Consumption of Dried Apple Peel Powder Increases Joint Function and Range of Motion

Abstract

The goal for this study was to evaluate the effects of consumption of dried apple peel powder (DAPP) on joint function and range of motion (ROM). Additional in vitro and clinical testing was performed to suggest specific mechanisms of action. An open-label clinical pilot study involved 12 healthy people with moderate loss of joint ROM and associated chronic pain. The subjects consumed 4.25 g DAPP daily for 12 weeks, with evaluations at baseline, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. ROM was evaluated at each visit using dual digital inclinometry. Pain scores were collected using Visual Analogue Scales. Blood draws enabled testing of serum antioxidant protective capacity using the cellular antioxidant protection (CAP-e) bioassay. Additional in vitro testing involved testing of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipoxygenase inhibition, cellular antioxidant protection by the CAP-e bioassay, and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells by flow cytometry. Twelve weeks of consumption of DAPP was associated with improved ROM. DAPP provided antioxidants that were available to enter into and protect cells from oxidative damage in vitro, and consumption of DAPP for 12 weeks was associated with a statistically significant improvement in serum antioxidant protective status. DAPP inhibited both COX-2 and lipoxygenase enzymes, and pretreatment of inflammatory PMN cells with DAPP before inflammatory stimulus resulted in reduced ROS formation. This suggests multifaceted anti-inflammatory properties of DAPP. Consumption of DAPP was associated with improved joint function and improved serum antioxidant protection status. The observed pain reduction may be associated with the improved antioxidant status and linked to the apple polyphenols' anti-inflammatory effects.

Apple procyanidins promote mitochondrial biogenesis and proteoglycan biosynthesis in chondrocytes

“…demonstrated the protective effects of epigallocatechin 3-gallate, a major polyphenol in green tea, for murine articular cartilage degeneration with an imbalance in proteoglycan homeostasis induced by DMM surgery 55 . A clinical trial for healthy people with a moderate loss of the joint function showed that dietary apple procyanidins in the peel powder improved their function and reduced associated pain 56 . Regarding the application of procyanidins for OA, Aini et al .…”

The Investigation of Antioxidant Properties of ALKAZONE<sup>®</sup> Electrolyte Antioxidant Mineral Supplement

“…We developed the CAP-e bioassay specifically to work with natural products and ingredientsn [5]. The method has been used on multiple types of natural products and ingredients, published in the peerreviewed scientific literature [6,7,8,9,10].…”

<p>Improved Joint Mobility Associated with Reduced Inflammation Related to Consumption of Nopal Cactus Fruit Juice: Results from a Placebo-Controlled Trial Using Digital Inclinometry to Objectively Document Mobility of All Major Joints</p>

“…19 Plant-based anti-inflammatory compounds have been studied for their effects on joint mobility, including the anthocyanin-rich juice from Acai berries, 20 ergothioneine extracted from mushrooms, 21 and polyphenol-rich apple peel powder. 22 A unique type of anti-inflammatory compounds are the red plant pigments betalains, which are different from anthocyanins and never found in the same plants. 23 A source of betalains is beet root, known to support healthy blood pressure levels, 24 via reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation.…”