Pentosan is a concentrated anti-inflammatory and stimulant of cartilage synthesis, repair, and protection.
 
Active Ingredient:  Sodium pentosan polysulfate 125 mg/ml
 
Features and Benefits of PPS:  Sodium pentosan polysulfate (PPS) is a linear polymer that is prepared from xylan, which is a complex hemicellulose extract of the (Beechwood) plant origin.  PPS is one of the possible sulfated heparinoid compounds.  The heparin-like anti-coagulant effects have been reduced and the fibrinolytic, anti-inflammatory, and tissue trophic effects have been enhanced.
Pentosan will actively reverse the effects of osteoarthritis in the joints via a series of actions which include:
 
1.  Stimulating Chondrocyte Metabolism:  Results in the increased production of proteoglycans along with a healthy cartilage matrix.  PPS stimulates synovial fibroblasts and produces an increased amount of a high molecular weight hyaluronic acid which results in an increased production of a normally viscous joint fluid. By improving the fluid volume and consistency will result in more effective joint lubrication and also stabilization, which limits further cartilage damage.
2.  Anti-inflammatory Activity:  PPS has an inhibitory action on all of the mediators of the arachidonic acid cascade.  PPS will also inhibit the lysosomal catabolic enzymes histamine, cathepsin B, hyaluronidase, and polymorphonuclear elastase.  PPS exerts a specific inhibitory effect on mediators implicated in the degradation of cartilage matrix components, preserving the cartilage and thus preventing the release of highly inflammatory mediators, which relieves pain and inflammation.(c) Fibrinolysis and Lipolysis:  PPS is strongly fibrinolytic, by stimulating the release of plasminogen activator and promoting the dissolution of thrombi and fibrin deposits in synovial tissues and subchondral blood vessels.  PPS also mobilizes cholesterol and lipids in synovial and subchondral blood vessels, which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis in older animals. These effects will combine to increase the pre-fusion to the joint, which will stimulate cartilage healing and repair. Pentosan is NOT a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like Phenylbutazone nor the cortisones (both of which will have a damaging effect on joints with prolonged use).  Pentosan will not suppress joint cartilage healing and repair.  PPS directly stimulates joint healing and repair. 
Equine Dosage and Administration:  Administer at a dose rate of 3 mg/kg body weight (1.5 g / 500 kg horse) at 5-7 day intervals for four doses.
Note:  DO NOT use in horses with clotting defects, traumatic hemhorrage, infection, renal or hepatic failure or within 48 hours of surgery.
 
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.