Joint calcification (osteoarthritis; OA) is a chronic health problem that negatively affects the quality of life of millions of patients around the world. Existing treatments are based on medications and adjuncts recommended only for relieving complaints. However, these drugs have limited effects as well as serious side effects. Among the auxiliary applications, applications such as physiotherapy, exercise and weight control can be partially beneficial in alleviating the complaints. In this respect, natural products are preferred among the more reliable options.
Among the natural product options, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid combinations are very popular. At least 2-3 months of applications can provide a significant relief depending on the degree of the disease. In 10 patients with knee OA, a significant improvement was observed in complaints (WOMAC scores, quality of life SF-36) compared to 10 patients who were given an empty drug by applying the hyaluronic acid product obtained from cock/chicken comb for two months.
Among the natural product options, the most striking one in recent years is the “eggshell membrane proteins”. Studies reveal that natural components such as glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and elastin, which are often recommended in the treatment of OA, are found in mixture in the eggshell membrane. Studies have shown that this combination suppresses cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which cause inflammation, and thus can be beneficial in alleviating complaints. In clinical applications, it is reported that with the application of half a gram a day for two months, it relieves joint pain and stiffness after exercise within 10 days, and the effect continues throughout the application. One of the questions asked to me on this subject was, “How many eggs do I have to eat the membrane of?” I remember his tragic-comic question. A newly developed patented eggshell membrane product is Water Soluble Eggshell Membrane hydrolyzate (WCZ). Collagen, elastin and glucosaminoglycans (GAG) [hyaluronan, chondroitin, dermatan, heparin/heparan, and keratan], which should be present in a healthy joint fluid, are included in the WCF. Studies have shown that with the application of 450 milligrams of SWZ per day, the quality of life of the patients is increased and physical functions can be improved compared to the ineffective drug group. elastin and glucosaminoglycans (GAG)[hyaluronan, chondroitin, dermatan, heparin/heparan, and keratan]. Studies have shown that with the application of 450 milligrams of SWZ per day, the quality of life of the patients is increased and physical functions can be improved compared to the ineffective drug group. elastin and glucosaminoglycans (GAG)[hyaluronan, chondroitin, dermatan, heparin/heparan, and keratan]. Studies have shown that with the application of 450 milligrams of SWZ per day, the quality of life of the patients is increased and physical functions can be improved compared to the ineffective drug group.
In a recent study, more detailed information was obtained about the contribution of this special eggshell membrane extract (WCZ) preparation to the function, mobility of the knee joint and the general health expectations of patients. Eighty-eight patients diagnosed with knee OA were divided into two groups, one group was given SCYZ and the other group was given a similar seemingly ineffective capsule for three months. Results were evaluated according to international follow-up tests [WOMAC, 6-minute walk test, knee range of motion, and drug safety]. It is reported that improvements have been achieved in the complaints of the patients starting from the fifth day and that significant improvements can be achieved in walking distance at the end of three months.
A common mistake in the treatment of OA is the applications made by giving only glucosamine, chondroitin or eggshell membrane products. However, it is not possible to effectively control the inflammation pathway, which is one of the important factors in the formation of arthritis, with these products alone. In this regard, it should be recommended to use natural anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) products together. Co-administration of Boswellia serrata (Akgünlük) extract preparations, which has attracted the most attention in recent years, in order to suppress the lipoxygenase pathway, which is the main factor that plays a role in the formation of arthritis, is important in terms of providing a more pronounced treatment response
