Power-Flex® Liquid

Features & Benefits

• Liquid Chondroitin Sulfate–Better and more rapid assimilation of GAG’s
• Glucosamine HCl–Improved joint function
• Ester-C® Calcium Ascorbate– Needed to maintain and repair structural tissues; helps increase compression resistance of cartilage
• Yucca and Devil’s Claw–Natural Ingredient
• Palatable - Easy to feed and no waste

Select Power-Flex® Liquid is a complete joint support in liquid form. More than just a typical formulation of most joint supplements, Power-Flex® Liquid contains clinically proven components in solution for quick absorption and long-term support of the joint structure. Key vitamins and minerals are provided in the most effective forms for synergistic support.

The joint support nutrients are: Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin Sulfate, Ester-C®, Manganese Proteinate, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory herbals (Yucca and Devil’s Claw). All of these operate synergistically and should be provided concurrently in a feeding regime. These nutrients support or enhance the connective tissue matrix and the synthesis of joint fluid1. Due to the weight bearing and mechanical functions of the joints the connective tissue matrix (namely collagen and proteoglycans) is under constant rebuilding. Added stress and heredity factors can cause tissue breakdown. The optimal solution would be to support joint function before deterioration occurs.

Recent research shows that liquids may offer better absorption and effectiveness of Chondroitin Sulfate2. Furthermore, liquid herbals are better standardized and offer better concentrations of higher levels of dosage in liquid extract. Put simply, Power-Flex® Liquid is the strongest and fastest joint support nutraceutical available over-the-counter (OTC). Probably one of the most effective considerations for liquids is palatability. Power-Flex® Liquid is uniquely formulated to be fed with a ration or independently with high acceptability even with the pickiest horses.

Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin Sulfate (CS) is a sulfated gylcosaminoglycan and is one of the proteoglycans present in the articular cartilage. In osteoarthritis there is a reduction in proteoglycan concentration due to loss of articular cartilage. Concurrently, inflammation and degradation occurs because of enzymatic activity. Chondroitin sulfate maintains the cartilage characteristics through the increase of gylcosaminoglycan pool used by the chondrocytes in proteoglycan synthesis3. In addition to the restorative affect, the incorporation of CS to the articular cartilage slows down the inflammatory process acting directly on the degenerating enzymes which attack the articular structure4.

Glucosamine HCl
Glucosamine is the key precursor in the synthesis of the connective tissue matrix, it also composes over half of hyaluronic acid found in the joint structures. Being the key rate limiting step, Glucosamine stimulates production of GAGs, like hyaluronic acid, and Chondroitin Sulfate (and the production of collagen) and finally, connective tissue5. In human and dog trials, Glucosamine supplementation showed significant reduction of joint pain, tenderness, swelling, and improved joint function in a short period of time6.

Ester-C® (Calcium Ascorbate)
Ester-C® is a patented ascorbate supplement that contains calcium ascorbate, naturally occurring dehydroascorbate, and the Vitamin C metabolite, threonate. Threonate allows ascorbate to be more rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, cross cell membranes more efficiently, to reach higher cellular levels, and be excreted more slowly than ordinary Vitamin C. Vitamin C is involved in a number of biochemical processes. Most importantly, the body needs Vitamin C to grow, maintain, and repair structural tissues. Vitamin C has been shown to play an integral role in production of specific proteins, like collagen, and other structural elements of connective tissues. The antioxitive qualities of Vitamin C also limit the deterioration of connective tissues by free radicals7. Various types of stress can apparently increase the animals need for Vitamin C, while decreasing their ability to synthesize it8. Ester-C® provides greater levels of intracellular ascorbate and helps increase compression resistance of cartilage, it mobilizes white blood cells to the location of the inflammation, and enhances prostaglandin synthesis. In 1992, clinical trials to assess and quantify the effects of Ester-C® calcium ascorbate on Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) in horses were initiated9. Over an 18-month period, horses diagnosed with a variety of DJD conditions exhibiting moderate to severe lameness were given oral Ester-C®. Preliminary radiographs with veterinary examination classified the severity of lameness and degree of response in accordance with the American Association of Equine Practitioners Lameness Classification Scores10. At the conclusion of the 18-month trial period, over ninety percent (90%) of the horses had shown good to excellent response to Ester-C® calcium ascorbate. Eighty percent (80%) of the “improved” horses remained sound and usable even after the supplement was discontinued11. On-going clinical trials are currently being conducted to monitor the long-term effects. Ester-C® promotes a higher level of intracellular ascorbic acid without negative side effects, and can be a useful alternative to steroids and aspirin.

Manganese Proteinate
Manganese is an essential trace mineral for horses. Often cited as a key mineral relating to normal metabolism of sugar and fat, and duplication of cells. Most importantly; it is essential for the production of Chondroitin sulfate, important in maintaining normal joint cartilage and repairing cartilage12. Power-Flex® Liquid supplies manganese in an organic form for better assimilation.

Yucca Schidigera
Yucca is the common name for 40 species of herbaceous plants of the genus Yucca, native to the Southwest U.S. and Central America. The active ingredient in Yucca is “Saponin,” which is a group of basic sugars. Saponins have been a tremendous economic mainstay to the pharmaceutical industry for 50 years. Yucca is nontoxic and is supplied in a pure standardized extract form.

Devil’s Claw
Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is found in Africa and is a herbal root extract. Most herbal pharmacopoeia identifications list Devil’s Claw as having anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-rheumatic properties. In Hilary Page Selfs’ definitive book “A Modern Horse Herbal,” the author describes Devil’s Claw, its use, and efficacy13:

“In cases of Arthritis when there is pain, inflammation, or any form of degenerative joint disorder, or bony changes resulting in inflammation. Tests carried out in Germany (one of the biggest users of Devil’s Claw) have shown the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects to be comparable with cortisone and phenylbutazone, without the attendant side-effects.”14

Caution:
Because of its classification with human herbal trials as a “Uterine Muscle Stimulant,” Devil’s Claw should not be fed to mares in foal. May also be prohibited, please check with your governing association or club.

Sources
1.) Bucci, Luke R., PhD, CCN, C(ASCP), Chondroprotective Agents: Glucosamine Salts and Chondroitin Sulfates. Townsend Letter for Doctors, January 1994
2.) Videla Dorna I. DVM and R.C. Guerro DVM, Effects of Oral and Intramuscular Use of Chondroitin Sulfate in Induced Equine Aseptic Arthritis. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, pgs. 14-18, Supplement 1: March 1, 1999
3.) Adolphe, M., Ed, Biological of Chonrocytes. CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1992
4.) Ishikawa, K., Kitagawa, T.,Tanaka, T., Tereama, K., Kurina, N., Iwata, H., Niwa, S., Sakurai M, Clinical Evaluation of Glycosaminogylcans Polysulphate for Osteoarthritis of the Knee Joint: A Multicentric Double Blind Controlled Study. Z Orthop, 1982; 120: 708-716
5.) Bucci, Luke R., PhD, CCN, C(ASCP), Chondroprotective Agents: Glucosamine Salts and Chondroitin Sulfates. Townsend Letter for Doctors, January 1994
6.) Setnikar L, Giachtti, C., Zanolo, G. Pharmacokinetics of Glucosamine in the Dog and Man. Arzneimttelforscung 36(2) 729-736 (1986)
7.) Wong, SF. Halliwell,B., RichMond, P., Skowroneck Wr., The Role of Superoxide and Hydroxyl Radicals in the Degradation of Hyaluronic Acid Induced By Metal Ions and by Ascorbic Acid. Jinorg Biochem 1981; 14: 127-134
8.) Ivos, J, et al 1971. Thermic stress as a factor of disturbances in the reproduction of pigs and the possibility of prevention of these disturbances by the addition of ascorbic acid. Veterinarski Archiv. 41 No. 7-8:202
9.) Vetilangieri, Anthony J., Ester-C Research Summary. Inter-Cal Corp., Prescott, AZ, 1987-1991
10.) Guideline for Veterinary Service and Judging of Equestrian Events. 4th ed., American Association of Equine Practitioners, Lexington, KY., 1991, Pg. 19
11.) N. Lee Newman , D.V.M., Equine Degenerative Joint Disease. A Nutritional Approach with Ester-C, Natural Pet, Pgs. 56-57, March-April 1995
12.) Equine Supplements & Nutraceuticals, Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD (Breakthrough Press, Ossining NY, 1998) pgs. 62-63
13.) A Modern Horse Herbal, Hilary Page Self, (Kenilworth Press, Great Britain, 1996) pg. 36
14.) Lanthers M. C. et al, Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Harpagophytum procumbens’ Planta Medica

Select Power-Flex® is a nutraceutical for joint support for performance horses.

Directions:
Shake well before using. Loading dosage: Feed 4 ounces for 4 days. Performance dosage©: Feed 2 ounces per day. Maintenance dosage: Feed 1 ounce per day.

Caution: Do not feed to mares in foal. Please consult with your veterinarian for the best dosage and application for your horse.

DO NOT FEED TO CATTLE OR OTHER RUMINANTS.
DO NOT ADMINISTER TO HORSES INTENDED FOR USE AS FOOD.

Ingredients: Water, Molasses, Devil’s claw extract, Yucca schidigera extract, Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin sulfate, Calcium ascorbate, Manganese proteinate, and Citric acid, Potassium sorbate, Propylparaben (used to preserve freshness)

Arthroglycan™ is a licensed trademark of Syntex, S.A. Ester-C® “Manufactured under U.S. Patent No. 4,822,816. Other foreign patents pending.” “The E-C logo and Ester-C® are licensed trademarks of Inter-Cal Corporation.”