TorqueGlide: A Topical Gel Roller for Neurological Support and Pain Relief

Migraine and chronic pain conditions can significantly reduce quality of life. TorqueGlide is a topical gel roller designed to provide neurological support and pain relief through a blend of research-backed natural ingredients. We will examine the key ingredients in TorqueGlide and analyze the current research of their mechanisms and efficacy for pain relief.

The gel roller delivery method allows the active ingredients to be directly absorbed through the skin for localized effects. The rollerball applicator cools on contact for additional migraine and pain relief. Using TorqueGlide involves simply rolling the applicator over the affected area to apply the active formula (please see the instructions for more detail).

The ingredients work through various mechanisms when absorbed via the transdermal route. These include gate control theory of pain, counterirritation, anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant properties, and modulation of pain signaling pathways. Current evidence indicates TorqueGlide's potential as an integrative topical therapy to reduce migraine, chronic and acute pain, and support overall neurological health.

Let’s first explain the gate control theory of pain and counterirritation.

Several of the ingredients in TorqueGlide work through the gate control theory of pain. This theory, first proposed in 1965 by Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall, suggests that pain perception is not a direct result of nociceptive (pain) signaling, but is modulated by interaction between nociceptive inputs and non-nociceptive inputs in the spinal cord [1]. Essentially, “gates” in the spinal cord can increase or decrease pain signaling to the brain based on the relative amounts of nociceptive and non-nociceptive input. Non-nociceptive input “closes the gates” and prevents pain signals from reaching the brain. We know this instinctually. It is why we hold a toe we just stubbed or rub on an acutely painful injury.

Another relevant mechanism is counterirritation, which refers to the process of using one irritant stimulus to reduce the sensation of another irritant. For example, applying heat or cold to an injured area activates nerve fibers that compete with and partially override pain signals, providing temporary pain relief [2].

Key Ingredients in TorqueGlide

Menthol

Menthol is known to activate transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) receptors, which are cold-sensitive and provide a cooling sensation [3]. This activation provides non-nociceptive input that can “close the gate” to pain signals. Menthol has been shown in studies to reduce migraine pain, allodynia (pain from stimuli that do not normally cause pain), musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic pain, and pain from sports injuries [4,5]. The percentage of menthol used is also crucial as “low to moderate concentrations of menthol activate TRPM8 in the primary nociceptors, such as dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and trigeminal ganglion, generating a cooling sensation, whereas menthol at higher concentration could induce cold allodynia, and cold hyperalgesia mediated by TRPM8 sensitization” [6]. TorqueGlide uses just the right percentage of menthol to achieve pain relief without causing cold allodynia or hyperalgesia.

Curcumin C3 Complex®

Curcumin is the main active compound in turmeric that has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in studies [7]. Curcumin C3 Complex® is a patented composition containing three potent curcuminoids - curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and demethoxycurcumin. Research shows topical curcumin, like that in TorqueGlide, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on skin [8,9]. It reduces levels of CGRP, a neuropeptide involved in migraine pain [10]. In clinical trials, topical curcumin gel had similar efficacy to ibuprofen for the treatment of knee arthritis, but with fewer gastrointestinal symptoms [11]. It also decreased joint pain in knee osteoarthritis comparable to diclofenac [12]. A meta-analysis study has also found that curcumin is associated with beneficial effects on the skin, including, but not limited to, an increase in skin moisture, prevention of chronic ultraviolet B damage, and prevention of facial redness from rosacea or flushing [13]. The transdermal application of curcumin protects the skin by neutralizing free radicals, reducing inflammation through the inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B, and affecting other signaling pathways like transforming growth factor-β and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. It also modulates phase II detoxification enzymes, crucial for detoxification reactions and protection against oxidative stress [14].

 BioPerine®

BioPerine is a patented black pepper extract containing 95% piperine. Piperine enhances the absorption and bioavailability of other compounds like curcumin [15]. Like menthol, BioPerine in TorqueGlide may provide pain relief via the gate control theory of pain without the potential of skin irritation [15].

Boswellia Serrata Extract

Boswellia serrata produces resin that contains active phytochemical compounds including boswellic acids. Boswellia extract has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory effects. Recent research has further explored the pharmacological actions and therapeutic potential of Boswellia serrata extract.

Studies demonstrate that Boswellia extract exhibits neuroprotective qualities. The boswellic acids appear to modulate inflammatory pathways and prevent oxidative damage in the brain [16]. This neuroprotective effect may have implications for treating neurodegenerative disorders.

Applied topically, Boswellia extract has been shown to reduce skin photoaging and wrinkling. In one clinical study, a cream with Boswellia extract improved fine lines, elasticity, and skin roughness compared to placebo [17]. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are believed to mitigate UV damage responses.

The illustrated summary of the cosmetic uses of B. Serrata [18].

Research shows the potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Boswellia serrata [19-23]. The boswellic acids inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes like 5-LOX and human leukocyte elastase. Boswellia extract also exhibits free radical scavenging activity and boosts the body’s antioxidant defenses. These combined actions suppress inflammation and may confer therapeutic benefits for inflammatory diseases.

Current evidence also suggests that Boswellia extract is an effective and safe treatment option for osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and analgesic effects [24]. Moreover, topical treatment appears to result in significant increases in synovial concentration and therapeutic efficacy thereby confirming its transdermal application and the potential to be a disease-modifying agent in osteoarthritis [25]. Another study found that boswellic acids decreased pain severity and improved function in patients with knee osteoarthritis [26].

Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels appear associated with chronic migraine and especially evident in people with migraine with aura [27]. Boswellia extract can significantly decrease CRP levels [28], which may mitigate migraine frequency and severity. A clinical trial also found that Boswellia extract reduced pain intensity and frequency in patients with chronic cluster headaches [29]. The anti-inflammatory effects likely contribute to Boswellia’s efficacy for headache disorders.

Studies also report synergistic effects of combining Boswellia serrata extract with curcumin. This combination found in TorqueGlide enhances anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic activities compared to either compound alone [30, 31].

Ilex Paraguariensis 

Ilex paraguariensis, commonly known as yerba mate, is a plant containing bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and xanthines that has traditionally been used to manage nerve pain, arthritis, and headache. Emerging research now demonstrates that Ilex paraguariensis extracts exhibit analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting therapeutic potential for pain relief.

Studies show that Ilex paraguariensis and its extracts have measurable analgesic activity [32]. This is believed to be related to modulation of the noradrenergic system [33]. Noradrenaline is involved in descending inhibition of pain, and dysregulation of this neurotransmitter pathway contributes to migraine pathogenesis. Compounds in Ilex paraguariensis may act by normalizing noradrenergic signaling to reduce pain perception. One study found that it was this same modulation of the noradrenergic system that effectively promoted orofacial pain relief in mice upon the application of Ilex paraguariensis [34].

In animal models, yerba mate extract significantly alleviated neuropathic pain induced by nerve injuries [35]. It showed analgesic effects comparable to pregabalin, a first-line medication for neuropathic pain in humans and a migraine prevention treatment option. The researchers suggested yerba mate may be useful in integrative treatment plans for neuropathic pain disorders.

In addition to analgesic effects, Ilex paraguariensis exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Aqueous extracts of yerba mate reduced inflammation markers in vitro, including nitric oxide production and gene expression of inflammatory cytokines [36]. The anti-inflammatory activity likely complements the pain-relieving effects.

Ilex paraguariensis shows an important immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory profile [36].

Ilex paraguariensis shows promise as a therapeutic and preventive agent for migraine, inflammatory, neuropathic, and orofacial pain conditions. The analgesic mechanisms are linked to modulation of noradrenergic pathways and anti-inflammatory effects.

Helichrysum Oil 

Helichrysum oil has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-allergy effects in studies (37-40). It contains compounds like arzanol that may reduce neuroinflammation [41].

Uncaria Tomentosa 

Uncaria tomentosa, also known as cat’s claw due to the claw-like thorns on its stem, is a woody vine with a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for treating inflammatory conditions. Recent research has explored the mechanisms and efficacy of Uncaria tomentosa extracts for reducing inflammatory pain.

Studies suggest that Uncaria tomentosa extracts may help provide relief from cutaneous (skin) pain [42]. In vitro experiments have shown the extract has significant activity at various pain receptor sites involved in nociception [43]. These include agonistic effects on μ-opioid, δ-opioid, and CB2 receptors, as well as antagonistic effects on PAR-2 receptors that mediate neurogenic inflammation. One study found reduced osteoarthritis pain and inflammation with use of the extract [44] and another found benefit for its use with patients with active rheumatoid arthritis [45].

In addition to pain relief, Uncaria tomentosa appears to exert anti-neuroinflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation can sensitize pain pathways in the nervous system. Compounds in cat’s claw extracts block inflammatory mediators and may mitigate neuroinflammation that contributes to chronic pain [46,47]. This anti-inflammatory activity likely complements the analgesic effects of Uncaria tomentosa.

Uncaria tomentosa represents a promising natural therapeutic for reducing inflammatory-mediated chronic pain. The combined analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties may benefit cutaneous pain as well as pain disorders associated with neuroinflammation.

TorqueGlide combines multiple natural ingredients backed by scientific research for neurological support and pain relief. The synergistic blend works through counterirritation, anti-inflammatory effects, and modulating pain signaling pathways. Current evidence indicates TorqueGlide’s potential as an integrative method to reduce migraines, chronic pain, and support overall neurological health.

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