Chicken may harbour osteoarthritis cure

Washington, June 14 (ANI): A new study led by Indian-origin scientist has shown that a natural chicken derivative can offer an effective cure for osteoarthritis (OA).

The natural treatment has been found more effective and longer-lasting than traditional chondroitin and glucosamine treatments.

Conventional medication includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, which can cause gastric injury.

The new study has shown that UC-II, a novel undenatured type II collagen derived from chicken sternum cartilage can decrease arthritis pain by 33 percent, compared to 14 percent in groups treated with convetional therapies.

"In addition, the UC-II continued to work even after the glucosamine-chondroitin results plateaued, making it more effective over time," said Dr Manashi Bagchi, of Interhealth Nutraceuticals, Inc., Benicia, CA.

The study conducted on arthritic dogs and horses showed that daily treatment with UC-II significantly alleviated arthritis symptom with no adverse effects.

Another study showed boswellic acid, a gum resin also known as Indian Frankincense, reduced inflammation and elicited a marked reduction in edema levels in arthritis patients.

The findings were presented at the 2009 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting and Food Expo. (ANI)