ProductinformationMatai Matai® - Nature's promoting powers against articular wear and tear Matai® Film-coated Tablets are a preparation containing the purely herbal active substance, which is found in devil's claw. The components present in devil's claw are able to improve joint movement in cases where signs of wear of the locomotor system are apparent, relieve pain and, as a result, make everyday life easier. Signs of wear at the joints are summed up under the term "degenerative rheumatic disease", or arthrosis, as it is better known. You can find out more about this condition and the plant devil's claw below. Arthrosis Arthrosis is a joint condition, which not only affects the elderly; it can also occur among younger women and men. Causes are, for example, constant incorrect strain, hereditary predisposition or preceding inflammatory processes in the joints (rheumatoid arthritis), which cause minute particles of cartilage to be rubbed off, which, in the long run, results in signs of joint wear and tear and damage to articular cartilage. The body's own defence system reacts accordingly with inflammation, which, in turn, releases substances for the purpose of stopping the cartilage abrasion that is in process. However, in cases where these substances are overproduced, healthy layers of cartilage are also attacked. Renewed cartilage abrasion is the result and the defence system of the body reacts once again with inflammation. Complaints continue to worsen during this cycle. At the beginning, the disease manifests itself in joint stiffness, hot and swollen joints and pain upon starting moving as well as after prolonged exercise. As a result of the increasing cartilage damage, mobility becomes more and more restricted in the course of the disease. On some days, patients may be symptom-free and on others, they may experience episodes of extreme joint pain and swelling. Complaints occur with increasing frequency and severity until, in advanced cases of the disease, joints even hurt at rest or at night. Devil' claw - Help from nature Devil's claw (Latin: Harpagophytum procumbens) belongs to the family of sesame plants native to southern Africa. Its unusual name is derived from the fruits of the plant, which appear to be covered with small hooks and which attach themselves to the coat of animals passing by, thus allowing the seeds to spread. Devil's claw forms the active substance contained in Matai® in so-called storage roots. These grow approximately one metre below the ground and serve to store water. The active substance is obtained from the tubers, which are lifted out of the ground, cut into slices and left to dry in the sun. The medicinally active extract is derived from the dried slices and is then concentrated. As the main root of the plant remains untouched, it is able to carry on growing and form - similarly to potatoes - new storage roots. In this way, the mother plant can continue living. Throughout southern Africa, devil's claw root has been used for hundreds of years due its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects for the treatment of fever and pain. Relief of complaints Matai® contains a high amount of the active substance obtained from devil's claw root. This active substance is able to check joint inflammation and, at the same time, relieve resulting complaints. Therefore, when taken as supportive treatment, Matai® can lead to improved mobility, significant pain relief and thus to a better quality of life. Gentle alternative and addition Matai® Film-coated Tablets are well tolerated and are not known to cause any side effects. Because it is well tolerated, Matai® is a gentle alternative to chemical medicines, especially when the latter is poorly tolerated or the dose thereof has to be reduced. Matai® Film-coated Tablets may also be used during cures. Gentle helps requires a little patience As is normally the case with herbal remedies, Matai® Film-coated Tablets also unfold their effect carefully and gradually. It is therefore necessary to take the tablets on a regular and permanent basis. Initial relief of complaints can be achieved after 2 to 3 weeks. The greatest effect, which can be achieved by Matai®, i.e. an improvement in joint complaints, can normally be seen after 4 weeks. Due to the fact that they are well tolerated, Matai® Film-coated Tablets are particularly suitable for long-term therapy.