The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises pain as a pressing public health issue at a global level.
Chronic, long-lasting pain affects more than 30% of people worldwide and significantly diminishes their quality of life.1
The impact of chronic pain is not simply related to a physical sensation, it’s also a complex biopsychosocial experience that can lead to
- physical limitations: simple daily activities become arduous, impacting mobility, self-care and overall physical function
- mental health challenges: chronic pain is strongly associated with bad moods, anxiety and sleep disturbances2
- social isolation: pain can make it difficult to maintain social connections, participate in hobbies or engage in work or family life
- reduced quality of life: overall, chronic pain significantly diminishes an individual’s quality of life, affecting their ability to enjoy simple pleasures and pursue their goals.
Beyond the individual experience, the economic burden of chronic pain is substantial.
It manifests itself in healthcare costs, for example: individuals with chronic pain often require frequent medical visits, diagnostic tests, medication and other treatments, leading to significant healthcare expenditure and lost productivity.
Chronic pain is a leading cause of work absenteeism and reduced productivity. Consequently, it can result in substantial economic losses for individuals, employers and society as a whole.
This scenario also explains why the global over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics market was estimated to be worth slightly more than $28 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to almost $41 billion by 2032.3
By contrast, consumer interest in naturally derived pain relief options has been steadily increasing: studies reveal a notable rise in the use of complementary health solutions for pain management among American adults from 2002 to 2024.4
Nutraceuticals in pain management: natural ingredients for complementary health
Pain has several complex mechanisms of action; plus, the many different kinds of pain need specific treatments. Nature may be able to offer help with the effective management of various aches and soreness.
The holistic vision and pleiotropic mechanism of action that’s typical of natural ingredients may provide a multidimensional and much-needed solution to these problems.
Derived from the healing properties of plants and botanicals, people often find relief from these discomforts by having access to add-on natural ingredients that augment conventional therapies — such as by optimising their intake and tolerability.
Indena has a wide portfolio of products that can help to manage both aches and chronic pain. The most recent is CRONILIEF, P·E·A Indena Phytosome, an innovative health food ingredient that will be launched at Vitafoods 2025.
It is based on a formulation of P·E·A (palmitoylethanolamide) with Indena Phytosome technology to optimise its biological performance and health benefits.
Palmitoylethanolamide has emerged as a promising nutraceutical; it’s a natural lipid compound (an endogenous fatty acid amide) that’s produced in the body and known to play a key role in the regulation of inflammation and pain responses.
Thanks to the so-called entourage effect, P·E·A works on multiple natural pathways that are positively linked to the modulation of the endocannabinoid system.
It influences targets and receptors involved in the inflammatory response and pain signalling.
With CRONILIEF, P·E·A benefits from all the advantages of the Indena Phytosome delivery system, showing optimised solubility in gastrointestinal fluids and bioabsorption to elicit improved health benefits.
Other Indena products positively impact the body’s inflammatory response, which is essential to maintain overall well-being … especially as we age or face chronic discomfort.
Inflammation is a natural process that helps the body to heal and protect itself; but, when it becomes chronic or uncontrolled, it can lead to a variety of health issues, including joint soreness and fatigue.
Some nutraceutical products from Indena can support the body’s natural ability to regulate the physiological inflammatory response and foster long-term health.
- CASPEROME: This full bouquet of boswellic acids featuring Indena Phytosome technology provides a pleiotropic effect that promotes a healthy inflammatory response. Applications include stress management and musculoskeletal/digestive relief.
- MERIVA: This highly bioabsorbed curcumin formulated with Indena Phytosome technology turns the Ayurvedic power of curcuminoids into a science-backed ingredient supported by more than 40 human studies. It acts against chronic inflammation and supports joint health.
- MITIDOL: A smart ingredient that combines ginger and Acmella extracts to rebalance the inflammatory response in joint health applications. Its multitarget action includes a proven double action on the physiological function of the body’s endocannabinoid system.
- QUERCEFIT: A quercetin-based ingredient that enhances the bioabsorption and properties of this flavanol with Phytosome-based delivery. It effectively supports physical performance and function in sports and body fatigue-related conditions.
Moreover, an effective approach to managing chronic distress may derive from modulating the physiological transmission of discomfort signals within the body.
Indena’s portfolio includes two products that rebalance sensory pathways, thereby supporting the management of prolonged or recurring pain and improving overall comfort.
In addition to MITIDOL, ACMELAIN is an innovative Acmella extract (standardised in alkylamides) that can be combined with other functional ingredients for pain relief — thanks to the proven modulation of the body’s natural endocannabinoid system.
Managing chronic discomforts also requires a comprehensive 360-degree approach that focuses on improving the individual’s subjective experience.
Natural substances such as botanicals can help!
Many of these remedies target multiple conditions, such as enhancing mood, improving sleep or helping individuals to manage emotional and cognitive responses.
By addressing every aspect of a person’s well‑being — including mental and emotional ones — this holistic strategy aims to create a more balanced and fulfilling life by recalibrating the body’s response, enhancing comfort and allowing individuals to balance life’s challenges.
In this context, Indena’s RELISSA can be of help. It’s a standardised, non-melatonin lemon balm extract formulated with Indena Phytosome technology.
With optimised biological performance, it can improve sleep quality and ensure a beneficial action in terms of balancing moods and tension states.
Chronic pain is a complex and challenging problem … but it’s not insurmountable. By working in synergy with nature, we can improve human well-being and quality of life.
References
- Chronic pain: an update on burden, best practices, and new advances.
- Persistent pain and well-being: a World Health Organization Study in Primary Care.
- Pain: recognizing the power of non-pharmaceutical interventions.
- Use of Complementary Health Approaches Overall and for Pain Management by US Adults.