The Marine‐derived, Multi‐mineral formula, AquaPT Reduces TNF- Levels in Osteoarthritis Patients

Abstract

Short Communication non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are becoming increasingly recognized [1,2]. Thus, use of alternative treatments and complementary medicines is gaining popularity among OA sufferers. Aquamin is a multi-mineral nutritional supplement derived from the Lithothamnion species of red algae and is rich in calcium, magnesium and 72 other trace minerals including zinc, iron and selenium [3]. Previously, Aquamin treatment reduced the symptoms of moderate to severe OA of the knee, significantly improving walking distances and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) scores for pain, stiffness and activity over the course of a 12-week treatment [4]. In a similar study, Aquamin improved range of motion and walking distances in OA subjects who had reduced their intake of NSAIDs by 50% [3]. Recent in vitro studies suggest that the beneficial effect of Aquamin occurs through regulation of the inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) [5] and the NF-κB/COX2 signaling pathways [6]. The objective of the present study was to determine whether Aquamin, on its own and in a formulation supplemented with the green tea extract Suphenon and the pine bark extract Enzogenol (AquaPT), both of which have proven health benefits [7,8], could modulate inflammatory biomarkers in the blood of osteoarthritic and healthy subjects. Materials and Methods Study design This was a randomized double-blinded within subject study with two treatment groups: OA + Aquamin (n=12) and OA + AquaPT (n=12). A total of 24 female subjects with moderate to severe OA (aged between 18 and 65) were enrolled. The study was conducted in accordance with the ICH Guidelines on Good Clinical Practice and the declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Cork Teaching Hospitals. Abstract Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease of the joints. Current anti-inflammatory treatment strategies for OA, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are effective for symptom relief but are associated with adverse side effects including gastrointestinal and cardiovascular complications during long term use. Thus, alternative treatments for the disease are necessary to supplement current treatment options. The nutraceutical, Aquamin, is a seaweed-derived, multi-mineral supplement that has proven promising in ameliorating the symptoms of moderate to severe OA, potentially through blockade of pro-inflammatory signalling pathways and cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Aquamin or Aquamin supplemented with green tea and pine bark extract (AquaPT) on inflammatory biomarker levels in the blood of OA patients. OA subjects received Aquamin or AquaPT for 6 weeks. The impact of the treatment on Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) OA index scores and serum tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were investigated. While no significant differences in WOMAC scores were evident post treatment, the AquaPT-treated subjects had reduced serum TNF-α levels. These data suggest that the addition of green tea and pine bark extract to Aquamin gives the seaweed-derived supplement a detectable anti-inflammatory effect.