Amid growing demand for joint health products, Lacey, WA-based Unigen has received its third U.S. patent for Univestin, a proprietary joint care product derived from Scutellaria and Acacia.

The product claims to alleviate joint discomfort and stiffness while improving mobility, range of motion, flexibility and physical function. The new patent (7,514,469) is Univestin’s third in the U.S.

The novel compositions were discovered by screening Unigen’s proprietary Phytologix collection of medicinal plant extracts to identify natural substances that inhibit the pro-inflammation enzymes cyclooxygenase (“COX 1 and COX 2”) and 5′-lipoxygenase (“LOX”). The claims associated with the newly issued patent also cover formulations of bioflavonoid extracts from Scutellaria and Acacia in combination with other well-known joint care ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin D and calcium.

“The synergistic effects of the distinct bioflavonoid mixture derived from two well-known medicinal plants are truly remarkable,” said Dr. Qi Jia, chief science officer with Unigen, and the patent’s lead inventor. “We utilized extensive in vitro and in vivo testing to demonstrate that Univestin provides rapid and long lasting relief of both joint discomfort and impaired physical function through modulating the COX and LOX pathways as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokine system.”

Recognizing growing consumer demand for natural solutions for improved joint health, Dr. Ed Cannon, CEO and president of Unigen stated that “Unigen will continue to expand Univestin geographically into new global markets and to further develop Univestin and other related compositions for additional benefits, including oral care, metabolic disorders, and animal joint health.”