The Most Effective Plant For Treating Arthritis And Osteoarthritis Pain: Boswellia
Boswellia serrata is an Ayurvedic medicinal plant that has positive effects against joint pain caused by arthritis and osteoarthritis.
The gummy resin of Boswellia serrata is a natural remedy used by traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) to treat joint pain, such as those caused by arthritis, osteoarthritis and inflammation in general. This medicinal plant shows anti-inflammatory activity, including the inhibition of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, C-reactive protein and hyaluronic acid, associated, for example, with osteoarthritis of the knee. It also reduces osteophytes (bone outgrowths that cause deformities in arthritis) and has analgesic and antiarthritic effects.
Boswellia is an effective and safe plant
The safety and efficacy of Boswellia serrata have been investigated in several studies. In a study published in the European Jorunal of Biomedicine, a group of patients with osteoarthritis received oral Boswellia serrata extract for 8 weeks and in most of them a significant improvement was found in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Japanese Measure of Osteoarthritis of Knee (JKOM) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores.
Another clinical trial found that oral supplementation of boswellia extract for more than 4 months also significantly improved physical function by reducing pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis patients compared to placebo, without causing serious adverse events.
More recently, a University of Tehran study found that topical application of frankincense oil, of the Boswellia carterii B variety, was associated with a significant improvement in osteoarthritis pain and symptoms compared to control groups and diclofenac.
How to take boswellia
Based on scientific studies carried out with different doses, herbal medicine experts recommend taking supplements of 150 mg of boswellic acid (equivalent to 400 mg of standardized extract daily), 3 times a day, for 12 weeks. In any case, the doses prescribed by the doctor and the indications on the packaging must be respected.
On the other hand, boswellia is the origin of the incense that is used in eastern religious temples. Boswellia serrata and three other varieties of this plant that originate in the mountain ranges of India are used for this purpose .
The consumption of boswellia is not incompatible with the administration of drugs prescribed by the doctor. Its use is complementary. It should be remembered that if you experience any discomfort it is necessary to see a doctor to make a correct diagnosis. Knee pain can be caused by illness and trauma that may need treatment.
Other indications
According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Center database, boswellia may also be effective for other disorders, including:
- To treat asthma. Boswellia reduced symptoms of bronchial asthma in a clinical trial, but more studies are needed to reach a more general conclusion.
- To treat colitis. Animal studies suggest boswellia may reduce inflammation, but small preliminary human trials are mixed.
- To treat cancer. Although laboratory studies suggest that boswellia compounds have anticancer properties, no human studies have been conducted to evaluate these effects.
- To reduce the side effects of radiation therapy. There have only been a few human studies that suggest boswellia may reduce inflammation or swelling due to radiation therapy. More studies are needed to confirm such effects.
Before taking boswellia, consult a specialist.
Scientific references:
- Majeed et al. A pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel Boswellia serrata extract in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee. Phytotherapy Research.
- Majeed et al. Effect of Boswellin® Super on knee pain in Japanese adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. European Journal of Biomedicine.
- Razavi et al. The efficacy of topical oliban oil (Boswellia Carterii, B.) in relieving the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Electrodiagnosis.
- Boswellia. About Herbs (Memoria Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
