SierraSil

SierraSil is a product derived from the unique silicates of a mineral deposit found in the high Sierra Mountains and is comprised of numerous macro and trace minerals. It is marketed as an all-natural supplement recommended for use by people with joint, muscle and tissue pain associated with chronic inflammatory conditions, and by active adults and professional athletes. [Who Should Take SierraSil? SierraSil: Questions and Answers. Retrieved on 2008-02-02.]

Discovery

In the early 1970s, while searching for gold in the high Sierra Mountains, a prospector discovered clay that sparkled when exposed to sunlight. The mineral compound found in the clay was a result of thermal forces that occurred in the area and is similar to those used in traditional remedies by indigenous peoples, including Native Americans, who for thousands of years have used mineral-rich clay powder for its healing properties. Mineralogist Haydn H. Murray, Professor Emeritus of Indiana University, concluded after conducting an x-ray diffraction analysis of SierraSill that an underground hot water solution in the area resulted in a very unusual and rare mineral suite, unlike any other he had seen in his more than 50 years of research. [Lieberman S and Xenakis A. Mineral Miracle, 2006, 53] In 2001, the discovery was brought to the attention of Peter Bentley, who later acquired the rights to the mineral deposit. In 2003 Bentley and son Michael formed the company Sierra Mountain Minerals, Inc. and named the mineral compound SierraSil. The discovery and development of SierraSil was documented in the book "Mineral Miracle". [Lieberman S and Xenakis A. Mineral Miracle, 2006, 49-52]

Therapeutic uses

SierraSil is thought to suppress the activity of the genes that begin the body's process of unhealthy inflammation, by acting as cartilage-protecting properties [The Mineral Connection. How SierraSil Works. Retrieved on 2008-02-02] Rs|date=October 2008 and thus preventing further breakdown of cartilage [ Healthy Joint Function. How SierraSil Works. Retrieved on 2008-02-02.] Rs|date=October 2008 Consequently, SierraSil purportedly addresses mineral deficiencies, chronic inflammatory conditions and low energy levels.

Clinical evidence

SierraSil has undergone testing for safety and effectiveness with statistically significant results. [Lieberman S and Xenakis A. Mineral Miracle, 2006, 74] Rs|date=October 2008 Clinical trials and anecdotal evidence indicate that the combination of minerals in SierraSil may increase joint flexibility and overall quality of life for participants, with noted improvements in the participants' pain levels, joint stiffness, overall physical activity and body function. [Clinical Study Overview. Research on SierraSil. Retrieved on 2008-02-02] Rs|date=October 2008

Mechanism of action

Results of a mechanism of action study to determine how SierraSil worked on human cartilage in-vitro showed a reduction of the breakdown of cartilage by 68 to 73%, measured by the reduced amount of degraded cartilage debris, as glycosaminoglycan (GAG) release, likely due to suppression of gene expression. [Miller, Mark J.S., Ahmed, S. et al. Suppression of Human Cartilage Degradation and Chondrocyte Activation by a Unique Mineral Supplement (SierraSil) and a Cat's Claw Extract, Vincaria. 2004. Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association. Vol. 7. No. 2:32-39]

Endorsements

SierraSil has received endorsements and praise from many athletes and celebrities including 1964 U.S. Open Champion Ken Venturi, Lem Barney member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, CFL quarterback Damon Allen, LPGA Champion Susie McAllister, and former NHL player Greg Body. [Read what our customers are saying. Testimonials. Retrieved on 2008-02-02] Canadian radio and television personality Shell Busey is also an active proponent of SierraSil. [Products. HouseSmart Referral Network. Retrieved on 2008-02-02.]

References