The potential of undenatured type II collagen against arthritis: a review

The increasing global aging population has led to a continual rise in the prevalence of bone and joint diseases, posing challenges to both the quality of life for patients and healthcare resources. Type II collagen, a pivotal protein for sustaining joint function, has gained substantial attention in recent years. The oral administration of undenatured type II collagen has demonstrated noteworthy advancements in tackling bone and joint diseases. This article presents a comprehensive review of the structure and extraction methods of undenatured type II collagen, discusses the relationship between undenatured type II collagen and arthritis, and thoroughly examines its therapeutic role and potential mechanisms in the treatment process. In addition, future perspectives for clinical application of undenatured type II collagen are discussed. It was found that the oral administration of undenatured type II collagen, through induction of oral tolerance mechanisms, exhibits promise in alleviating joint inflammation and pain in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This method can significantly ameliorate joint inflammation and pain, with high patient acceptance and minimal side effects, demonstrating its potential as a well-tolerated treatment option for joint diseases.