Most treatments involving pyridoxine are oral in nature and usually dispensed in large dosages. Penetrex uses smaller dosages that can be topically applied directly to the point of discomfort.

MSM / DMSO₂ (methylsulfonylmethane):
Originally brought to prominence by Dr. Stanley Jacob, MSM is a relatively new dietary supplement form of sulfur that is found in our living tissues. MSM supports healthy connective tissues like tendons, ligaments, and muscle.

Approximately half of the total body sulfur is concentrated in the muscles, skin and bones. One of the most significant uses of MSM as a supplement is its demonstrated ability to relieve pain and inflammation. When rigid fibrous tissue cells swell and become inflamed, pressure and pain result.

Since MSM can restore flexibility and permeability to cell walls, fluids can pass through the tissues more easily. This helps equalize pressure and reduce or eliminate the cause of pain. Harmful substances such as lactic acid and toxins are allowed to flow out, while nutrients are permitted to flow in. This prevents the pressure buildup in cells that causes inflammation.

Cetyl Myristoleate:
CMO (Cetyl Myristoleate) was discovered in 1972 by Harry W. Diehl, Ph.D., a researcher at the National Institutes of Health. At the time, Dr. Diehl was responsible for testing anti-inflammatory drugs on lab animals. In order for him to test the drugs, he first had to artificially induce arthritis in the animals by injecting a heat-killed bacterium called Freund’s adjuvant.

Dr. Diehl discovered that Swiss albino mice did not get arthritis after injection of Freund’s adjuvant. Eventually, he was able to determine that Cetyl Myristoleate was the factor present naturally in mice that was responsible for this protection. When CMO was injected into various strains of rats, it offered the same protection against arthritis.

It has been proposed that CMO acts as a joint "lubricant" and anti-inflammatory agent. Patents were granted to Dr. Diehl for the use of CMO in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, based upon the animal studies and several case histories.

In a double-blind study, 106 people with various types of arthritis who had failed to respond to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) received Cetyl Myristoleate (540 mg per day orally for 30 days), while 226 others received a placebo. These people also applied Cetyl Myristoleate or placebo topically, according to their perceived need. Some 63.5% of those receiving Cetyl Myristoleate improved, compared with only 14.5% of those receiving the placebo (a statistically significant difference).

Choline Bitartrate:
Choline is a lipotropic and member of the B complex vitamin family and is a component of phospholipids and acetylcholine. It is very beneficial for disorders of the nervous system. Choline is essential for the health of the myelin sheaths of the nerves which are the principal component of nerve fibers.

Tennis Elbow patients exhibit damage to the radial nerve, one of the major nerves controlling muscles in the arm and hand. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients exhibit damage to the median nerve of the hand/wrist. Choline assists in the repair and strengthening of the sheaths, improving the conductivity and transmission of nerve impulses.

Arnica:
Arnica is a botanical which has been used for centuries, primarily in Europe. There are over 100 drug products made from this plant. The active components in Arnica are sesquiterpene lactones, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and pain reduction properties.

Arnica also contains thymol (an essential oil), flavonoids, inulin, carotenoids and tannins which stimulate blood circulation. Arnica works by stimulating the activity of white blood cells that perform much of the digestion of congested blood, and by dispersing trapped fluids from bruised tissue, joints and muscle. Arnica has also been shown to improve the health and conductivity of certain nerves.

Boswellic acids (BA) are believed to suppress the proliferating tissue found in the inflamed areas and also prevents the breakdown of connective tissue. The mechanism is similar to the action of non-steroidal groups of anti-arthritic drugs with no side effects, gastric irritation and ulcerogenic activity. Studies have confirmed that Boswellia Serrata has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity.

Boswellia was found to improve blood supply to the joints and restore integrity of vessels weakened by spasm. Boswellia Serrata may also be useful for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with no side effects as those seen with traditional drugs of choice.

The Transdermal Delivery Advantage

This technology was developed by the same chemist who developed Penetrex and only Penetrex has it. Below, is a brief description of the scientific principal behind the system as well as a summary of why transdermal applications offer unique advantages.

The system consists of an emulsion of hydrophyllic nature, and acidic pH, with three main active ingredients (Choline Bitartrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride / Vitamin B6, and Methylsulfonylmethane / MSM dissolved into the water phase of it, and one secondary active (Cetyl Myristoleate), dissolved into the oil phase.

One of the key ingredients present in this formulation is Ethoxydiglycol, which is an excellent carrier for active ingredients, since it has the unique characteristic of being both water-soluble and oil-soluble. Because of this dual functionality, it can drastically improve the absorption of active ingredients.

The Arnica Extract, the Camphor and the Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate complement this formulation with their calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

Through the use of topical/transdermal formulations, patients reap the benefits of significantly higher concentrations of medicine at the injury site than can be obtained through oral administration. Topical formulations do not have to travel through the stomach & intestine, but can begin working immediately at the injury site.

In addition, because the medication is applied to only a small area of the body, very little drug is absorbed into the bloodstream to exert side effects. Many drugs that are used in the treatment of pain can cause unpleasant or dangerous side effects, and reducing these side effects through topical application is a significant benefit.