Undenatured Type II Collagen + Boswellia Serrata

Collagen type II (native) is a protein found in cartilage, bone and other connective tissues. Like all collagen, it is made of three chains of amino acids, glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, arranged as a triple helix. Undenatured type II chicken collagen is a nutritional supplement taken from chicken sternum cartilage. It is made by a patented, low temperature, non-enzymatic process, and this keeps the natural triple helix shape and its biological activities.

Boswellic acids are the major constituents of the gum from the plant Boswellia serrata Roxb. The gum resin has ß-boswellic acids as its main triterpenic acid, along with 11-keto-ß-boswellic acids and their acetates.

Type II collagen acts as an antigen and causes an autoimmune response, which stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory cell-signaling proteins called cytokines. Undenatured collagen type II has a unique mechanism of action. Its molecules carry active binding sites called epitopes, and these trigger a process called oral tolerization. In this process, the active epitopes interact with the Peyer's patches (lymphoid tissue) of the small intestine and release collagen-specific regulatory T-cells. These cells then travel to the joint areas and prevent the release of T-cells. Preventing the release of T-cells stops macrophages from secreting the collagenase enzymes that break down collagen in joint cartilage. It also slows the production of inflammatory cytokines. The result is less inflammation, a halt to the erosion of joint cartilage, and promotion of cartilage rebuilding.

Undenatured collagen type II supports joint function, mobility and flexibility, and it improves knee extension by up to 10% for a better range of motion. It also relieves joint pain due to strenuous exercise. Chicken collagen also contains chondroitin and glucosamine, which help in rebuilding cartilage.

The resinous part of Boswellia serrata contains monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, tetracyclic triterpenic acids and four major pentacyclic triterpenic acids, namely β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid. These are responsible for the inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes.