses and is one of the most important sources of financial losses in the equine industry.

Unfortunately, NSAIDS require prescriptions and / or veterinary dispensing, are costly, and are accompanied by mild severe, and sometimes even catastrophic side effects.

As described previously, such methods for treatment of both humans and animals only allow temporary relief and / or exhibit side effects from prolonged use.

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