ASU

Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASUs) are natural vegetable extracts that are produced from (one-third) avocado and (two-thirds) soybean oil. ASU contains numerous compounds including fat-soluble vitamins, triterpene alcohols, and sterols. The major components consist of phytosterols beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol which get rapidly absorbed by cells.

ASUs are often used as an ingredient in joint supplements for horses with osteoarthritis (OA). ASU has been shown to help reduce pain and stiffness while improving function in joints, resulting in decreased dependence on NSAIDs. ASUs inhibit the breakdown of cartilage, promote cartilage repair, synthesizes collagen and aggrecan by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines, and inhibit fibrinolysis by stimulating the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1).