USA-Manufactured Oral Health Supplement Combines Xylitol, Grape Seed Extract, and Cranberries to Support Teeth, Gums, and Oral Flora with 180-Day Money-Back Guarantee

SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This article provides general information about Biodentex oral health supplement for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before using any supplement, especially if you have medical conditions or take medications. This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, a commission may be earned at no additional cost to you.

TLDR:Biodentex has launched as a natural dental health supplement featuring a proprietary blend of 11+ ingredients and nutrients, including Xylitol, Stevia, Grape Seed Extract, and Cranberries, formulated to support healthy teeth, gums, and oral flora. The oral health supplement addresses growing consumer demand for natural dental wellness solutions with a non-habit-forming formula backed by a 180-day money-back guarantee.

In This Release, You’ll Discover:

• How Biodentex’s unique 11-ingredient proprietary formula supports comprehensive oral health naturally
• The research-backed ingredients that help maintain healthy teeth, gums, and oral pH balance
• Why natural dental supplements are becoming essential components of preventive oral care for adults
• How Xylitol, Cranberries, and Grape Seed Extract contribute to oral flora and normal tissue health
• What makes Biodentex different from traditional dental health approaches and topical products
• Who can benefit most from adding a dental supplement to their oral wellness routine
• The connection between oral health and overall quality of life as you age
• How the formula supports healthy enamel maintenance, gum tissue, and fresh breath naturally
• Availability details, quality standards, and satisfaction guarantee information for informed decision-making

Biodentex Dental Supplement Launches With Proprietary 11-Ingredient Formula for Comprehensive Oral Health Support

A new natural dental health supplement has entered the oral wellness market with a formula designed to address the growing demand for preventive care solutions. Biodentex combines natural ingredients and nutrients in a proprietary blend that supports healthy teeth, gums, and oral flora through daily supplementation. Full product details and current availability can be found on the official Biodentex website.

The launch comes as more consumers seek natural approaches to maintaining dental health beyond traditional brushing and flossing routines. Research continues to demonstrate the connection between oral health and overall wellness, particularly as individuals age and face increased challenges in maintaining healthy teeth and gum tissue.

Biodentex is formulated with 11+ natural ingredients and nutrients, each selected for specific contributions to oral health support. The dental supplement is manufactured in the United States and contains no stimulants or habit-forming substances, positioning it as an accessible option for adults seeking to support their dental wellness naturally.

What Is Biodentex and Why Does It Matter to Your Oral Health?

Biodentex is a capsule-based dietary supplement specifically formulated to support oral health through nutritional and botanical ingredients. Unlike topical dental products, Biodentex works from within to help maintain healthy oral environments, support normal pH balance, and provide nutrients that contribute to normal tooth and gum health.

The oral health supplement addresses a key question many adults face as they age: How can I maintain healthy teeth and gums over time? While professional dental care and daily hygiene remain essential, emerging research suggests that nutritional support may play an important role in oral wellness maintenance.

Studies indicate that people who prioritize dental health often experience better quality of life in later years, with fewer complications related to oral health challenges. Biodentex aims to provide a convenient way to support your oral wellness efforts through consistent daily nutritional support.

The formula is designed for adults who want to take proactive steps toward maintaining their oral health, particularly those concerned about age-related changes, enamel wear, gum sensitivity, or maintaining fresh breath and oral comfort.

The Science Behind Biodentex: Understanding the Natural Formula

The Biodentex formula centers on a proprietary blend of botanical extracts, natural sweeteners with dental benefits, and plant-based nutrients. According to research on oral health ingredients, certain compounds can help support the mouth’s natural defenses, maintain balanced pH levels, and provide antioxidant protection to oral tissues.

The formulation approach focuses on multiple pathways to oral health support rather than targeting a single concern. This comprehensive strategy addresses the complex ecosystem of the mouth, where factors including bacterial balance, pH levels, saliva composition, and tissue integrity all contribute to overall dental wellness.

Clinical research on several Biodentex ingredients suggests they may help support healthy oral flora-the community of microorganisms that naturally inhabit the mouth. Maintaining balanced oral flora is increasingly recognized as important for supporting overall dental health.

Important Note for Your Health: These statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Biodentex is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. If you’re considering any supplement for oral health support, you should consult your healthcare professional or dentist before beginning use, especially if you have existing dental concerns or take medications.

The supplement’s ingredient profile was developed based on existing research into botanical compounds traditionally used for oral health support and modern nutritional science regarding dental wellness.

Key Ingredients and Their Role in Oral Wellness Support

Xylitol Powder serves as the formula’s foundational ingredient for dental health support. This natural sweetener has been studied extensively for its effects on oral health. Research suggests Xylitol may help maintain normal oral pH balance and support healthy oral flora by creating an environment that supports beneficial bacteria. Studies have also examined Xylitol’s role in supporting normal tooth mineralization processes.

Stevia contributes additional natural sweetness while research indicates it may support healthy gum tissue. Unlike sugar, Stevia does not promote the acidic conditions in the mouth that can affect tooth enamel. Studies have explored Stevia’s potential role in supporting overall oral wellness and maintaining a balanced oral environment.

Carrot Powder provides nutritional compounds including beta-carotene and other plant nutrients. These compounds supply vitamins and minerals that support normal enamel formation and gum structure. Carrots contain nutrients associated with normal tissue health throughout the body, including oral tissues.

Grape Seed Extract offers polyphenols and antioxidants that research suggests may help protect oral tissues and support normal tooth structure. Studies have examined grape seed compounds for their potential to support normal mineral maintenance in teeth and promote healthy oral tissue maintenance. The antioxidant properties may help support gum tissues against oxidative stress.

Peppermint contributes to fresh breath and oral comfort while potentially supporting healthy saliva flow. Research indicates peppermint may have properties that help maintain a clean, refreshed sensation in the mouth. Saliva plays a crucial role in oral health by helping wash away food particles and maintain normal pH.

Cranberries have been studied for their potential to support a balanced oral environment. Research suggests cranberry compounds may help maintain healthy oral flora through mechanisms that don’t rely on antimicrobial action, but instead support the mouth’s natural bacterial balance. This research examines cranberry’s interaction with bacteria in laboratory settings.

The remaining ingredients in the proprietary blend work synergistically to provide comprehensive nutritional support for oral structures, tissues, and the oral microbiome.

How Biodentex Addresses Common Dental Health Concerns Naturally

Many adults experience concerns about maintaining oral health as they age. Biodentex was formulated to address multiple aspects of dental wellness that commonly affect quality of life:

Oral pH Balance: The mouth’s pH level significantly affects tooth enamel health. When pH drops due to dietary acids or bacterial activity, enamel can become vulnerable. Biodentex ingredients like Xylitol help support normal pH balance, creating conditions more favorable for maintaining healthy teeth.

Healthy Oral Flora: The oral microbiome contains hundreds of bacterial species, some beneficial and some potentially problematic. Supporting a balanced oral flora environment helps maintain natural defenses. Multiple Biodentex ingredients contribute to supporting this balance.

Enamel and Gum Structure: Teeth and gums require specific nutrients to maintain their normal structure and integrity. As you age, ensuring adequate nutritional support becomes increasingly important. Biodentex provides plant-based compounds and minerals that support healthy dental tissue structure and normal enamel maintenance.

Fresh Breath and Oral Comfort: Bad breath and oral discomfort can affect confidence and social interactions. Rather than simply masking odors, Biodentex ingredients work to support the underlying factors that contribute to fresh breath, including healthy saliva flow and balanced oral bacteria.

Critical Reminder for Safe Use: Biodentex is designed to complement, not replace, regular dental care including brushing, flossing, and professional dental visits. If you’re experiencing dental pain, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or any symptoms of gum disease or tooth decay, you should consult a dentist immediately. This oral health supplement supports normal oral wellness maintenance and is not intended to address disease conditions.

Who Should Consider Biodentex for Their Oral Health Routine?

Biodentex may be appropriate for adults who:

• Want to support their oral health naturally as part of a comprehensive wellness approach
• Are concerned about age-related changes in dental health and want preventive nutritional support
• Prefer natural, plant-based supplements without stimulants or synthetic ingredients for oral care
• Seek convenient oral health support that complements their existing dental care routine
• Experience concerns about healthy enamel maintenance, gum sensitivity, or oral comfort
• Want to maintain fresh breath and oral cleanliness as part of daily wellness
• Are interested in supporting their oral microbiome balance through natural supplementation

The dental supplement is formulated for adult use and is not intended for children. Pregnant or nursing women, individuals taking medications, or those with existing medical conditions should consult healthcare providers before using any dietary supplement.

How does this relate to you? If you’ve noticed changes in your dental health as you’ve gotten older, experienced increased sensitivity, or simply want to be proactive about maintaining healthy teeth and gums through natural nutritional support, Biodentex offers a natural approach to supporting these goals.

Why does this matter? Research consistently shows that maintaining oral health contributes to overall quality of life, affects nutrition, impacts social confidence, and connects to broader wellness outcomes. Taking preventive steps now through proper dental care and nutritional support may help maintain dental wellness in the years ahead.

Understanding the Biodentex Approach to Natural Oral Health

The philosophy behind Biodentex centers on providing your body with nutritional and botanical support that helps maintain oral health naturally. Rather than relying solely on external interventions, this approach recognizes that oral tissues, like all body systems, benefit from proper nutritional support.

The formula contains only natural ingredients and avoids stimulants, artificial additives, or substances that could create dependency. This makes Biodentex appropriate for long-term use as part of your daily wellness routine.

The capsule delivery system ensures consistent dosing and makes the supplement easy to incorporate into existing routines. Simply taking the supplement with water allows the ingredients to work throughout your body to support oral health from within.

How much does proper oral health matter? Studies have linked poor oral health to challenges with nutrition, digestion, and overall wellness as we age. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums isn’t just about appearance-it’s about sustaining quality of life and the ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and interact confidently with others.

Availability and Product Details for Informed Consumers

Biodentex is manufactured in the United States following current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The product sources ingredients from both domestic and international suppliers, prioritizing quality and purity in all raw materials used in the dental supplement formula.

The supplement is available directly through the official Biodentex website, which provides detailed product information, current availability, and customer support resources. The manufacturer offers supply options ranging from starter packages to bulk purchases designed for extended use.

All Biodentex purchases include a 180-day money-back guarantee, allowing customers to try the oral health supplement with minimal financial risk. This policy reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the formula and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Pricing Disclaimer for Informed Decision-Making: All pricing information, package options, bundle configurations, promotional offers, bonus materials, shipping terms, and product availability mentioned in this release are subject to change at any time without notice. Customers seeking the most current and accurate pricing for Biodentex oral health supplements should visit the official Biodentex website directly before making any purchase decisions. Final prices, discounts, and special offers can only be confirmed through the official website at the time of checkout.

The website also provides access to bonus educational materials with certain purchase levels, including guides on supporting overall wellness through lifestyle choices and nutritional approaches.

For international customers, shipping is available to many countries, though additional shipping fees and customs considerations may apply depending on the destination. Specific international shipping information is available through the official Biodentex website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Biodentex Oral Health Supplement

How should I take Biodentex for best results? The recommended usage is to take Biodentex capsules with water as part of your daily routine. The supplement can be taken with or without food based on personal preference. Consistency is key to experiencing the full benefits of the natural formula over time.

How long does it take to notice results from the oral health supplement? Individual responses vary based on numerous factors including current oral health status, diet, existing dental care practices, and overall health. The manufacturer recommends taking Biodentex consistently for at least 3 to 6 months to allow the ingredients sufficient time to support oral health throughout your body. Some users report noticing changes in oral comfort and fresh breath within weeks, while structural support for teeth and gums typically requires longer supplementation periods.

Is Biodentex safe to use with my current dental care routine? Biodentex is formulated with natural ingredients and contains no stimulants or habit-forming substances. However, as with any dietary supplement, individuals with existing health conditions, those taking medications, pregnant or nursing women, and anyone with concerns should consult healthcare professionals before use. The product is manufactured in the USA following GMP standards for quality and safety.

Can Biodentex replace my regular dental care? No. Biodentex is designed to complement, not replace, regular oral hygiene practices and professional dental care. You should continue brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly while using the supplement. Biodentex provides nutritional support that works alongside these essential practices for comprehensive oral wellness.

Are there any side effects I should know about? Biodentex is generally well-tolerated due to its natural ingredient profile. However, individual sensitivities to botanical ingredients can occur. You should discontinue use and consult healthcare providers if you experience any adverse reactions. Those with known allergies to any listed ingredients should avoid use.

Will Biodentex interact with my medications? While the formula uses natural ingredients, potential interactions with medications are possible. Anyone taking prescription medications should consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist before adding Biodentex to their routine, particularly those taking medications for chronic conditions.

How is Biodentex different from other dental products? Biodentex works systemically through nutritional support rather than topically like toothpaste or mouthwash. The supplement approach provides ingredients that support oral health from within, complementing external care methods. The proprietary 11-ingredient blend is specifically formulated for comprehensive oral wellness support.

The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Wellness

Research increasingly demonstrates that oral health extends far beyond the mouth. The connection between dental health and overall wellness has become a growing focus of scientific investigation, with studies exploring links between oral health and cardiovascular health, metabolic function, and inflammatory responses throughout the body.

Harvard Health Publishing has highlighted research examining the relationship between gum health and heart health, noting that chronic inflammation in the mouth may contribute to inflammation elsewhere in the body. While the exact mechanisms remain under investigation, maintaining healthy gums appears to be an important component of overall health maintenance.

Studies have examined how oral health challenges may influence other areas of wellness. This research highlights the importance of maintaining healthy oral tissues.

As you age, the importance of oral health becomes even more pronounced. Tooth loss and gum challenges can affect nutrition by limiting food choices, potentially leading to inadequate intake of essential nutrients. Difficulty chewing can reduce consumption of fruits, vegetables, and proteins necessary for maintaining overall health and vitality.

The psychological and social impacts of oral health also deserve consideration. Concerns about appearance, breath, or dental discomfort can affect confidence in social and professional situations. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums supports not just physical health but also quality of life and social engagement.

Research Context Disclaimer: These statements reflect general health research on oral health and overall wellness published in peer-reviewed journals and health publications. They are not specific claims about Biodentex’s effects on any disease or condition. Biodentex is a dietary supplement intended to support normal oral health maintenance through nutritional support, not to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice regarding your oral health or any health concerns.

Important Disclaimers and Consumer Information for Informed Decisions

The information provided about Biodentex oral health supplement is for educational purposes and should not replace consultation with qualified healthcare professionals. You should inform your physicians and dentists about all supplements you take and discuss any changes to your health regimens with them before beginning use.

Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Biodentex is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

The content provided is based upon the manufacturer’s descriptions and available research on the included ingredients. You should conduct your own research and confirm information through multiple sources when making health-related decisions. Always review information carefully with professional healthcare providers before using protocols or products discussed.

Results from dietary supplements vary between individuals based on numerous factors including but not limited to genetics, existing health status, diet, lifestyle habits, compliance with usage recommendations, and other variables. Individual experiences do not guarantee typical results for all users.

Biodentex is retailed through ClickBank. ClickBank is a registered trademark of Click Sales, Inc., a Delaware corporation located at 1444 South Entertainment Ave, Suite 410, Boise, Idaho, 83709, USA and used by permission. ClickBank’s role as retailer does not constitute an endorsement, approval, or review of this product or any claim, statement, or opinion used in promotion of this product.

For product support and detailed information about formulation, sourcing, and quality standards, consumers can access resources through the official Biodentex website. For order support related to purchases, customers can contact ClickBank directly.

Pricing, package configurations, promotional offers, shipping terms, and product availability are subject to change without notice. International shipping outside the United States may incur additional fees. Consumers should verify all details including current pricing through the official Biodentex website before making purchase decisions.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, a commission may be earned at no additional cost to you.

The 180-day money-back guarantee is subject to specific terms and conditions including product return requirements. Full guarantee terms are available through the official Biodentex website and should be reviewed before purchase.

Scientific References Supporting Oral Health Research

Research cited in this release draws from peer-reviewed studies published in scientific journals including studies available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), academic publications, and health research institutions such as Harvard Health Publishing.

Specific studies have examined:

• The role of Xylitol in oral health maintenance and pH balance support
• Cranberry compounds and their interactions with oral bacteria in research settings
• Grape seed extract polyphenols and their antioxidant properties for oral tissues
• The connection between oral health and systemic wellness in population studies
• Natural compounds that may support healthy oral flora balance
• Nutritional factors affecting dental enamel and gum tissue health

These references support general understanding of oral health mechanisms and ingredient properties, not specific claims about Biodentex’s effects on disease conditions.

About This Release

This press release provides information about the Biodentex dietary supplement for educational and informational purposes. The content is designed to help consumers understand the product’s formulation, intended use, and the research context surrounding oral health supplementation.

Consumers seeking to purchase Biodentex should visit the official Biodentex website for current product information, pricing, availability, and ordering details. All purchases are subject to the terms and conditions posted on the official website.

For media inquiries, product information requests, or additional details about Biodentex formulation and research, contact information is available through the official website support channels.

Contact Information:

Product Support: [email protected] Order Support: [email protected] ClickBank Customer Service at 1-800-390-6035 (US) or +1-208-345-4245 (International)

This press release contains forward-looking statements about consumer expectations and product availability. Actual results may vary. The product discussed is a dietary supplement and should be used only as directed.

END OF RELEASE

CONTACT: Product Support: [email protected]

Order Support: [email protected]

ClickBank Customer Service at 1-800-390-6035 (US) or +1-208-345-4245 (International)

When Gloria Caballero, 52, started experiencing knee pain four years ago, her sister in Los Angeles suggested a natural remedy that a coworker had sworn by: a supplement called Artri King. Following her advice, Gloria started buying the yellow-and-blue pills in Los Angeles and bringing them up to her home in San Francisco, where she started taking them twice a day, every day.

The change, Caballero said, was dramatic. She could walk without pain again. After long days cleaning houses, she woke up energized. But as time passed, her face started to swell. Bruises appeared all over her body, so many that she started wearing long sleeves to cover them. Amid the stress of juggling multiple gigs to afford San Francisco’s high rent, the house cleaner didn’t think much of her symptoms.

Then, during a routine check-up this May at a community clinic, her nurse practitioner asked about what medicines and supplements she was taking, and she mentioned Artri Ajo King. When he looked up the supplement online, he told her she would have to stop. The pills, it turned out, have been found to contain hidden prescription drugs. They were responsible for her bruises and her swelling, and for other worrying changes she hadn’t yet noticed in her body.  

In San Francisco, a growing number of Latinos who work physically demanding jobs are turning to supplements like Artri Ajo King and related supplements, such as Artri King, AK Forte and Ortiga Ajo Rey to relieve chronic pain. The supplements are marketed as natural remedies for pain relief. But there’s a dark side to the pills that has doctors in the city worried. They contain hidden pharmaceuticals that can lead to serious medical conditions, including liver toxicity and death. Quitting them abruptly can also be very dangerous. And though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked people to avoid them, the message of their harms doesn’t seem to be getting across to Spanish speaking immigrants, or to the many small businesses in the Mission District that cater to them. 

The supplements’ labels, written fully in Spanish, say the product is made in Mexico, and list ingredients like Vitamin C and collagen. However, FDA laboratory analyses have found they also contain powerful hidden drugs like diclofenac, dexamethasone and methocarbamol, which are used to treat a number of health conditions, but require a doctor’s prescription to avoid severe side effects. 

“The tricky part is, patients actually feel better because the high-dose steroids treat arthritis pain,” said Elizabeth Murphy, chief of the Endocrinology and Metabolism Division at the San Francisco General Hospital. “The problem is, it’s just not a safe treatment for joint pain. And because it’s not a listed ingredient, you don’t even know how much of these steroids is in the medication. You don’t even know which steroid it is.”

San Francisco cases on the rise

Over the past few years, Murphy said she has seen a number of patients in San Francisco with complications linked to Artri Ajo King and its derivatives. 

“It’s unfortunately very common.” she said. “And we’re seeing more and more (cases).”

Sometimes, she said, patients are referred to her because the hidden steroids have disrupted their hormone production, causing them to develop severe osteoporosis and broken bones — Murphy said she’s had patients who had to have both hips replaced. Others gain weight, develop diabetes, or show other symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome, which is typically caused by rare tumors in the adrenal glands, but can also be triggered by steroid use.

In other parts of the country, doctors have also reported cases of Artri Ajo King users who have been hospitalized with bleeding ulcers, adrenal insufficiency, nausea and vomiting. Surgeons at a predominantly Latino-serving hospital in Los Angeles started screening pre-operative patients for Artri Ajo King usage, because it can bring life-threatening complications during surgery. 

Given the risk of severe side effects, Murphy has also been educating fellow S.F. providers to ask about supplements during intake, helping doctors catch the issue before conditions worsen.

Still, though practitioners have been able to catch cases earlier on, she said, use of Artri Ajo King in San Francisco’s Latino community has increased, mirroring medical reports of their rising popularity in the U.S. In the last six months alone, Murphy said she saw three patients with complications derived from Artri Ajo King usage in the city. She suspects there are many more people with symptoms that haven’t been linked to the supplement.

Leiner, the nurse practitioner that treated Caballero, said it’s hard for doctors to identify Artri Ajo King usage because people won’t feel bad taking them until “something major happens,” like an infection that pushes them into shock, or a broken bone that reveals osteoporosis. 

“A lot of the symptoms would be subtle,” said Leiner, who works at the Mission Neighborhood Health Center (MNHC). “I didn’t even make the connection when I first saw my patient [Gloria]. She had bruises on her skin. That’s not unusual for 50-year-old women.”

Caballero’s bruises were caused by thinned skin, a hallmark of Cushing’s syndrome. Blood tests showed her natural cortisol levels neared zero. Another patient of Leiner’s, who had only taken the pills for three months, also showed alarmingly low cortisol levels.

These hormonal imbalances caused by Artri Ajo King also complicate people’s ability to stop taking the supplement safely. Long-term use shuts down the body’s natural production of cortisol, Leiner explained, so people need to contact their medical provider to be successfully weaned off the medication. Depending on how long a patient has been taking the supplements, the process “might take years.” 

“If you bring usage down too quickly, the body is not going to be able to generate its own cortisol in the event of a major injury,” said Leiner. “If these patients were to have had a bad fever or a major car accident, they’d go into shock and they could die.”

Easy to find, easy to buy

After receiving FDA warning letters in 2022, big retailers like Walmart and Amazon issued voluntary recalls, pulling Artri Ajo King and Artri King from their shelves. The supplements are now on the FDA’s “red list” of import alerts and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has also seized shipments of Artri King at U.S. ports of entry. But in San Francisco stores catering to Latin American, Spanish-speaking consumers, the supplement is still popular and readily accessible.  

On a walk through the Mission District, El Tecolote found 12 small stores, including a Latino pharmacy, that sold Artri King or close derivatives. Most were along two of the neighborhood’s business corridors: Mission Street and 24th Street. Often, the bottle was displayed near low-grade pain medication like Tylenol or next to other supplements advertised as natural remedies. They retailed for $20 to $40 a box. 

El Tecolote bought two boxes at a small grocery store specializing in Latin American products. Inside each box was a QR code to a Google Drive PDF claiming to “authenticate” the product. The outside label instructed consumers to take two pills, three times a day, never mentioning the hidden steroids. In italics, one line read:

“Taking this product is the responsibility of whoever takes it, and whoever recommends it.”

Clerks in several stores said that the supplements were popular among older Latino men and women seeking pain relief, who had heard about it through word-of-mouth recommendations. At the stores, consumers don’t need a prescription to buy the supplement. 

Clerks and managers said they were unaware of the FDA warnings and the impact of the hidden ingredients. They were skeptical of the product’s harm, and said that Artri King was just one of many medications they received in bulk from their suppliers.

One store manager said he gives the supplement to his mother, and takes it himself occasionally. At another store, a clerk said she started using the pills after customers recommended them. She reported selling three to four boxes a day. Sometimes, a single customer buys out the entire stock.

The problem with alternatives 

At Mission Street’s Milagros de México, a large herbal store specializing in Latin American supplements, pharmacy worker Consuelo Hernández said they stopped selling Artri King after the FDA issued warnings. When customers ask for it, she steers them towards the store’s other pain-relief products, including derivatives with similar branding. 

Many health providers, however, warn against taking one of these derivatives, since there’s no guarantee they’re not just a repackaged version of the Artri Ajo King formula.

Because products like Artri Ajo King are marketed as supplements, and not medications, the FDA cannot regulate their ingredients before they hit the market. Rather, the labeling responsibilities fall on the manufacturer. The FDA only steps in to test and recall products after they receive multiple reports of harm.

“There’s no way to distinguish legitimate supplements from illegal supplements,” said Pieter Cohen, an associate professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School who researches supplement safety. 

Although he regularly recommends vitamins and mineral supplements to his patients, Cohen advises them to avoid ones that claim to offer pain relief, since they often contain “powerful prescription drugs.” Any supplement that provides immediate results, he added, probably contains something beyond legal ingredients. 

“There might be some real misleading advertising going on,” he said.

Getting the message across

Artri Ajo King has no official website, and Mexican doctors have warned that it is made in “hidden laboratories” and is “not regulated at the local level,” with “chameleon-like” industries that are good at evading public health regulations. Though its label says it is made in Mexico, the box doesn’t provide any contact information for the supplement’s supposed manufacturer, listing only an address in a residential neighborhood in Mexico City.

But despite government warnings in multiple countries over Artri King’s hidden ingredients, the supplement remains popular across the U.S. and in Latin America. 

Cohen, who has studied how similar supplements impact Boston’s Brazilian community, said FDA warnings rarely change consumer behavior, particularly among lower-income, immigrant populations who may not know about or understand them.

“I think people should be really concerned,” Cohen said, adding that lack of health insurance in immigrant communities makes it “really common to turn to other solutions.”

Mayra Moreno-Arnaiz, a senior health educator at MNHC, echoed that concern. She said many patients assume the pills are “natural” or similar to traditional remedies passed down in Latino families. In reality, they are factory-made and unregulated.

Moreno-Arnaiz designed flyers warning patients of the risks, now posted in the clinic. But getting the message across has proven to be difficult. Some people don’t trust the medical system and decide to self-medicate their chronic pain. Long wait times for medical appointments might discourage people who do have Medi-Cal from seeking help for less serious conditions. 

There’s also the fact that, as Cohen noted in one of his studies, small stores might be “legitimizing these products” by continuing to sell them, “providing a false sense of security to prospective consumers.” 

“The FDA might test the products (and) identify the active agents to talk about the risks but the FDA is not going to go into these stores and stop the delivery,” Cohen told El Tecolote. 

El Tecolote reached out to the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH). Though they acknowledged they had received our inquiry, they did not respond to questions about whether they were aware of the sale of Artri King in the city. 

Living with chronic pain

Four months after quitting Artri King, Caballero is taking ibuprofen and other lower-grade pain medications prescribed for her arthritis. The side effects from the supplement have waned, she said, but her knee pain is back — and debilitating. It now hurts to walk. She continues to work as a house cleaner, pushing through the pain to “not end up on the street.”

Her doctor has acknowledged that, barring surgery, there really is no cure to the pain she feels. It’s something she’ll probably have to live with for the rest of her life. Gloria admits she still has Arti Ajo King pills in her house. 

To her, Artri Ajo King is like every other painkiller: it’s “really good,” but harmful in high doses. In the years that she took it, she emphasized, it made a difference in her quality of life. She remembers them warmly.

Chely, 46, who lives in San Francisco and asked to go by her nickname, wasn’t surprised to learn the pills contained hidden ingredients. When she first started taking Artri King, she said, the effect she felt was so intense that she decided to lower her dosage to one pill per day. The pills help her treat persistent pain in the soles of her feet that she’s had since a fall two years ago. They also give her a rush of energy in the mornings that help her wake up early for work and to walk her dog.

The Mexican house cleaner has been taking the pills since May, but talking to El Tecolote was the first time she learned about the potential side effects. She wondered if her recent hair loss was connected to it. Chely said she planned on looking into the supplements more to decide whether she would keep taking them or not, but didn’t trust a doctor would give her an honest answer.   

Still, she didn’t understand why stores would keep selling them if they were so dangerous. “It’s not fair to harm your people,” she said. 

Chely said she first came across the supplement at Farmacia Internacional on Mission Street, seeking something that could help her alleviate her pain. Walking through the aisles, a dark blue and yellow box caught her eye. It had a picture of part of a skeleton’s hands, with shining orange orbs around the joints.

When she brought it to the counter, the pharmacist told her to adjust the dosage to whatever felt comfortable. Later, she sought the advice of friends, and even a nurse in her Mexican hometown. They all said it would help. 

This story was co-published with El Tecolote and was made possible by the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism‘s  “Healing California” initiative, a yearlong Ethnic Media Collaborative with print, online and broadcast outlets across California.