Benefits

Supports healthy bladder function*

Maintains normal urinary sphincter tone*



Crateva Nurvala

Crateva nurvala is an ancient herb used for generations in the traditional Indian sys tem of medicine known as Ayurveda. Ancient Ayurvedic practitioners used it as an internal purifier that helped maintain homeostasis and balance. This herb has a long history of use as the herb of choice to maintain healthy urinary tract and bladder function. The tree that is the source of this herb is often found growing along the banks of rivers in the sub-Himalayan regions of India. The stem bark is the part used to benefit urinary health.1



Studies with Crateva nurvala have been conducted in India demonstrating the herb's efficacy in maintaining healthy urinary bladder function. Animal studies with the water extract of Crateva have shown that the herb has the ability to increase the tone of smooth muscle and skeletal muscle. In a rat model of kidney stones, researchers were able to show that rats given Crateva extract had significantly smaller stones than in the untreated group.3 In addition, a study conducted in dogs showed that the animals receiving Crateva extract for 40 days had significantly higher maintenance of bladder tone than control animals.2



A tea prepared from the bark of the plant was given to 30 individuals (50 ml twice daily). Baseline measures of urinary function and bladder tone were assessed at the beginning of the study. It was found that when compared to baseline, the Crateva tea showed a high ability to promote healthy urinary function and enhance bladder tone in these individuals after 3 months of use.2



Equisetum Arvense


Equisetum arvense, also known as horsetail, is a traditional plant that is especially rich in silica and other essential minerals. It is a member of a prehistoric family of plants that is now one of the most common species in northern temperate climates. In addition to being extremely rich in the mineral silica, horsetail also contains saponins and flavonoids. The combination of these constituents is thought to be responsible for its beneficial properties.4



Traditional cultures have used horsetail over the years for its various healing properties. Traditional herbalists recommended horsetail for healing wounds be cause of its noticeably astringent effects. Internally, horsetail was used to promote healthy digestive function.5



Because of its flavonoid, saponin and mineral content, horsetail has a special affinity for the urinary tract. Its tonic and astringent properties we re used to promote healthy urinary bladder function and to strengthen urinary sphincter control.6 The German Commission E monograph on horsetail also supports its use for maintaining the health of the urinary tract.7



Calcium and Magnesium


Best Bladder Support featuring UroLogic is also fortified with the essential synergistic minerals calcium and magnesium. These minerals play a critical part in the conduction of electrical impulses through nerves. This process is important for proper bladder tone and sphincter function. The brain sends signals down these nerves to the urinary sphincter, commanding it to contract or relax. A deficit in neural transmission can predispose an individual to improper bladder control.



Calcium and magnesium are also essential to the proper function of all muscles, as these minerals are directly involved in the process of muscle contraction. A double-blind trial found that women who were given magnesium supplements daily had better bladder control than women given a placebo.8 Calcium and magnesium can work together, therefore, to enhance urinary bladder function and overall health.



Research on UroLogic


A study published in August 2002 showed that the combination of nutrients contained in Best Bladder Support featuring UroLogic, when given to eight women, had a significant positive effect in enhancing urinary bladder health and sphincter tone compared to baseline measures.
In this trial,women with an average age of 50 years old were given the combination as two tablets twice daily over a period of 12 weeks. Two separate validated questionnaires were used to assess baseline urinary and bladder function. A 50% or greater enhancement in urinary parameters was noted in these otherwise healthy women after 3 months of treatment. The results were highly significant.9



A second similar study was completed in July 2005. A total of 34 subjects (28 women and 6 men) were recruited to participate in this trial of the UroLogic formula. Urinary parameters were assessed before the start of the trial and each month thereafter using the same two urinary function questionnaires. It was shown that the formula was effective at supporting normal bladder and sphincter function in both men and women based on the urinary parameters measured. The formula was also deemed extremely safe, as no major adverse events were reported during the trial. Maximal effects were seen with prolonged use of the product over the entire 3-month timeframe of the study.10



The potent combination of a unique extract of the Ayurvedic herb Crateva nurvala, the traditional healing herb Equisetum arvense and the minerals calcium and magnesium works synergistically to provide essential support for urinary tract health. Best Bladder Support featuring UroLogic can be a safe and effective option for maintaining healthy urinary bladder function and promoting optimal urinary sphincter tone.*



Scientific References

1. Williamson EM and Hooper M, editors. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Churchill Livingstone:The Dabur Research Foundation, 2002.



2. Deshpande PJ, et al. Crateva nurvala Hook and Forst (Varuna)- the Ayurvedic drug of choice in urinary disorders. Indian J Med Res. 1982; 76 (Suppl): 46-53.



3. Varalakshmi P, et al. Effect of Crateva nurvala on the Biochemistry of the Small Intestinal Tra ct of Normal and Sto n e - fo rming Rat s. J Ethnopharmacology. 1991;31:67-73.



4. Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Penguin Books Ltd, London. 1991.



5. Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Chapter on Horsetails. Tiger Books International, London. pp. 419-421.



6. Mcintyre A. The Complete Woman's Herbal. Gaia Books Limited, London. 1994.



7. Blumenthal M, editor. The Complete Ge rman Commission E Monographs : Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicine. American Botanical Council, Austin, Texas. 1998. 150-151.



8. Gordon D, et al. Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of magnesium hydroxide for treatment of sensory urgency and detrusor instability: preliminary results. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1998;105-667-9.



9. Steels E, et al. Crataeva and Equisetum reduce urinary incontinence symptoms. Australian Continence Journal. 2002; 8(3): 46-50.



10. Applied Science and Nutrition. The effectiveness of Biologic bladder formulae (containing crataeva and equisetum) in reducing the symptoms of uri n a ry incontinence and overactive bladder (combined results). Report for Biologic Health Solutions pty. Ltd. Unpublished results. July 2005.