Effect of Agar/Collagen-based Compounds on Osteoarticular Pain: Randomized Triple-blind Clinical Trial

Joints-comprising bone, cartilage, ligaments, and synovial fluid-enable stable daily movement but may deteriorate with age, excess body weight, overuse, injury, or disease. Such degeneration, common from age 40 onward, underlies joint disorders like osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees, hips, hands, and spine, and is a major cause of chronic pain and disability. While antiinflammatory analgesics remain the standard approach to symptom control, they neither cure disease nor regenerate cartilage and can produce significant long-term adverse effects (gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, and cardiovascular). These limitations motivate interest in natural or complementary strategies with safer profiles.

Within this context, marine algae, especially agar derived from red seaweed, have attracted attention for potential intestinal, metabolic, and joint benefits, aided by their fiber content. Another promising option is undenatured type II collagen (UC-II), the principal structural component of articular cartilage, whose endogenous production declines with age; clinical studies indicate that a daily intake of 40 mg UC-II can improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life in individuals with osteoarthritis or exercise-related joint discomfort. Based on these considerations, an agar-agar supplement has been developed to relieve knee joint symptoms.