Supports Overworked Muscles*
PRODUCT IS A SYNERGISTIC
MIXTURE OF:
Valerian Extract (Valeriana officinalis), White Willow Extract (Salix alba),
Passion Flower Extract (Passiflora incarnata), Calcium Citrate, Magnesium
Aspartate
PRODUCT DISCUSSION
Muscle tension and strain can affect anyone and can be due to a variety of
physiological and psychological factors. MusclEase is a synergistic blend of
herbs and essential minerals that works on multiple neural and biochemical
levels for people experiencing occasional muscular tension related to exercise
and other physical activity.* Essential minerals are combined with the highest
quality herbal extracts for enhanced neuromuscular support.*
STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
White Willow Extract
Willow bark has been used for therapeutic practices for approximately 2,000
years. Salicin and other salicylic derivatives have been identified as the
components responsible for Willow bark's biochemical effects. In general, total
salicylic derivatives comprise a minimum of 1.5% of the dry weight of willow
bark (American Herbal Pharmacopoeia). MusclEase standardizes Salicin to 10x this
naturallyoccurring level to help ensure the full benefits of white willow are
derived.
Willow bark constituents are believed to act through various mechanisms. The main mechanism providing beneficial effects is most likely through interaction with PGH-synthase. In addition, Salicin and its derivatives may affect the functioning of neutrophils to help ease overworked muscles.*
Magnesium
Each serving of MusclEase provides an excellent source of the essential mineral
Magnesium. Magnesium's role in proper muscle function cannot be understated as
it is involved in most if not all energy-requiring reactions.*
Adenosine Triphosphate forms a complex with Magnesium, which is used by most or all ATP-requiring enzymes. Glycolytic enzymes such as pyruvate kinase and phosphofructokinase require magnesium. Magnesium is also needed at various points in the synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein, demonstrating its importance in muscle recovery and function.* Calcium pumps and Na,K-ATPase are usually the most sensitive to low magnesium levels, which can affect neuromuscular activity and hence muscle contraction/relaxation.*
Valerian
Extract
Valerian and its principle components have been extensively studied for well
over 50 years. Several natural components are believed to initiate its
relaxation effects, including valerenic acid (standardized to .8% in MusclEase).
Lab data indicates that valerenic acid and acetylvalerenic acid can inhibit GABA
transaminase, thereby prolonging GABA's effects on sedation in the central
nervous system (Reidel/82). L-hydroxypinoresinol, another natural valerian
alkaloid, has been found to possess a high affinity for the 5- HT1A receptor,
which could also play a role in Valerian's relaxing effects.*
Passion
Flower Extract
Passion flower is a traditional herb used for its neurochemical sedative
actions.* Beneficial effects attributed to passion flower include increase in
latency of reaction, increased threshold to nociceptive stimuli of heat, and
increased nervous system relaxation (Speroni/88).*
INDICATIONS
Occasional muscular tension can affect relaxation and overall quality of life.
Excessive strain from physical activity is often a leading culprit and can be
simultaneously affected by psychological stressors. MusclEase works not only at
the level of muscle contraction/relaxation, but also upstream by interacting
with the central nervous system and neuromuscular activity.*
HOW CLIENTS MAY BENEFIT*
- All active ingredients are naturally-sourced meaning no chemically-synthesized actives are utilized.
- Only standardized extracts are used to ensure consistent delivery of many of the active principles.
- Delivers not one but several ingredients implicated to play a role in neuromuscular relaxation pathways.*
- Suitable for a wide-range of clients due to its free of status for yeast, wheat, milk or milk derivatives, lactose, sugar, preservatives, artificial color, artificial flavor, and sodium (less than 5 mg per serving) as certified through analysis of raw material specification sheets.
- Tested to conform with USP standards for disintegration and microbial limits, including E. Coli and Staphylococcus screen.
CLINICAL EVIDENCE
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 82 subjects. Each subject received either an active treatment, which contained 100 mg of white willow bark in combination with other traditional herbs (2x daily), or a matching placebo tablet. Results measured with analysis of paired differences revealed an improvement in comfort scores for the active treatment group as compared to the placebo group. This effect was widely attributed to the known systemic comfort promoting effects of the active ingredients with in white willow bark. (Mills/96)
- Valerian, propranolol, the combination of both, or placebo were given to subjects to measure the independent and synergistic effects on somatic and psychological activation when faced with stressful situations. 100mg of Valerian Extract (the same amount in 2 capsules of MusclEase) was found to reduce subjective feelings of somatic arousal. The authors reported that Valerian was able to induce thymoleptic effects for overall well-being. This in turn could lead to a state of relaxation in muscles and other organs affected by stress (Kohnen/88).
SUMMARY
As evidenced by laboratory and clinical investigations, ingredients within
MusclEase can affect various pathways directly tied to muscle relaxation.* Only
the highest grade extracts and ingredients are chosen to help bring about the
beneficial effects of a truly synergistic combination.*
SUGGESTED DOSAGE
Take one (1) or two (2) capsules daily as needed, or follow the advice of your
health care professional. May take up to 8 capsules daily. As a reminder,
discuss the supplements and medications you take with your health care provider.
REFERENCES
Abraham, G.E., et al. Serum and red cell magnesium levels in patients with
premenstrual tension. Am J Clin Nutr. 1981. 2364-2366.
Borenstein, D.G. Epidemology, etiology, diagnostic evaluation and treatment of low back pain. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2001. 13(2); Mar: 128-134.
Capasso, A. et al. Pharmacological studies on the sedative and hypnotic effect of Kava kava and Passiflora extracts combination. Phytomedicine. 2005 Jan;12(1-2):39-45.
Chrubasik, S. Clinical study - willow bark. American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Facts Sheet.
Chrubasik, S. et al. Treatment of low back pain exacerbations with willow bark extract: a randomized double-blind study. Am J Med. 2000. 109(1); Jul: 9-14.
Cordova, A. Changes on plasmatic and erythrocytic magnesium levels after high-intensity exercises in men. Phys & Behavior. 1992. 52: 819-821.
Cropley, M., et al. Effect of kava and valerian on human physiological and psychological responses to mental stress assessed under laboratory conditions. Phytother Res. 2002. 16(1); Feb: 23-27.
Dahle, L.O., et al. The effect of oral magnesium on pregnancy-induced leg cramps. Am J Obs Gyn. 1995. 173: 175-180.
Fletcher, G.F., et al. Blood magnesium and potassium alterations with maximal treadmill exercise testing: effects of _-adrenergic blockade. Am Heart J. 1990. 121: 105-110.
Hendriks, H., Bos, R., Woerdenbag, H.J. and Koster, A.S. Central nervous depressant activity of valerenic acid in the mouse. Planta Medica. 51:28-31, 1985.
Kohnen, R. and Oswald, W.D. The effects of valerian, propranolol, and their combination on activation, performance, and mood of healthy volunteers under social stress conditions. Pharmacopsychiatry. 21:447-448, 1988.
Kuhlmann, J., et al. The influence of valerian treatment on reaction time, alertness and concentration in volunteers. Pharmacopsychiatry. 1999. 32(6); Nov: 235-241.
Lindahl, O. et al. Double blind study of a valerian preparation. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 32:1065-1066, 1989.
Mills, SY. et al. Effect of a proprietary herbal medicine on the relief of chronic arthritic pain: a double-blind study. Br J Rheumatol.. 1996. 35(9): 874-878.
Reidel, E. et al. Inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid catabolism by valerenic acid derivatives. Planta Med. 1982. 46:219-220.
Schmid, B. et al. [Efficacy and tolerability of standardized willow bark extract in patients with osteoarthritis: randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial.] Z Rheumatol. 2000. 59(5); Oct: 314-320.
Shinomiya, K. et al. Hypnotic activities of chamomile and passiflora extracts in sleep-disturbed rats. Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 May;28(5):808-10.
Speroni, E. et al. Neuropharmacological Activity of Extracts from Passiflora incarnate. Planta Medica. 1988. 54(6): 488-91.
Stevinson, C., et al. Valerian for insomnia; a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. 2000. Sleep Medicine. 1(2); Apr: 91-99.
Upton, R., Valerian root Valeriana officinalis, Analytical, Quality Control, and Therapeutic Monograph, in American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Therapeutic Compendium. 1999.
Upton, R. Willow Bark. American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Therapeutic Compedium. 1999. Monograph. 1-17.
