Benefits
Joint comfort and function
In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in overweight adults, the extract improved joint-discomfort and function scores during daily activity and exercise compared with placebo, even in people without diagnosed arthritis.
Antioxidant support
The fruit is dense in polyphenols that neutralize free radicals, which the manufacturer links to its joint and recovery benefits.
Mobility during activity
Participants reported easier movement and less exercise-related joint discomfort, suggesting usefulness for active and overweight individuals.
Mechanism of action
Polyphenol antioxidant activity
Chebulinic acid and related tannins scavenge reactive oxygen species and dampen inflammatory signaling that contributes to joint discomfort.
Support for joint tissue
By lowering oxidative and inflammatory stress in and around the joint, the extract is proposed to support comfortable movement.
Clinical trials
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a standardized aqueous Terminalia chebula extract (Ayuflex) on joint health in overweight adults. (Lopez et al. 2017, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
Overweight but otherwise healthy adults.
The extract significantly improved measures of joint discomfort and function during daily activities and exercise versus placebo, with good tolerability.