Method for treatment of cartilage disorders with centella extract

Abstract

The invention is a method for the treatment of mammalian articular cartilage disorders, inflammatory joint disease, trauma-related cartilage injuries, and degenerative disc disease. The method involves treating the affected area with a composition containing a therapeutically effective dose of Centella extract. The composition is delivered locally by parenteral administration to the affected site.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention is directed toward the treatment of mammalian articular cartilage disorders, inflammatory joint disease, trauma-related cartilage injuries, degenerative disc disease, and for treatment following arthroplastic surgery. More specifically, the invention relates to a composition containing an effective dose of Centella extract. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Articular cartilage plays an essential role in the movement of mammalian joints. It provides a superior smooth surface between adjacent bones, allowing for near-frictionless motion of joints. Synovial fluid within the joint cavity serves as a lubricant. It is the articular cartilage that spreads compressive stresses over the articular plate surfaces of the joint, thus protecting weight-bearing bones from shattering or deteriorating. [0003] Articular cartilage is composed of chondrocytes embedded in an extracellular matrix of proteoglycans, collagen, and small molecular weight glycoprot...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent is about a new treatment for joint disorders in mammals. The treatment involves a special extract of a plant called Centella, which is combined with a safe carrier and administered to the affected area. The invention has been found to be effective in treating joint disorders in animals and is now being tested in humans."

Problems solved by technology

Damage to the cartilage of the articular surface can disrupt this equilibrium, such that degradation exceeds the ability of chondrocytes to synthesize macromolecules necessary for repair of the cartilage tissues.

Alternatively, OA can result from overuse of a particular joint.

Although most body tissues can make repairs following an injury, cartilage self-repair is hampered by a limited blood supply and the lack of an effective mechanism for cartilage re-growth.

Persistent inflammation produces symptoms and damages tissue resulting in loss of cartilage, erosion of bone matter, and subluxation of the joint.

Historically, treatment of osteoarthritis and articular cartilage injuries has been limited to pain relief, reduction of joint loading, physical therapy, and orthopedic surgery, all of which are aimed at symptomatic relief rather than treatment of the underlying pathologic disorder.

Although NSAIDS are one of the major groups of drugs in terms of sales and use for the management of OA among the general population, their side effects have become an issue in the risk / benefit determination, particularly in the elderly.

Depending upon individual circumstances, NSAIDS may cause gastrointestinal hemorrhage, ulceration, or perforation, while some are associated with bone marrow depression, several cause fluid retention, and may contribute to renal failure.