Clinicians are increasingly asked whether cartilage can regenerate and what role supplements or lifestyle factors can play in this process. This guide is for clinicians or health-activated individuals looking to support joint comfort and mobility by targeting the source to regenerate and regrow cartilage.*† 

This guide outlines how to evaluate cartilage status, measure change with biomarkers and imaging, and implement a wellness plan that includes Cartigenix HP® with RestorCel™ for joint comfort, mobility, and cartilage regeneration*†.

Evaluating Cartilage Health and Clinical Goals

Many people who come into the clinic will self-identify joint concerns, however, structural findings often precede symptoms. In a Framingham MRI analysis of 710 asymptomatic adults, 89% had knee abnormalities visible on imaging, suggesting that proactive cartilage support is relevant even before notable symptoms emerge (Framingham knee MRI in asymptomatic adults1).

Assessment in clinic:

• History, function, and goals: Clarify activity demands, history, mobility limits, and patient priorities.
• Physical examination and loading tolerance: Observe gait, range of motion, timed walking distance, and strength asymmetries.
• Self-report pain scores: KOOS and WOMAC are established tools for assessing pain, and are practical for ongoing assessment and monitoring. Simple 0-10 pain scales can also be used
• Imaging: Although there are limitations, some clinicians use X-rays for alignment and joint-space trends. MRI scans are more accurate for cartilage thickness and health.
• Attitude towards overall health: As shown in the Framingham study, joint issues may precede symptoms, so individuals activated by overall health may opt into early joint wellness plans.

Historically, adult articular cartilage was thought unable to regrow meaningfully without surgery. The field is changing with the emergence of supplements like Cartigenix HP with RestorCel. 

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled human study, Cartigenix HP with RestorCel showed significant increases in cartilage regeneration biomarkers and decreases in cartilage degeneration biomarkers in just 90 days.*

Are there research-backed supplements that support cartilage repair and regeneration?

This section will discuss Cartigenix HP with RestorCel as an option for cartilage regeneration, and also some of the other joint health supplements sometimes recommended.*†

While many general-purpose supplements are widely used, few have published human data demonstrating statistically significant improvements in function and cartilage regeneration biomarkers.  

Pair any supplemental plan with movement recommendations, healthy eating patterns, adequate sleep, and stress management to support healthy joints and overall wellness.

Cartigenix HP with RestorCel for Cartilage Regeneration*†

Cartigenix HP with RestorCel supports joint health at the structural level, supporting cartilage regrowth.*† RestorCel is the proprietary blend of Boswellia serrata and celery seed extracts within Cartigenix HP. RestorCel has 13 standardized with bioactive compounds selected for their synergistic joint and cartilage health benefits. Across three published human studies, including one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, participants experienced on average:*

• 67% reduction in pain scores
• 50% increase in walking distance
• Favorable shifts in cartilage regeneration biomarkers
• Noticeable improvements as early as day 15 for many participants*†

Learn more about formulation and study details at the Cartigenix HP page. If you are a healthcare provider, dive even deeper into the science in our Practitioner Education Hub. 

Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Outcomes Data Lacking

Glucosamine and chondroitin are some of the most commonly recommended and widely researched dietary supplements for joint and cartilage health. Unfortunately, several studies and meta-analyses on glucosamine show that there is actually no statistically significant relief from pain or improvement in function.2,3,4 On an individual level, some people may experience some symptom relief when using glucosamine and chondroitin consistently for extended periods of time.

Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids & More

Dietary patterns matter. Some studies have shown that emphasizing whole-food omega-3 sources (e.g., cold-water fish) is supportive of overall joint health and wellness. Hydration and polyphenol-rich produce may also support joint comfort, tissue resilience, and recovery capacity as part of a comprehensive plan.

Regardless of modality or type of supplement chosen, interpret claims cautiously and rely on patient-reported outcomes, mobility tests, and biomarker tracking to determine real-world benefit.

How is Cartilage Regeneration or Regrowth Measured?

There are multiple ways to track the health of cartilage. For real-world practice, the simplest and most cost effective methods come from a combination of self-reported outcomes and functional tests.

Measuring Cartilage Health with Self-Reported Outcomes

• KOOS – Focused specifically on knee joint health, this self-reported assessment scores aspects of pain, daily function, and quality of life. (Singh 2014)
• WOMAC – Focused on knee or hip pain, this self-reported tool assesses aspects of pain during activity, joint stiffness in the morning, and physical function. (Conaghan 2022)
• Calroy’s Joint Health and Mobility Tracker can simplify home-based monitoring between visits, keeping clinicians informed and individuals engaged.

Measuring Cartilage Health with Functional Tests

• 6-Minute walk test – Set a timer for 6 minutes and use a treadmill or activity tracker to measure the distance covered over this time. (Troosters 1999)
• Other options – Stair ascent cadence, gait quality, grip strength, and sit to stand assessments

Monitoring Outcomes and Safety in Cartilage Regeneration Plans

• Standardize assessments: Choose a few tracking methods for assessing cartilage health and keep them consistent throughout the duration of the wellness plan.
• Track longitudinally: Baseline, 30-, 60-, and 90-day intervals align with typical tissue remodeling timelines and can engage people and help them notice changes over time.
• Document safety: Record adverse events and any changes to the wellness plan. Use products from established, cGMP-compliant manufacturers..
• Quality matters: Prioritize supplements validated in human studies as complete formulations, not just extrapolated from individual ingredients.

Counseling Individuals on Cartilage Regeneration Expectations

Set clear expectations:

• Share the data: Cartigenix HP with RestorCel has three published human studies, including a randomized, placebo-controlled study, showing an average 67% reduction in pain scores, a 50% increase in walking distance, and favorable changes in cartilage regeneration biomarkers*†.
• Commit to the window: Recommend a 90-day trial to align with published studies, then reassess.
• Integrate care: Present supplements within a multimodal plan including targeted strength and mobility work, nutrition, sleep, stress care, and referrals for specialists when indicated. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What supplements have studies demonstrating statistically significant results for patient-measured outcomes and cartilage regeneration?

Cartigenix HP with RestorCel™ is backed by three published human studies, including a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Collectively the studies showed improvements in joint comfort, mobility, and cartilage-regeneration biomarkers within 90 days*†.

What safety considerations should clinicians keep in mind with cartilage supplements?

Choose cGMP-compliant products, screen for allergies or interactions, and monitor outcomes and labs. Prioritize formulations with no adverse effects and meaningful improvements during human clinical studies on the full product, not just single ingredients.

Can lifestyle factors influence cartilage regeneration outcomes?

Yes. Since most people do not get enough movement on a daily or weekly basis, implementing more movement (walking, dancing, weightlifting) is one of the first baseline steps that individuals can take to support joint wellness. Individuals can also consider adequate dietary omega-3 and other nutrient consumption, healthy sleep, or stress care for overall joint and cartilage support.

How long should individuals trial Cartigenix HP with RestorCel to assess benefit?

Use a 90-day window to mirror published clinical studies; though some participants reported changes as early as 15 days*†.