Using Boswellia Serrata to Treat Arthritis
Research Shows Indian Frankincense Fights Arthritis Pain
Oct 29, 2009
Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian frankincense, is one of nature’s most potent anti-inflammatory herbs. On its own or in combination with other herbs, Boswellia is used both externally and internally to treat rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, fibrositis and osteoarthritis. Clinical trials and animal studies with Boswellia have confirmed its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
As an anti-arthritis and anti-inflammatory agent, Boswellia offers promise as an alternative to conventional treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Unlike these drugs, which include ibuprofen, Vioxx and Celebrex, Boswellia does not irritate the sensitive lining of the digestive tract. Research indicates that the herb may also provide an alternative to dangerous steroids such as prednisolone. Human efficacy, comparative, and pharmacokinetic studies have confirmed its safety and effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Research on Boswellia serrata
The effectiveness of Boswellia in treating osteoarthritis was demonstrated in a 2008 clinical study. The 90-day, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of 5-Loxin, an anti-arthritis drug based on the plant’s essential extract.
Seventy five osteoarthritis patients participated in the study. Patients received either 100 mg or 250 mg of 5-Loxin or a placebo daily for 90 days. Each patient’s pain level and physical function were evaluated at days 7, 30, 60 and 90. Blood tests were conducted to monitor levels of cartilage degrading enzymes. A battery of biochemical parameters was also measured to evaluate the drug’s safety.
Of the 75 original study participants, 70 completed the 90-day study. Patients receiving both dosages of 5-Loxin showed significantly improved pain scores and functional ability. Interestingly, these benefits were recorded in the treatment group receiving the 250 mg dose as early as seven days after the beginning of treatment. Significant reductions in cartilage degrading enzyme levels were also observed in patients receiving the drug.
The results of this study show that Boswellia extract reduces pain and improves physical function in osteoarthritis patients. The extract’s anti-arthritis activity may be due to reductions in both proinflammatory modulators and enzymatic degradation of cartilage. The safety of treatment with the herb was also confirmed by this study.
Another clinical study measured the effect of Boswellia on the symptoms of arthritis patients. The study group was made up of 175 patients, both men and women, who had suffered from arthritis between one and six years. Seventy percent of the patients were bedridden.
The study measured the effects of Boswellia extract on parameters including morning joint stiffness, loss of grip strength, general pain, and difficulty performing routine jobs. Sixty seven of the patients showed significant improvement, and 30% showed some improvement after receiving treatment with Boswellia.
References:
Open, randomized, controlled clinical trial of Boswellia serrata extract as compared to valdecoxib in osteoarthritis of knee. Indian Journal of Pharmacology. 2007; 39(1) 27-29
Ammon HPT, Safayhi H, Mack T, Sabieraj J 1993 Mechanism of anti-inflammatory actions of curcumin and boswellic acids. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 38(2,3):! 13
Sengupta K, Alluri KV, Satish AR, Mishra S, Golakoti T, Sarma KV, Dey D, Raychaudhuri SP. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin(R) for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthritis Res Ther. 2008 Jul 30;10(4):R85
 |
