Discussion
cognition, mood, and sleep, neurodegenerative, pain
TMJ, DISEASE, DISORDERS, COMMON COLD, CHRONIC PAIN, ALLERGIC REACTIONS
PEA is a bioactive lipid mediator resembling endocannabinoids that falls within the NAE fatty acid amide family. It is ubiquitously present in various tissues, including the brain. PEA is thought to be synthesized in response to cellular injury as a pro-homeostatic protective mechanism and its production is enhanced in disease conditions. PEA exhibits diverse effects, encompassing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiepileptic, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties.
The multifaceted mechanisms of action exhibited by PEA offer potential therapeutic advantages in various disorders, including allergic reactions, the common cold, chronic pain, joint pain, and neurodegenerative conditions. Additionally, PEA has been shown to enhance muscle recovery and improve cognition, mood, and sleep.
PEA presents itself as a promising alternative for the relief of joint pain. A clinical trial employing a triple-blind, randomized, parallel-arm design revealed that PEA exhibited superior efficacy in reducing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) OA pain when compared to ibuprofen.
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, the efficacy of PEA in patients with mild to moderate knee OA was established. Over the course of an eight-week clinical study, patients who received a high-bioavailability form of PEA demonstrated dose-dependent improvements in joint pain, stiffness, and function, as evaluated using the WOMAC questionnaire. Notably, joint pain decreased by 40% with a 300 mg PEA dosage and by 49.5% with a 600 mg PEA dosage, accompanied by a significant decrease in the use of rescue medication by the end of the eighth week. These findings highlight the potential of PEA as a novel treatment for alleviating pain and related symptoms associated with knee OA.
The available studies, along with the existing literature, highlight the intriguing potential of PEA as an alternative treatment for addressing joint pain.Astaxanthin, a red carotenoid pigment present in diverse plant and marine organisms like shrimps and salmon, exhibits a range of biological functions. Notably, it is recognized for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
A study has provided evidence supporting the potential beneficial effects of astaxanthin in the context of OA. Notably, astaxanthin demonstrated significant reductions in the activities of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9, as well as inhibited the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-13 in various cell types. These findings are particularly valuable in terms of inhibiting matrix degradation. Consequently, the study suggests that astaxanthin holds promise as an agent with anti-osteoarthritic properties.
