Arthramine II™, provided by Vesta Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a comprehensive formula designed to support healthy joint function by featuring glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. These substances help support proper joint matrix formation as they are important naturally occurring structural components of healthy joints. Arthramine II™ also supplies the valuable mineral manganese and Vitamin B5 for added support.

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino sugar found predominantly in glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans. Glycosaminoglycans, also known as mucopolysaccharides, are an integral component of all connective tissues. Unlike other forms of sugar in the body, amino sugars are components of carbohydrates that are incorporated into the structure of body tissues, rather than being used as a source of energy.

Connective tissue, a fibrous type of body tissue, has various functions. It supports and connects internal organs (ligaments), forms bone, cartilage, and the walls of blood vessels, attached muscles to bones (tendons), and replaces tissues that have been damaged following injury.

The two main components of connective tissue are collagen and proteoglycans. Collagen is the strong, fibrous protein that physically connects our tissues. Proteoglycans are large carbohydrate-rich structures formed when glycosaminoglycans attach to proteins such as collagen and elastin. Proteoglycans hold large amounts of water forming a stiff gel due to their dense negative charges from sulfates. Proteoglycans are linked to collagen fibers to help form connective tissues and provide resiliency, load distribution, shock-absorbing, compressive and lubricating properties to connective tissues and joints.

Glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans are continuously being formed and replaced in connective tissues. The availability of glucosamine is the key-rate-limiting step in glycosaminoglycan and proteoglycan synthesis in all connective tissues, such as skin, bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Only with sufficient glucosamine can the synthesis occur.

Chondroitin sulfate, a glycosaminoglycan formed in the body, is also used for the synthesis and maintenance of connective tissues, primarily within the cartilage matrix. Chondroitin sulfate attracts and retains water in the proteoglycans, which is important for maintaining healthy joint cartilage. It can also protect existing cartilage from premature degeneration by blocking certain enzymes that destroy cartilage and prevent nutrients from being transported to the cartilage for repair.

The synergistic activities of glucosamine and condroitin sulfate offer several advantages for combined supplementation. Chondroitin sulfate allows glucosamine to be used for formation of other important glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, stimulating the synthesis of healthy new tissues.

Manganese is a synergist to help maintain healthy connective tissue development and is important in the formation of cartilage and synovial fluid. D-Calcium Pantothenate (Vit B5) is added with Manganese to give an overall feeling of well-being.