What is the Synflex Drug Used For?

Synflex America markets several Synflex products to relieve osteoarthritis in people and pets and to aid athletes in recovering from workouts and injuries. While Synflex has not been approved as a medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, evidence exists for the effectiveness of Synflex' principal active ingredient, glucosamine. According to Synflex America, its product gets absorbed more readily into the body because Synflex comes in a liquid, rather than tablet, form.

Active Ingredients

• As listed on the Synflex website, the liquid products contain glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride; chondroitin sulfate from shark cartilage; the anti-inflammatory herbs boswellin, bromelain and yucca powder; manganese ascorbate; omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids; and vitamins A, C and E. A roll-on version, Synflex Power+Plus, contains glucosamine, camphor, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), menthol and isopropyl myristate to promote absorption.

Arthritis in Humans

• Evidence summarized in an online glucosamine factsheet prepared for the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health shows that glucosamine effectively relieves the pain and swelling associated with knee osteoarthritis in humans. Evidence for the use of chondroitin for treating osteoarthritis is mixed, but bromelain, boswellin and yucca do have strong to moderate anti-inflammatory properties.

Arthritis in Animals

• Horse trainers use both injectable and powdered forms of glucosamine widely. The product Synflex for Pets appears to be aimed mostly at dog owners.

Athletic Performance

• Some evidence exists for the benefits of using glucosamine for relieving leg pain and for speeding recovery after knee surgery. Additionally, omega-3 appears to bolster exercise endurance.

Precautions

• Users who have allergies to shellfish might have trouble with Synflex. Also, some people consuming large amounts of Synflex have experienced nausea, diarrhea and indigestion.