Uc 2 collagen
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The Role of Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II) in Osteoarthritis Management
Introduction to UC-II and Osteoarthritis
Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) is a nutritional supplement derived from chicken sternum cartilage, known for its potential benefits in managing osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. UC-II has been studied extensively for its efficacy in alleviating OA symptoms in both humans and animals.
UC-II in Human Osteoarthritis Treatment
Efficacy in Knee Osteoarthritis
Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of UC-II in reducing symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. In a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, UC-II supplementation significantly reduced the overall Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score compared to placebo and glucosamine hydrochloride plus chondroitin sulfate (GC) 2. The study also reported significant improvements in pain, stiffness, and physical function subscales of the WOMAC index 2.
Improvements in Physical Function and Pain Reduction
Another study focused on elderly women with knee OA showed that UC-II supplementation for 90 days significantly improved quality of life, reduced pain, and enhanced joint function 6. The study used various assessment tools, including the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the WOMAC score, to measure these improvements 6.
Mechanisms of Action
UC-II's beneficial effects are attributed to its ability to modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation. In a study involving T2DM patients with knee OA, UC-II supplementation led to significant improvements in motor functions and reductions in inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1. The study also noted decreased pain, stiffness, and improved physical function after a three-month intervention 1.
UC-II in Animal Models
Efficacy in Companion Animals
UC-II has also been shown to be effective in managing OA in companion animals, such as dogs and horses. Clinical and experimental studies have revealed that UC-II offers significant health benefits, often outperforming traditional supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate 4. In dogs, UC-II supplementation significantly improved mobility and reduced OA symptoms, comparable to the effects of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) robenacoxib 7.
Mechanisms in Animal Models
In a rat model of OA, UC-II supplementation reduced joint inflammation and cartilage damage. The study reported decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines and other markers of inflammation in the articular cartilage 3. These findings suggest that UC-II can alleviate joint inflammation and pain by modulating the expression of inflammatory mediators 3.
UC-II for Joint Health in Healthy Individuals
Benefits for Active Individuals
UC-II is not only beneficial for those with OA but also for healthy individuals experiencing joint discomfort due to strenuous exercise. A study involving healthy volunteers who experienced knee pain after physical activity found that UC-II supplementation improved knee extension and reduced the time to experiencing joint pain 5. The study concluded that UC-II could help lengthen the period of pain-free strenuous exertion and alleviate exercise-induced joint pain 5.
Conclusion
Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) has shown promising results in managing osteoarthritis symptoms in both humans and animals. Its ability to reduce pain, improve physical function, and modulate inflammatory responses makes it a valuable supplement for joint health. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the mechanisms behind its beneficial effects and to explore its potential in broader applications.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Undenatured type II collagen prevents and treats osteoarthritis and motor function degradation in T2DM patients and db/db mice.
Undenatured type II collagen effectively prevents and treats osteoarthritis and motor function degradation in both aging db/db mice and T2DM patients, improving physical function and reducing pain.
RCT
Animal StudyEfficacy and tolerability of an undenatured type II collagen supplement in modulating knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Undenatured type II collagen supplementation significantly improved knee osteoarthritis symptoms and was well-tolerated compared to placebo and glucosamine hydrochloride plus chondroitin sulfate.
RCT
Very Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedUndenatured Type II Collagen Ameliorates Inflammatory Responses and Articular Cartilage Damage in the Rat Model of Osteoarthritis
Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) reduces joint inflammation and pain in osteoarthritis by reducing the expression of inflammatory mediators.
RCTAnimal StudyUndenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II) in Joint Health and Disease: A Review on the Current Knowledge of Companion Animals
Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) offers common health benefits for dogs and horses with osteoarthritis, offering more effective treatment than glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements.
Literature Review
Rigorous JournalUndenatured type II collagen (UC-II®) for joint support: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy volunteers
Daily supplementation with 40 mg of UC-II was well-tolerated and improved knee joint extension in healthy subjects, potentially lengthening pain-free strenuous exertion and alleviating joint pain.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedUNDENATURED COLLAGEN TYPE II FOR THE TREATMENT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE
Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) for 90 days improves pain, joint stiffness, and quality of life (Physical domain) in women aged 60 to 80 years with knee osteoarthritis.
RCTRigorous JournalEvaluation of the Effects of Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II) as Compared to Robenacoxib on the Mobility Impairment Induced by Osteoarthritis in Dogs
Both undenatured type II collagen and robenacoxib effectively improve mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis, offering a potential alternative treatment option.
RCTAnimal StudyRigorous JournalEfficacy of UC‐II® undenatured type II collagen on knee joint function in healthy subjects: an exploratory post hoc analyses of a randomized double blind, placebo ‐ controlled trial
UC-II® collagen improves knee joint function and allows for longer exercise duration in healthy subjects aged 30-65 years.
RCTRigorous JournalComparative therapeutic efficacy and safety of type-II collagen (UC-II), glucosamine and chondroitin in arthritic dogs: pain evaluation by ground force plate.
Moderately arthritic dogs treated with 10 mg UC-II showed a marked reduction in arthritic pain, with maximum improvement by day 150, and all three treatments were well tolerated over a period of 150 days.
RCTAnimal StudyOral administration of undenatured native chicken type II collagen (UC-II) diminished deterioration of articular cartilage in a rat model of osteoarthritis (OA).
A daily dose of undenatured native chicken type II collagen (UC-II) after injury can improve mechanical function of the injured knee and prevent excessive deterioration of articular cartilage in a rat model of osteoarthritis.
Rigorous Journal