Chronic pain is persistent, disruptive, and restrictive. It occurs regularly. It disrupts your day-to-day activities. It restricts your ability to move, to take care of yourself, to be independent. (5)

Do I Have "Arthritis"?

Arthritis is a nonspecific term used to describe general inflammation and pain in a joint. (6) Arthritis is not really a specific disease but a condition, a symptom that can result from any one of over a hundred causes, ranging from viral and bacterial infection to bad nutrition, to the side-effects of certain medications. The sad irony is that many of the problems that people call arthritis—incurable, inevitable scourge of old age—are very often afflictions that are highly treatable. (5)

Modern medicine has identified over one hundred different types of arthritis and that number continues to increase. This is not to say that these are new types of arthritis—though with environmental change and our increasing exposure to unknown chemicals and hazardous waste we cannot be entirely sure—but research has given us a deeper appreciation of the many factors that figure in the condition. (5)

Inflammation of a joint is called arthritis. Inflammation of a tendon is tendinitis. An inflammation may be confined to a small part of the body (localized), such as a single joint or tendon, or it may be widespread, as occurs in certain inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. (5) The most common forms of arthritis are: (1) osteoarthritis, (2) rheumatoid arthritis, and (3) gout. (6)

Osteoarthritis: 'Wear-and-Tear' Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis as it affects 40 million Americans—80% of the people over 50. (7)

The literal Greek translation of osteoarthritis is osteo (of the bone), arthro (joint), and itis (inflammation). But "bone/joint inflammation" may not be the most accurate description of osteoarthritis, since joint pain rather than inflammation is its most important characteristic. (8)

Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease) is a chronic joint disorder characterized by degeneration of joint cartilage and adjacent bone that can cause joint pain and stiffness. (9) Osteoarthritis begins in the cartilage, the rubbery, gel-like tissue found at the end of bones. Think of healthy cartilage as being something of a sponge between the hard ends of the bones. As the disease progresses the cartilage begins to soften and crack. And, of course, the more cartilage wears away, the more the bones rub together, creating greater amounts of pain, bone deformities, and eventually inflammation. (8)

Osteoarthritis, commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis because the cartilage breaks down within the joint. (5) Cartilage is a watery substance, about 65 to 80 percent water. The rest is made up of collagen and proteoglycans. Collagen, a protein known for its versatility, is found in many different parts of the body, taking different forms to fulfill various functions. Collagen is a vital part of cartilage, providing it with elasticity and the ability to absorb shock. In a sense, collagen is the 'glue' that holds the cartilage matrix together. (8)

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Chronic Inflammation

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, with chronic inflammation of the joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. It is not a simple disease in any form, affecting not only the bones and joints, but also the blood vessels, kidneys, skin, eyes and brain. (7)

There are more than a hundred different types of rheumatic diseases, many causing different forms of arthritis. Depending upon the type of arthritis, the associated inflammation may flare up in one joint or many, may limit itself to the joint only, or might spread to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, internal organs, and even the skin. (8)

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease (9) that continues to befuddle researchers. A simple causal factor has not been found. Most of the conventional therapies are of short-term value at best. Many make the condition worse. Rheumatoid arthritis is an example of a condition where the body is actually at war with itself (an autoimmune condition). In such conditions, for a single reason or a pattern of reasons, the immune system begins attacking the body's own tissues. In rheumatoid arthritis, antibodies develop to target the joint tissues. The result is the chronic inflammatory character of this arthritis. (6)

Gout: Painful Buildup of Uric Acid-Based Crystals

Gout and pseudogout are both caused by crystal deposits in the joints, and both cause joint inflammation (arthritis) pain. (9) Risk factors for gout include a family history of gout, drinking alcohol, high blood pressure, taking certain medications, being overweight, or gaining weight. (8)

Here's how gout develops from a biochemical perspective. A substance called purines is manufactured in the body, or ingested in foods. Meats, particularly organ meats, are high-purine foods. As purines are metabolized, uric acid is formed. Uric acid is the final breakdown product of purines. Excess uric acid needs to be secreted. The is the kidney's job. Unfortunately for the man who likes his meat and likes his drink, alcohol inhibits the kidney's secretion of uric acid. The uric acid stays in the body. The uric acid crystals end up migrating in the blood until they eventually find a nest in the body. Joints, tendons, kidneys, and other tissues are favored home sites. Considerable damage and inflammation can result. The flavanoids in Flavay® can both lower uric acid levels, and prevent destruction of joint structures. (6)

Common Treatment and Associated Risks

For years the symptoms of arthritis and arthritis-like pain have been treated with powerful drugs, anti-inflammatory agents, and even antidepressants as the only alternative. The problem with drug treatment, however, are the frequent and dangerous side effects they produce. Standard medical treatment has focused on suppressing symptoms, with three tiers of successively more risky drug therapies. For rheumatoid arthritis, treatment usually involves aspirin and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). The effect of this treatment is a net-negative. The symptoms may be so suppressed so the individual feels less pain for a time. But in the long run, these drugs actually make the condition worse. (10)

The commonly prescribed treatment is strictly palliative, designed only to relieve pain without addressing the true causes of the disease or the condition of the joints. For mild cases, doctors prescribe painkillers such as Tylenol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin or ibuprofen, i.e., Motrin or Advil). Steroid injections (such as cortisone) and opiates are reserved for the more painful cases. Unfortunately, the painkillers and anti-inflammatories have problems. They temporarily relieve pain, but in the long run they simply cover up the symptoms while the disease progresses. These drugs have side effects that range from the annoying to the downright dangerous—each year, thousands of people die from the adverse effects of both the anti-inflammatories and steroids. To add insult to injury, some research suggests that there is mounting evidence that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories actually cause certain features of osteoarthritis to progress faster. (8)

ABC News' 20/20 reported the dangers of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, including Orudis, Aleve, Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, Bayer, ibuprofen, naproxen, Nuprin, aspirin) and interviewed Dr. Lee Simon, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Simon stated, "Public ignorance about NSAIDs and stomach ulcers leads to an estimated 75,000 hospitalizations and approximately 7,600 deaths in this country every year." (11)

Equally disturbing is the fact that the common, prescribed drugs often do not work very well. All of this information may sound discouraging, however, it needn't be. The good news is this:

A Completely Safe, Non-Drug, Natural Approach to Pain Relief

Flavay® has been licensed and sold in France for treating inflammation and edema (swelling) since 1950 and it is now available in the United States as a dietary supplement. This highly specialized, nutritional complex of molecules has been isolated from natural extracts and extensively tested and examined clinically for biological antioxidant protection, collagen strengthening, tissue rebuilding, and other health producing outcomes.

Scientific research shows several ways that Flavay® can stimulate the immune response to help normalize the balance of chemicals in the body that control pain and inflammation and normalize joint function.

The "Radical Scavenger" as a Natural Anti-Inflammatory

Inflammation is caused by the overproduction of free radicals in a specific area of the body. We now know that antioxidants work together to defeat free radicals and inhibit the biological pathway that triggers inflammation, and Flavay® is particularly effective as an anti-inflammatory.

Flavay® can selectively bind to the connective tissue of joints, preventing inflammation and lessening pain. One of the very first benefits observed and studied Dr. Jack Masquelier, in as early as 1947, was the anti-inflammatory effect of Flavay®.

Research demonstrates that Flavay® inhibits the release and synthesis of histamine (which produces accelerated blood flow, dilates capillaries and increases their permeability, thereby leaking plasma into surrounding tissue), a key factor in the promotion of inflammation.

Studies demonstrate that the anti-histamine action of Flavay® is obtained through inhibiting the activity of the enzyme histidine decarboxylase. Dr. Masquelier’s research has been confirmed by German studies which show that Flavay® may lower the production of histamine with as much as 86% inhibition of histidine decarboxylase.

Flavay® also neutralizes free radicals that promote swelling and cause inflammation. When joints become arthritic, they become inflamed and enlarged, interfering with the normal flow of blood. For example, when you bend an arthritic knee, you cut off blood flow to the area which sets into motion of a chain of events that will lead to a burst of free radicals when the blood flow returns (known as "reperfusion injury"). When you release the knee, a proliferation of free radicals causes the area to become even more inflamed, contributing to the degeneration of the joint, which becomes more swollen and worn down. Reducing free radicals eases the swelling associated with inflammation and improves arthritic condition. Research has shown that a free radical called "superoxide" is involved in the inflammation of arthritis and experiments demonstrate that Flavay® quenches the superoxide free radicals. In fact, Flavay® is scientifically proven to act as a scavenger of the free radicals that play a major role in the initiation, duration and breakdown of inflammation. But that's not all it does.

Reducing Edema (Swelling) by Strengthening Capillary Walls

Edema is an uncomfortable condition and can be both painful and dangerous. Swollen and painful legs and ankles, puffiness of the eyes and an overall bloated look and feel are examples of edema. It involves the leakage of blood serum into surrounding tissues and Flavay® has shown that it can reduce this leakage by strengthening capillary walls.

Italian scientists from the University of Florence studied the effect of Flavay® on venous congestion (edema) in the legs. The study involved 40 subjects consisting of 13 men and 27 women between the ages of 34 and 74. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. One group received a placebo and the other group received 300 mg of Flavay® daily for 60 days.

All of those taking the Flavay® had relief from at least some of the symptoms. After 30 days, the pain was totally relieved in in 38 percent of those taking Flavay®, the swelling disappeared in 26 percent (the circumference of the legs was measured above the ankle), and 11 percent experienced a decrease in the feeling of heaviness in their lower limbs. After 60 days, the pain was totally relieved in 67 percent of those taking Flavay®, the swelling disappeared in 63 percent, and the decrease in heaviness jumped to 33 percent.

Recovery from Injuries

Research has shown that Flavay’s® ability to strengthen vascular walls may help the body to repair injuries faster. In an Australian study conducted on two groups of soccer players that had sustained injuries, those that consumed Flavay® for ten days following their injuries experienced significantly less swelling than those who did not and, in some of those taking Flavay®, the swelling had completely disappeared. Other research has demonstrated the ways in which Flavay® may actually inhibit inflammation including double-blind studies conducted in France which showed that Flavay® can reduce postoperative inflammation.

Reducing Collagen (Cartilage) Degradation

Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 different conditions that produce either inflammation of connective tissue (joints and tendons) or degeneration of the articular (joint) cartilage, a wearing down of the protective covering that cushions the ends of bones, allowing bones to rub together without causing damage to the joints.

Collagen is required for the normal functioning of the joints, healthy cartilage and bones, smooth gliding surfaces, synovial fluid, normal joint spaces and normal soft tissues surrounding the joints. Collagen is the building block of connective tissue, veins, arteries, ligaments and tendons, and every tissue and organ.

The nutrients in Flavay® can be considered as 'collagen vitamins' because they partake in the biosynthesis of collagen and prevent its destruction. Through synergistic action with vitamin C, Flavay® strengthens and rebuilds the body’s natural collagen proteins and has the remarkable ability to reactivate damaged collagen and elastin. Research has demonstrated that Flavay® binds to collagen fibers and realigns them to a more youthful, undamaged form. (The same research also established that common bioflavonoids are completely inactive in this respect.) Flavay® improves the beneficial cross-linking between the amino acids of the fibers that give collagen its flexibility and strength while preventing the undesirable cross-linking between amino acids that weakens collagen. Laboratory tests have demonstrated Flavay’s® ability to reduce degradation of elastin fibers by up to 70 percent.

Nitric Oxide Toxicity and Chronic Inflammation

Contemporary research shows that elevated levels of nitric oxide (sometimes referred to as "NO") appear to contribute to arthritis and other disorders associated to abnormal immune or inflammatory responses. In the case of arthritis, nitric oxide has been implicated in the destruction of the pericellular and extracellular matrix of cartilage in arthritis.

When joints become arthritic, they become inflamed and enlarged, interfering with the normal flow of blood. For example, when you bend an arthritic knee, you cut off blood flow to the area which sets into motion of a chain of events that will lead to a burst of free radicals when the blood flow returns (known as "reperfusion injury"). When you release the knee, a proliferation of free radicals causes the area to become even more inflamed, contributing to the degeneration of the joint, which becomes more swollen and worn down.

It's long been recognized that nitric oxide is essential for normal blood circulation as it controls the muscular tone of blood vessels and regulates circulation and blood flow. However, excessive amounts of nitric oxide can restrict blood flow and promote production of more free radicals, including the dangerous peroxynitrate.

Flavay® can significantly scavenge nitric oxide radicals. However, as we'll discuss next, your body needs a certain amount of nitric oxide in order to maintain good health. Nitric oxide is paradoxical. Under normal health conditions, nitric oxide can act as an anti-inflammatory. But to an already inflamed area, nitric oxide can wreak havoc by causing even more inflammation. The key, therefore, to normalizing joint function is to maintain the optimum balance of this double-edged sword, nitric oxide.

Flavay® and the Nitric Oxide Connection

Nitric oxide is a colorless gas produced by many different cells in the body that, depending on the situation, can be very good or very bad. Nitric oxide plays several important roles in the body:

• Nitric oxide is an important signaling molecule that turns genes on and off.
• By controlling the muscular tone of blood vessels, nitric oxide regulates the circulation and normalizes blood flow.
• Nitric oxide modulates communication between brain cells and is instrumental in helping us concentrate and learn new information, and also in maintaining memory.
• When produced by immune cells, nitric oxide fights infection, kills tumor cells and promotes wound healing.
• Nitric oxide is essential for perceiving pleasure and pain, and it helps translate sexual excitement into penile erections.
• Nitric oxide aids in digestion of food by helping to control gastric movements.

But nitric oxide can be very destructive under other circumstances:

• Nitric oxide restricts blood flow.
• When produced in excess by immune cells, nitric oxide can trigger chronic inflammation, which can cause arthritis, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease and possibly cancer.
• Nitric oxide promotes production of more free radicals.
• In the brain, nitric oxide can hamper mental function and cause memory loss and brain aging.

The real trouble starts when nitric oxide encounters the superoxide free radical and becomes peroxynitrate, which destroys antioxidants like glutathione, vitamin E and common flavonoids, and damages proteins in the body. As long as nitric oxide is produced in the right amount, it remains friendly. But if nitric oxide is overproduced, the effect can be very toxic. Research demonstrates that Flavay® can help to maintain the optimal level of nitric oxide by helping the body to produce adequate levels—and to neutralize this free radical where it does harm.

"Radical Scavenger Effect" of Flavay®

Flavay's® strong antioxidant acts as a scavenger of the free radicals that play a major role in the initiation, duration and breakdown of inflammation and the degradation of collagen.

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