Results of two clinical studies supporting the positive effects of microalgae-based antioxidant BioAstin on pain reduction in carpal tunnel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis were presented at a scientific meeting earlier this month.
Lead investigator at the Health Research Studies Center in Los Altos, California Dr Gene Spiller, presented results of the studies carried out earlier this year at the scientific meeting of the American College of Nutrition in San Antonio, Texas on 4 October.
The double blind, placebo-controlled studies tested the effects of BioAstin gelcaps, an over-the-counter dietary supplement, over an eight week period. The active ingredient in BioAstin - natural astaxanthin - has been shown to be a potent antioxidant more than 500 times stronger than vitamin E, and 10 times stronger than beta carotene, according to Cyanotech which makes the product.
Carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers consuming BioAstin reported decreased wrist pain, while those with rheumatoid arthritis reported less daytime pain. "One of the most exciting results was that the carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers who used BioAstin experienced such improvement that they were able to take part in activities that they had once given up," said Spiller. Participants in the rheumatoid arthritis clinical trial also showed statistically significant improvements in symptoms, he said.
"These studies, combined with the results of another study showing positive effects from using BioAstin on knee soreness, add to the growing body of scientific evidence that BioAstin offers a viable natural alternative for persons who suffer from a variety of joint pains," said Gerald R. Cysewski, president and CEO of Cyanotech.
There are currently around 5 million Americans suffering from carpel tunnel syndrome and a recent study from Amsterdam has suggested surgery should be their first option for treatment. Cyanotech will be hoping that its latest research could provide a viable alternative to surgery for some patients.