Boron — a forgotten element for bones and joints?

Aim of the study: Calcium fructoborate (CF), a natural sugar-borate ester found in fresh fruits and vegetables, is a source of soluble boron. CF contains three forms of borate (diester, monoester, and boric acid), all of which are biologically active, both inside cells (as free boric acid) and outside cells (as fructose-borate diester and monoester).

Results: CF is commercially available in the USA as a “nature-identical” complex and is used as an active ingredient in dietary supplements. It provides effective and safe support for discomfort and reduced flexibility associated with osteoarticular conditions (arthritis and joint degeneration), and improves the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) and McGill indexes. In addition, oral CF can ease symptoms of the body’s physiological response to stress, including inflammation of the mucous membranes, discomfort associated with osteoarthritis disorders, and bone loss. It can also support cardiovascular health. Clinical studies have shown that CF can significantly modify molecular markers associated with inflammatory mechanisms, mainly elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP).

Aim of the study: Since 1963, evidence has accumulated suggesting that boron is a safe and effective treatment for some forms of arthritis. The first evidence was that boron supplementation relieved the author’s arthritic pain and discomfort.

Results: This was followed by findings from many other observational studies and controlled experiments in animals and humans. These findings included: a) analytical evidence of lower boron concentrations in the femoral heads, bones, and synovial fluid of people with arthritis than in those without the condition; b) observations that the bones of patients taking boron supplements are much harder to cut than those of patients not taking supplements; c) epidemiological evidence that in parts of the world where boron intake is usually 1.0 mg or less per day, the estimated incidence of arthritis ranges from 20 to 70%, whereas in areas where boron intake is usually 3 to 10 mg, the estimated incidence ranges from 0 to 10%; d) experimental evidence that rats with induced arthritis benefit from boron given orally or intraperitoneally; e) experimental evidence from a double-blind, placebo-controlled boron supplementation trial involving 20 subjects with osteoarthritis.

Aim of the study: The composition and microstructure of bone tissue engineering scaffolds play a significant role in regulating cell infiltration, proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix production. Although boron is an essential trace element for bone formation, growth, and health, boron-containing biomaterials have been poorly studied.

Results: In cell culture experiments, a significant number of cells infiltrated and adhered to the interior of the scaffolds. The differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into the osteogenic lineage depended on the amount of boron incorporated into the hybrid scaffolds. Consistent with this, scaffolds containing 2-mol% boron (calculated as a percentage of the inorganic component) had an optimal effect on the expression of the lineage markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OCN). These results suggest that PCL/BPSG hybrid scaffolds with an optimal level of boron may enhance bone formation.

Aim of the study: Osteoporosis is a chronic metabolic bone disease that reduces mineral density and damages bone microarchitecture. Older people are more prone to bone fractures and have reduced bone strength because of osteoporosis.

Results: Macronutrients, especially proteins from soy, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, provide essential amino acids vital for type I collagen synthesis, osteoblast differentiation, and bone-forming signaling pathways, thereby promoting bone regeneration and structural integrity. Micronutrients from green leafy vegetables, including magnesium, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, zinc, and boron, contribute to mineral balance, enhance calcium absorption, manage oxidative stress, and affect key bone remodeling pathways, such as RANKL/OPG, Wnt/β-catenin, estrogen modulation, and antioxidant mechanisms. This review examines current research on the usefulness of macronutrients and micronutrients from many plant sources in promoting bone tissue regeneration and reducing reliance on synthetic osteoporosis treatments. It highlights their role as sustainable, low-risk supplements to traditional osteoporosis treatments by combining molecular insights with dietary knowledge.

Aim of the study: Osteoarthritis (OA) primarily involves the breakdown of joint cartilage and requires new treatments. REJENERA©, a newly developed nutraceutical formula for OA, contains mainly olive leaf bioflavonoids (ZeyEX©, quercetin, and luteolin), S-allylcysteine, palmitoylethanolamide, L-proline, hyaluronic acid, and boron.

Results: ZeyEX increased IL-2, NPROC increased IL-6, and IBUPROFEN inhibited IL-10. All treatments improved TIMP-1 levels; however, TXNIP was inhibited more significantly by ZeyEX, and NLRP3 by REJENERA. REJENERA’s anti-OA effects are accompanied by an increase in cartilage-building factors (Ki-67, type-II collagen, BMP-7) and inhibition of apoptosis. REJENERA offers a promising multi-targeted approach to treating OA by blocking the iNOS-TXNIP-NLRP3 signaling axis and reducing oxidative stress.