Celadrin (joint cream)
Celadrin is a proprietary blend containing cetylated and esterified fatty acids, which can be found in the fats of animals and plants. This proprietary blend's proposed mechanism of action is to improve the strength of cell membranes. It also reduces inflammation and can therefore improve joint mobility.[1] Celadrin is a topical analgesic that exists in a cream formulation and is used for muscle and joint pains including osteoarthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains.[2] The only active ingredient in this over-the-counter drug formulation is menthol.[3] It is distributed by Imagenetix of San Diego, California.
Published studies
A human study showed that one week of treatment with a topical cream consisting of cetylated fatty acids (Celadrin) and menthol was similarly effective for reducing pain and improving functional performance in individuals with arthritis of the knee, elbow, and wrist; these data support the use of a topical cream consisting of cetylated fatty acids (with or without menthol) for enhancing the potential for exercise training in this population.[4] Another human study concluded that compared to placebo, CFA (cetylated fatty acids; Celadrin) provides an improvement in knee range of motion and overall function in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee; thus CFA may be an alternative to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the treatment of OA.[5]
An in vitro study that investigated the effects of glucosamine (a dietary supplement used for knee osteoarthritis) and celadrin on platelet function concluded that glucosamine and celadrin may inhibit platelet aggregation in some individuals via aspirin-like effects as well as inhibition of ADP receptor P2Y1, but not P2Y12[6]
Interactions
The antiplatelet effects of cealdrin (see above) mean that theoretically celadrin may interact with blood thinners (such as aspirin, clopidogrel and warfarin), although this interaction has not been studied, and it is doubtful if this interaction occurs with the topical application of celadrin where the systemic absorbance is low.
References
- Hudita A, Galateanu B, Dinescu S, Costache M, Dinischiotu A, Negrei C, et al. (January 2020). "In Vitro Effects of Cetylated Fatty Acids Mixture from Celadrin on Chondrogenesis and Inflammation with Impact on Osteoarthritis". Cartilage. 11 (1): 88–97. doi:10.1177/1947603518775798. PMC 6921950. PMID 29808705.
- "Celadrin joint and muscle pain relieving- menthol cream". DailyMed. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved 2020-07-28.
- Factors Group of Nutritional Products (January 2013). "Prescribing monograph for Celadrin (menthol)". DailyMed. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Kraemer WJ, Ratamess NA, Maresh CM, Anderson JA, Volek JS, Tiberio DP, et al. (May 2005). "A cetylated fatty acid topical cream with menthol reduces pain and improves functional performance in individuals with arthritis". Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 19 (2): 475–80. doi:10.1519/R-505059.1. PMID 15903393. S2CID 26744492.
- Hesslink R, Armstrong D, Nagendran MV, Sreevatsan S, Barathur R (August 2002). "Cetylated fatty acids improve knee function in patients with osteoarthritis". The Journal of Rheumatology. 29 (8): 1708–12. PMID 12180734.
- Lin PC, Jones SO, McGlasson DL (Winter 2010). "Effects of glucosamine and Celadrin on platelet function". Clinical Laboratory Science. 23 (1): 32–6. doi:10.29074/ascls.23.1.32. PMID 20218092.