Plant-related Arthritis Treatment Shows Promise... Arthritis relief in horses may be duplicated in humans

A landmark field trial into the effect of equine joint supplements has named a Canadian company’s product as the overall leader. Recovery, an arthritis relief product formulated for humans and companion animals as well as horses, contains glucosamine and MSM in addition to a proprietary blend of phytonutrients. It is the combination of these phytonutrients with the commonly used glucosamine and MSM that appears to fuel the remarkable recovery noted in horses participating in the trial. The results, written up by the prestigious Horse Journal, come as no surprise to Biomedica Laboratories’ President and CEO, Jason Watkin.

“We have known for some time that the plant nutrients incorporated into Recovery are helping animals and humans alike overcome the pain, inflammation and loss of mobility associated with arthritic joint conditions,” says Watkin, of Duncan, B.C. “Hardly a day passes when we don’t receive feedback from customers attesting to the product’s efficacy, whether it be for horses, companion animals or themselves. Many of the letters and calls we receive describe the desperation felt by those with arthritis or whose animals are affected by arthritis. They have tried everything, from NSAIDs (drugs commonly prescribed for arthritis), to other natural methods of healing, to no avail. Recovery has worked for them and they want to share that with us.”

Horse Journal, published in Greenwich, Conn., is recognized worldwide as an unbiased authority on equine issues. During the trial, Recovery was given to several horses, many of which had not responded to standard veterinary treatments. Some of the horses had been given glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM, but continued to suffer from pain and stiffness. Given Recovery at an equivalent dose level, most horses showed remarkable improvement. 

One mare with arthritic hocks, ankle and back pain showed equivalent pain response to glucosamine alone in her joints, and no added benefit with MSM. However, with Recovery, she had a noticeable decrease in joint effusion (swelling due to excess fluid)…

A three-year-old with arthritic changes in both knees and one fetlock improved more than one lameness grade with glucosamine alone and had no further improvement adding MSM. He was sound on Recovery, deteriorating again when taken off it. He became sound when restarted on Recovery.

“Naturally, we are thrilled to be written up by Horse Journal,” says Watkin. “We hear these types of stories all the time. Recovery for humans came about after hearing testimonial after testimonial as to how well the equine Recovery had worked. Soon after we released the product, we saw the same pattern developing. ”

Recovery has spent 10 years in development, its primary active ingredient (Nutricoltm) being a proprietary blending of plant nutrients known as polyphenols. These are the same substances that have made green tea and red grapes the subject of much scientific study in recent years.

“There is no doubt that polyphenols are effective in halting inflammation,” says Watkin. “Since the pain and disability associated with arthritic conditions can be traced to the inflammatory process, it is little wonder that Recovery works the way people tell us it does.

The body, whether it be human or animal, is programmed to heal itself. Trauma, stress and age tend to slow down healing. That’s where Recovery comes in. It supplies the body with the missing links that, in effect, speed up the healing process.”

Recovery for humans is distributed through pharmacies and health food stores. The animal formulations (for companion animals and horses) are available at most veterinary clinics.