CARSON CITY, Nevada, December 10, 2020 – A new clinical study in healthy volunteers provided insight into how Q-actin, a patented, natural joint health ingredient from IminoTech Inc., supports joint health and function. The study results were published recently in the peer-reviewed ACS Omega, a publication of the American Chemical Society.
Q-actin is a natural extract of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) that previous clinical research shows can support, improve and strengthen healthy joint function. It contains high levels of ido-BR1, a novel type of carbohydrate known as an iminosugar, that helps the body modulate Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-alpha) and other biological markers that affect joint health. IminoTech markets Q-actin as a functional ingredient for foods, beverages and supplements.
In a four-day pilot study, participants consumed either 20 milligrams of Q-actin or a placebo one hour prior to intense periods of resistance exercise. The workouts were designed to stimulate a short-term increase in proinflammatory cytokines.
Participant blood samples were taken post-exercise. Analysis showed that Q-actin reduced LPS-induced TNF-alpha levels while slightly increasing IL-12, which has an important role in preventing infections. The research also showed that Q-actin may utilize multiple signaling pathways to help modulate inflammatory responses. These include MAPK signaling pathways and glycosidases, both which help regulate cell function.
“This study lends credibility to the historical anecdotes that certain cucumbers have anti-inflammatory benefits,” said Robert J. Nash, Ph.D., the study’s lead research and a pioneer of iminosugars at Aberystwyth University, United Kingdom. “The importance of ido-BR1/Q-actin in the diet merits further study.”
The study is titled, “Iminosugar idoBR1 Isolated from Cucumber Cucumis sativus
Reduces Inflammatory Activity.”
About IminoTech, Inc.
IminoTech Inc. is a science-based natural products company developing patented natural ingredients called iminosugars for applications in foods, beverages and supplements that support health and wellness. Iminosugars are an emerging class of novel carbohydrates that play an important role in a wide range of biological activities in the body.
The company’s flagship product is Q-actin™, a natural extract of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and a potent anti-inflammatory that clinical research demonstrates can help support healthy joint function and mobility. In a direct comparison clinical study, Q-actin was significantly more effective than glucosamine-chondroitin for management of moderate knee complaints. Q-actin is available in a growing number of products in the U.S. and Asia.