Benefits
•
Supports healthy bladder function*
•
Maintains normal urinary sphincter tone*
Crateva Nurvala
Crateva
nurvala is an ancient herb used for generations in the traditional Indian
sys tem of medicine known as Ayurveda. Ancient Ayurvedic practitioners used
it as an internal purifier that helped maintain homeostasis and balance.
This herb has a long history of use as the herb of choice to maintain
healthy urinary tract and bladder function. The tree that is the source of
this herb is often found growing along the banks of rivers in the
sub-Himalayan regions of India. The stem bark is the part used to benefit
urinary health.1
Studies with
Crateva nurvala have been conducted in India demonstrating the herb's
efficacy in maintaining healthy urinary bladder function. Animal studies
with the water extract of Crateva have shown that the herb has the ability
to increase the tone of smooth muscle and skeletal muscle. In a rat model of
kidney stones, researchers were able to show that rats given Crateva extract
had significantly smaller stones than in the untreated group.3 In
addition, a study conducted in dogs showed that the animals receiving
Crateva extract for 40 days had significantly higher maintenance of bladder
tone than control animals.2
A tea
prepared from the bark of the plant was given to 30 individuals (50 ml twice
daily). Baseline measures of urinary function and bladder tone were assessed
at the beginning of the study. It was found that when compared to baseline,
the Crateva tea showed a high ability to promote healthy urinary function
and enhance bladder tone in these individuals after 3 months of use.2
Equisetum Arvense
Equisetum
arvense, also known as horsetail, is a traditional plant that is especially
rich in silica and other essential minerals. It is a member of a prehistoric
family of plants that is now one of the most common species in northern
temperate climates. In addition to being extremely rich in the mineral
silica, horsetail also contains saponins and flavonoids. The combination of
these constituents is thought to be responsible for its beneficial pro
perties.4
Traditional
cultures have used horsetail over the years for its various healing
properties. Traditional herbalists re co m m e n d e d horsetail for healing
wounds be cause of its noticeably astringent effects. Internally, horsetail
was used to promote healthy digestive function.5
Because of
its flavonoid, saponin and mineral content, horsetail has a special affinity
for the urinary tract. Its tonic and astringent properties we re used to
promote healthy urinary bladder function and to strengthen urinary sphincter
control.6 The German Commission E monograph on horsetail also
supports its use for maintaining the health of the urinary tract.7
Calcium and Magnesium
Best Bladder
Support featuring UroLogic ™ is also fortified with the essential
synergistic minerals calcium and magnesium. These minerals play a critical
part in the conduction of electrical impulses through nerves. This process
is important for proper bladder tone and sphincter function. The brain sends
signals down these nerves to the urinary sphincter, commanding it to
contract or relax. A deficit in neural transmission can predispose an
individual to improper bladder control.
Calcium and
magnesium are also essential to the proper function of all muscles, as these
minerals are directly involved in the process of muscle contraction. A
double-blind trial found that women who were given magnesium supplements
daily had better bladder control than women given a placebo.8
Calcium and magnesium can work together, therefore, to enhance urinary
bladder function and overall health.
Research on UroLogic ™
A study
published in August 2002 showed that the combination of nutrients contained
in Best Bladder Support featuring UroLogic ™, when given to eight women, had
a significant positive effect in enhancing urinary bladder health and
sphincter tone compared to baseline measures.
In this
trial,women with an average age of 50 years old were given the combination
as two tablets twice daily over a period of 12 weeks. Two separate validated
questionnaires were used to assess baseline urinary and bladder function. A
50% or greater enhancement in urinary parameters was noted in these
otherwise healthy women after 3 months of treatment. The results were highly
significant.9 A second similar study was completed in July 2005.
A total of 34 subjects (28 women and 6 men) were recruited to participate in
this trial of the UroLogic™ formula. Urinary parameters were assessed before
the start of the trial and each month thereafter using the same two urinary
function questionnaires. It was shown that the formula was effective at
supporting normal bladder and sphincter function in both men and women based
on the urinary parameters measured. The formula was also deemed extremely
safe, as no major adverse events were reported during the trial. Maximal
effects were seen with prolonged use of the product over the entire 3-month
timeframe of the study.10 The potent combination of a unique
extract of the Ayurvedic herb Crateva nurvala, the traditional healing herb
Equisetum arvense and the minerals calcium and magnesium works
synergistically to provide essential support for urinary tract health. Best
Bladder Support featuring UroLogic ™ can be a safe and effective option for
maintaining healthy urinary bladder function and promoting optimal urinary
sphincter tone.*
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