Biologically active products
The present invention relates to dehydrated Type II collagen containing cartilage which has retained the collagen in its original crosslinked structure and which contains at least 40% by weight of the Type II collagen of an ionizable edible salt and which has a water content of less than 10%.
1. A nutraceutical obtained by dehydration of Type II collagen containing cartilage, comprising a mixture of dehydrated particulate cartilage retaining at least 80% of the Type II collagen in its original crosslinked structure, at least 40% by weight of the Type II collagen of an edible ionizable salt and having a water content of less than 10% by weight of the total composition.
2. The product of claim 1 , wherein the cartilage is articular cartilage.
3. The product of claim 1 , wherein the cartilage is derived from chickens.
4. The product of claim 1 wherein the edible salt is potassium or sodium chloride.
5. The product of claim 1 , wherein the cartilage is treated with an antimicrobial agent prior to dehydration.
6. The product of claim 1 wherein the dehydrated product also contains glucosamine and chondroitin.
7. The product of claim 5 wherein the antimicrobial agent is a hypochlorite.
8. The product of claim 1 in the form of a fine powder suitable for forming into tablets and for filling into capsules.
9. The product of claim 1 in the form of a tablet or capsule.
10. The product of claim 1 wherein the cartilage is derived from chicken sternal cartilage.
11. The product of claim 1 wherein the Type II collagen comprises 40 weight % of the dehydrated cartilage.
12. The product of claim 10 wherein the collagen II content of the dehydrated cartilage is 25 weight % or greater.