Type II Collagen

Type II collagen naturally occurs in the body as a major building block of joint cartilage. As a supplement, it is available in 2 forms: undenatured and hydrolyzed. However, they are not the same. Hydrolyzed collagen is processed with a high degree of heat, acid, and enzymes, which severely reduces its therapeutic benefits. Look for supplements with undenatured collagen, which is minimally processed to provide a high concentration of peptides for cartilage restoration.

Boswellia Serrata

Commonly known as frankincense, boswellia serrata is a resin used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to relieve joint stiffness and discomfort. Studies indicate that the boswellic acid compounds contained within this herbal extract are responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. Because potency can vary widely, it is important to look for boswellia serrata standardized to at least 60% boswellic acids.

MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane, abbreviated as MSM, is an organic compound found in fresh fruits and vegetables that provides a natural source of sulfur, which is an essential structural component of joint cartilage. Frequently paired with glucosamine in clinical studies, it has recently been determined that much of the joint improvement previously attributed to glucosamine is actually provided by MSM.

Curcumin

Curcumin is a polyphenol which gives turmeric its vibrant yellow color. Curcumin has been shown to suppress the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines, immune cells that regulate the body’s inflammatory response to cartilage damage and bone-on-bone friction. However, be aware that curcumin is poorly absorbed during digestion if taken alone. It must be paired with piperine for maximum bioavailability.

Piperine

Piperine is an alkaloid compound responsible for black pepper’s mild heat. Some studies have shown it can relieve joint discomfort in its own right. However, its primary purpose for any joint supplement in capsule form should be to improve the absorption of curcumin during the digestive process. Without piperine, the majority of a supplement’s curcumin content is filtered out by the liver and excreted in urine.