A clinical trial compared undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) against the well-known combination of glucosamine and chondroitin, and against placebo, in adults with knee osteoarthritis. The results offer a useful data point on how these two popular joint-support ingredients stack up against each other under controlled conditions.

What the research looked at

The 180-day trial was randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, conducted across 13 centers in India. It enrolled 191 people aged 40 to 75 who had knee osteoarthritis. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 40 mg per day of undenatured type II collagen (UC-II), a combination of 1,500 mg glucosamine and 1,200 mg chondroitin, or a placebo. Researchers tracked joint symptoms over the six-month period using the WOMAC index, a standard tool that scores pain, stiffness, and physical function in osteoarthritis.

What it found

By day 180, the group taking UC-II showed a significantly greater reduction in total WOMAC score than either the placebo group or the glucosamine-plus-chondroitin group. The improvement was reflected across all three components the WOMAC index measures: pain, stiffness, and physical function. In other words, in this trial UC-II performed better than the standard glucosamine-chondroitin combination as well as placebo on this shared measure of knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

What it means (and the limits)

These findings are encouraging for undenatured type II collagen as a joint-support ingredient, and they suggest it may offer meaningful advantages over glucosamine and chondroitin for some people with knee osteoarthritis. But this is a single trial, and one study — however well-designed — adds to the body of evidence rather than settling the question. Replication in other populations, longer follow-up, and comparison with other formulations would strengthen confidence in these results. It is also worth remembering that joint supplements, including UC-II, work gradually over weeks to months and are not a cure for osteoarthritis. They are best understood as one part of a broader approach to joint health that may include exercise, weight management, and guidance from a healthcare provider.

Sources: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12937-016-0130-8

Dual-action joint collagen

Mafsal Riyadi combines the two collagen types most studied for joints — high-tripeptide hydrolyzed collagen and undenatured type II collagen — in one licensed dietary supplement (EDA reg. no. 14711/2026). Research about ingredient categories is general and is not a claim about any individual product.

Learn about Mafsal Riyadi

This is a plain-language summary of published research for general education. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and individual studies have limitations. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about your own situation.