articulin

Articulin is a combination medication of several herbs and the mineral zinc, available in the form of capsules over the counter (OTC). Articulin is used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, an age-related degeneration of the joints. Articulin appears to significantly reduce pain and disability scores in patients with osteoarthritis, however, there were no radiographic changes, and there are no adequate and controlled studies on its efficacy.

Articulin is an herbal medicine used in Ayurveda, a traditional medicine system followed in India. The components of articulin are herbs that are believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties, which may contribute to the pain relief that the combination provides. In addition, these herbs are thought to have blood pressure and blood sugar lowering properties as well. The active ingredients of articulin include:

• Withania somnifera: Also known as winter cherry, and ashwagandha in India, W. somnifera is an evergreen shrub whose leaves, fruits, seeds and roots are dried and used as herbal medicine. Withania is considered an herbal adaptogen that helps people adapt to and manage stress, anxiety and fatigue, and enhance overall health. Withania has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties.
• Boswellia serrata: B. serrata is an aromatic plant whose resin is used as a medicine. Boswellia is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic and analgesic properties. Studies show that boswellic acid, the primary active constituent of boswellia, reduces inflammation and pain by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme that is involved in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes, inflammatory substances produced by leukocytes.
• Curcumin longa: C. Longa is the botanical name of turmeric, whose roots are commonly used as a condiment in Asian cooking. Curcumin, the active component of turmeric that gives it its yellow color, is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic and promotes wound healing.
• Zinc: Zinc is an essential trace mineral that is required in minute quantities for human health. Zinc has many functions in the body including cell growth and proliferation, maintenance of a healthy immune system and wound healing. Zinc is a weak antiseptic and is also an astringent that shrinks tissue and reduces swelling.

• Do not take articulin if you are hypersensitive to any of the components in the formulation.
• Articulin may have additional ingredients other than those mentioned here. Check label for contents.
• Do not take articulin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Common side effects of articulin include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Dermatitis

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

2 caps orally twice daily

1 cap contains

• 450 mg Withania somnifera (withania, ashwagandha)
• 100 mg Boswellia serrata (boswellia, Indian frankincense)
• 50 mg Curcuma longa (turmeric)
• 50 mg Zinc complex

Overdose

There are no reports of articulin overdose. Articulin overdose may cause gastrointestinal symptoms that should resolve with discontinuation of the herbal drug.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Articulin has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• There is no information on the safety of articulin use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Articulin is intended for osteoarthritis, an age-related degeneration, unlikely to occur in women of pregnancy potential. Avoid articulin use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Never take any herbal supplement without first checking with your healthcare provider, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Articulin taken in recommended doses are likely safe for most adults.
• Use articulin supplements exactly as per label instructions. Natural products are not necessarily safe always and following suggested dosing is important.
• Check with your healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplement, including articulin, particularly if you have any health conditions or if you are on any regular medication.
• Herbal products often contain many ingredients. Check labels for the components in the articulin product you choose.
• Articulin is marketed as an herbal supplement and is not regulated by the FDA. Products may differ in formulations and strengths, and labels may not always match contents; exercise caution in choosing your product.
• Store articulin supplements safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.