Joint Benefits of Horses
The 12-week single-center, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated the efficacy of TamaFlex in horses with lameness grades 2-4 on the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) scale. In the study, 22 lame horses were supplemented with TamaFlex (2.5 g/d) or placebo over 84 days. Improvement in lameness over placebo was the primary endpoint, according to a press release. Changes in the levels of rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACC-peptide) in serum were measured, along with pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL-1β and IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) in serum and synovial fluid, which were the secondary endpoints.The research findings
The TamaFlex-supplemented group exhibited significant relief from lameness in a time-dependent manner. TamaFlex also reduced levels of ANA, PGE2, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6.“TamaFlex supplementation is safe and tolerable in alleviating joint pain in lame horses and protects the joints from further degradation by reducing pro-inflammatory mediators,” the researchers explained. “We conclude that TamaFlex significantly reduces lameness during walking and trotting, leading to an improvement in their joint flexibility, health, and working performance.”
Eric Anderson, Managing Director, NXT USA, added, “We are excited to grow the body of evidence for our novel joint health ingredient, especially since these results are in line with our human data and confirm benefits for the developing animal health market. This data builds upon our three double-blind placebo-controlled studies in humans.”
Previous research results in humans
- A 2019 study showed that TamaFlex supplementation improved knee flexibility, offered substantial relief from knee pain after physical activity, and improved joint flexibility and function in healthy male and female subjects in as little as 14 days.
- In a second study in participants with mild joint discomfort, TamaFlex was shown to start working as soon as five days after supplementation. This trial demonstrated benefits in indexes including WOMAC and VAS, as well as joint articulation, distance walked, stair climb tests and markers in the serum such as CRP, TNF, and uCTX-II, a marker of cartilage protection.
- A new 2022 study pending publication confirms these benefits, according to the company. The new research provides two human trials demonstrating benefits in five days compared to placebo.
How TamaFlex works to support joint health
“TamaFlex targets two pathways that cause joint inflammation: the COX-2 and 5-LOX enzyme pathways. Most joint health products address only one of these,” Anderson said. “TamaFlex also supports the integrity of connective tissues while meeting important consumer demands, such as clean label, vegan, and non-GMO.”The company added that TamaFlex incorporates the first tamarind seed extract available globally, backed by published safety data.
