COMPOSITIONS FOR USE IN CARTILAGE BREAKDOWN

1 . A method for preventing or treating cartilage breakdown comprising administering to an individual in need of same a composition comprising oleuropein and/or hydroxytyrosol.

2 . Method according to claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises curcumin.

3 . Method according to claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises quercetin.

4 . Method according to claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, glycosaminoglycans, prebiotics, fibres, probiotics, fatty acids, minerals, trace elements and vitamins.

5 . Method according to claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises at least one anti-inflammatory compound.

6 . Method according to claim 5 , wherein the at least one anti-inflammatory compound is a plant extract.

7 . Method according to claim 6 wherein the plant extract is a plant selected from the group consisting of devil's claw ( Harpagophytum procumbens ), Rosmarinus officinalis , hyssop, ginger ( Zingiber officinale ), turmeric ( Curcuma longa ), Arnica Montana, willow bark, pomegranate ( Punica granatum ), green tea ( Camellia sinensis ), cat's claw ( Uncaria tometosa and Uncaria guianensis ), Indian olibaum ( Boswelia serrata ), and pineapple bromelain ( Ananas comosus ), Black seed ( Nigella sativa ), St. John's wort, hyperforin, Goldenseal, and German Chamomile ( Matricaria recutita ).

8 . Method according to claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises at least one antioxidant.

9 . Method according to claim 8 wherein the at least one antioxidant is selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin, carotenoids, coenzyme Q(“CoQ 10”), flavonoids, glutathione, Goji (wolfberry), hesperidin, lactowolfberry, lignan, lutein, lycopene, polyphenols, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zeaxanthin.

10 . Method according to claim 1 , wherein the composition is a nutritional composition.

11 . Method according to claim 1 , wherein the composition is a pharmaceutical composition.

12 . -Method according to claim 10 , wherein the nutritional composition is a medical food.

13 . Method according to claim 1 , wherein the use-method is to inhibit or decrease breakdown of collagen in cartilage.

14 - 15 (canceled)

16 . Method according to claim 1 wherein the method is to maintain or improve activity and/or mobility of an individual.

17 . Method according to claim 1 wherein the method is to decrease joint pain.