UC-II® Shown to Provide Significant Pain Relief and Increased Mobility, Flexibility in Osteoarthritic Horses
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Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that cripples millions of horses each year around the world. This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of glycosylated undenatured type II collagen (UC-II®) in osteoarthritic horses. Prior to the study, the horses exhibited stiffness and pain in their joints with swelling, tenderness and inflammation. Researchers also noted crunching sounds that indicated bone rubbing against bone. Osteoarthritic horses (5-6 per group) received placebo, 320 mg of UC-II, 480 mg of UC-II, 640 mg of UC-II or 5,400 mg of glucosamine + 1,800 mg of chondroitin. Horses receiving 320, 480 or 640 mg of UC-II exhibited significant reduction in arthritic pain. UC-II at 480 or 640 mg dose provided equal benefits, and therefore, 480 mg was considered optimal. With this dose, there was an 88% decrease in overall pain and a 78% decrease in pain upon limb manipulation. UC-II was found to be more effective than glucosamine + chondroitin in arthritic horses.
Source: Gupta RC, Skaggs P, Stocker A, et al. Therapeutic efficacy of undenatured type-II collagen (UC-II) in comparison to glucosamine and chondroitin in arthritic horses. J Vet Pharmacol Therap. 2009;32:577-584.
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