TamaFlex may support joint health in horses, says recent study

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A recent study published in Veterinary Medicine Science¹, found that a botanical formulation containing Tamarindus indica seed extract and Curcuma longa rhizome extract, called TamaFlex, may support joint function in horses. TamaFlex is the flagship ingredient of NXT USA. In the study, 22 horses with lameness grade 2-4 on the American Association of Equine Practitioners scale, were given 2.5 grams per day of TamaFlex or placebo over a period of 84 days. Lameness scores were assessed at baseline, day 14, 28, 56, and 84. Results showed that horses taking the extract saw significant improvements in scores at days 28, 56, and 84, while the placebo group only saw significant improvements on day 84.

Compared to placebo, researchers found that horses taking TamaFlex also experiences significant reductions in anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) by day 84. Significant reductions in the inflammatory cytokines prostaglandin-E2 interleukin-1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha at day 84 were also observed in horses taking the extract.

“We are excited to grow the body of evidence for our novel joint health ingredient, especially since these results are in line with our human data and confirm benefits for the developing animal health market,” said Eric Anderson, managing director, NXT USA, in a press release. “This data builds upon our three double-blind placebo-controlled studies in humans.”

Reference

1. Jain S et al. “TamaFlex—A novel nutraceutical blend improves lameness and joint functions in working horses.” Veterinary Medicine Science, Published online ahead of print on July 29, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.894