InstaEase is a novel formulation that combines bioactive ingredients from turmeric (Curcuma longa), Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata), and sesame seed oil with bio-enhancing technology to rapidly distribute the active components. The combination of turmeric and Boswellia has been clinically studied for support of muscle and joint comfort.*[1,2] Curcumin is a phenolic phytochemical derived from turmeric, a root used in Chinese and Ayurvedic herbology and one of the most extensively investigated therapeutic compounds of natural origin. The mechanisms underlying curcumin’s effects are diverse and have not been fully elucidated, but it is well-known that curcumin has powerful antioxidant activity and exerts a wide spectrum of biological activities related to a healthy infammatory response. At cellular and molecular levels, curcumin has been shown to inhibit the eicosanoid pathway enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) that are intimately involved in the infammatory process. The regulation of COX and LOX enzymes may be the key mechanism underlying the benefcial effects demonstrated by curcumin for support of muscle and joint comfort.[3,4] Meta-analyses of data from randomized controlled trials in subjects with underlying conditions, primarily osteoarthritis (OA), suggest supplementation of curcumin as an effective and safe strategy for managing pain-related symptoms.*[2,5] Boswellia The gum resin of Boswellia has a long history of Ayurvedic use, and over the last thirty years it has gained attention in the Western world resulting in the development of standardized extracts to support muscle and joint comfort. Boswellic acids have been shown to inhibit the activity of 5-LOX, the enzyme that catalyzes the formation of pro-infammatory leukotrienes from arachidonic acid.*[6,7] In randomized controlled trials, Boswellia has been evaluated for the management of pain and physical function. Supplementation with Boswellia may increase pain threshold and tolerance when compared to placebo, and a potential role for boswellic acid extract as an effective and safe alternative intervention for the management of OA has been suggested.*[2,6,7] The safety and effcacy of formulations containing a combination of boswellic acid and curcumin have also been evaluated, with synergistic interactions thought to be of beneft because of the variations in biologically active molecules that have inhibitive actions on both the COX and LOX pathways.[2] In a 12-week clinical trial, curcumin or its combination with boswellic acid was studied for the level of effect on pain-related symptoms in subjects (n = 201) with OA. Results suggested that curcumin combined with boswellic acid had a higher level of effect on joint pain, morning stiffness, and the limitations of physical function than curcumin alone.[2] Further study of the effect of this combination on muscle and joint discomfort in healthy populations is warranted.* Sesame Oils and extracts of sesame seeds are used widely in food, in salves for medicinal purposes, or as vehicles for delivering active compounds both orally and topically. Sesamin, the main lignin component of sesame seeds, has been reported to infuence a decrease in pro-infammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Research has also supported the benefcial use of sesame compounds in patients with OA. In a randomized study, subjects (N = 50) with OA were given placebo or oral sesame for a two-month period. A positive effect and signifcant improvement in clinical signs and symptoms were noted in the test group with the authors suggesting sesame as a viable adjunctive therapy.*[8] InstaEase is a clinically studied formulation featuring 95% curcuminoid turmeric rhizome extract and BosPure® Boswellia extract standardized to >10% AKBA delivered in a bio-enhancing sesame seed oil base to provide rapid-release support for joint and muscle comfort.* *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
