My stepdad has been a contractor pretty much his whole life, which as you can imagine, has taken quite the toll on his body, especially his joints. After his doctor had advised him to back off taking Advil for his joints to help prevent potential liver damage, my mother started looking towards more natural solutions - stretching, tart cherry juice, Epsom salts, etc. In trying to find natural solutions for joint pain, she found that something called ApresFlex had seemed to be helping people all over with their joint problems - and for good reason!
So, what even is ApresFlex? 1MD explains that ApresFlex "is a patented and bio-enhanced form of boswellic acid clinically shown to support joint health and function for those suffering from occasional joint distress." A herbal extract derived from Boswellia serrata gum resin, which comes from Indian frankincense (naturally found in India and the Punjab region that extends into Pakistan), ApresFlex is full of antioxidants that help to protect the joints from oxidative stress in addition to other health and wellness benefits (more on that below). Oxidative stress is "an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which can lead to cell and tissue damage," including the cell and tissues in our bones and joints, which can then lead to other joint health conditions and concerns including:
ApresFlex contains approximately 20% of something called Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), which is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene that acts as "an orally active, non-redox and non-competitive 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor," and has anti-inflammatory effects. 5-lipoxygenase is an enzyme responsible for the production of inflammatory leukotrienes. An overproduction of leukotrienes is "a major cause of inflammation in asthma, allergic rhinitis, and osteoarthritis."
While there are technically four kinds of boswellic acid, AKBA is thought to be the most powerful. "The bioavailability of AKBA from AprèsFlex was found to be significantly higher in comparison with that of other commercially available Boswellia extracts," according to ApresFlex manufacturer, PLT Health Solutions.
Clearly, the potential effects of Boswellia serrata can impact joint health and overall quality of life, and it has the clinical studies to back it up. PLT Health Solutions reports that clinical studies conducted with ApresFlex showed dramatic improvements in joint health and function:
"A 2014 clinical trial with AprèsFlex showed a nearly 20% reduction in pain scores over baseline at 5 days and a 50% reduction in pain scores at 30 days. A previous, similar study with AprèsFlex showed a 70% reduction in pain scores at 90 days.
Beyond joint comfort and flexibility improvements, AprèsFlex also positively impacts biological markers associated with joint health and inflammation, including TNFa, CRP, and IL-6. It was also shown to significantly inhibit matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-3), enzymes that break down cartilage, collagen and connective tissues."
In addition to its benefits for joint health and function, ApresFlex has also been found to have other positive health benefits including:
There are two main health benefits of Boswellia serrata for those with asthma. In one study, those who had bronchial asthma and took Boswellia "experienced decreased asthma symptoms and indicators". Boswellia has also been found in early research to help with immune system response to environmental factors, as those diagnosed with asthma usually have an overreaction to environmental allergens such as pollution, pet dander, and pollen.
Just like any other herbal or dietary supplement, there are always potential side effects of taking ApresFlex or another form of Boswellia serrata extract, which is why it's so important to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before adding any dietary supplement to your routine. While ApresFlex and Boswellia serrata extract products are generally safe when taken under the provided dosage guidelines, you may experience mild side effects including:
If you're experiencing one or more of these symptoms, discontinue use and talk to your doctor. It is important to note that Boswellia may stimulate blood flow in the uterus and pelvis, which can accelerate menstrual flow and can even induce a miscarriage in women. It may also interact with certain medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
It is important that when choosing a joint supplement, it should contain any of the 5 vital vitamins that support joint health. A key component to successfully using ApresFlex for joint health is finding a reputable, high-quality supplement to add to your routine! 1 Body's Joint Support Supplements unique formulation contains ApresFlex and other joint-friendly ingredients including:
Plus, all of our products are manufactured in the USA at our cGMP-certified facility (enforced by the Food and Drug Administration) and made without sugar, dairy, wheat, gluten, soy, preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors! Try 1 Body against any other joint supplement risk-free for 90 days. If you’re not satisfied, just let us know and we’ll give you a refund.
