Evidence supporting the use of: Boswellia
For the body system: Joints
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian frankincense, has a history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for treating inflammatory conditions, including joint disorders like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In recent decades, scientific research has explored its effects on joint health, particularly its anti-inflammatory properties. The key active components, boswellic acids, are believed to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes such as 5-lipoxygenase, thereby reducing the synthesis of leukotrienes involved in inflammation.
Multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have evaluated Boswellia extracts for osteoarthritis and other joint-related conditions. Some studies report moderate improvements in pain, joint function, and swelling compared to placebo, with relatively few adverse effects. For instance, a 2014 systematic review in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine concluded that Boswellia extracts may be effective in reducing pain and improving physical function in osteoarthritis, although the quality of evidence was moderate and further rigorous studies are needed.
While Boswellia is not universally recommended as a first-line therapy, and the evidence is not as robust as for conventional anti-inflammatories, there is a reasonable scientific basis for its use in supporting joint health, especially for mild to moderate symptoms. The consensus among researchers is that Boswellia can be considered as an adjunctive treatment for joint inflammation, but more high-quality trials are needed to confirm efficacy and establish standardized dosing.
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black cumin
black currant
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borage oil
boron
Indian frankincense
bovine
bovine gelatin
broccoli
bromelain
burdock
cabbage leaf
calamari oil
cartilage
cat's claw
cherry
Chinese salvia root
chondroitin
cissus quadrangularis
collagen
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
devil's claw
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EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gelatin
ginger
glucosamine
gokhru
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gotu kola
green lipped mussel
guggul
horsetail
hyaluronic acid
Indian tinospora
knotweed
krill oil
l-proline
mackerel
manganese
marine lipid
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC)
milk
moringa
mustard seed
n-acetyl-glucosamine
nettle
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
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phellodendron amurense
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pine bark
pineapple
plantain
protein
quercetin
rehmannia glutinosa
rhizome
rose hips
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sardines
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
silicon
black ginger
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
triphala
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
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white willow
wild yam
sarsaparilla
red clover
boneset
chickweed
gastrodia
capsicum
clerodendrum indicum
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paederia foetida
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tinospora cordifolia
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siler root
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anemarrhena asphodeloides
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algae
cayenne pepper
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gravel root
bladderwrack
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3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
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