Evidence supporting the use of: Boswellic acids
For the health condition: Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Boswellic acids are bioactive compounds found in the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree, commonly known as Indian frankincense. There is a growing body of scientific evidence supporting the use of Boswellia extracts, standardized to boswellic acids, in the management of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have indicated that Boswellia extracts can reduce joint pain, swelling, and improve function in patients with RA and other inflammatory arthritides. The proposed mechanisms involve the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme pivotal in leukotriene synthesis, as well as the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β.

Clinical studies, though generally small and of variable quality, consistently demonstrate modest benefits in pain relief and physical function, with a favorable safety profile compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Notably, a 2019 systematic review concluded that Boswellia serrata extracts may be effective in reducing pain and improving joint function in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, though it called for larger, high-quality trials.

In summary, the use of boswellic acids for rheumatoid arthritis is supported by moderate scientific evidence, justifying its consideration as an adjunctive therapy. However, further large-scale, high-quality trials are necessary to firmly establish its efficacy and optimal dosing in RA management.

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Other ingredients used for Rheumatoid Arthritis

adrenal cortex
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algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-pinene
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
borage oil
celery
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
dong quai root
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fisetin
fish protein
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gamma tocopherol
genistein
ginger
green lipped mussel
krill oil
luteolin
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
myristoleate
omega-3 fatty acids
phospholipids
resveratrol
rose hips
sardines
slippery elm bark
sulforaphane glucosinolate
Urolithin A
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
watercress
white willow
alpinia galangal
smilax
fumaria parviflora
Szechuan lovage
amber
teasel
guelder rose
gentiana macrophylla
Abies spectabilis
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
clematis
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
Aralia
Akebia
Antler
Apigenin
Abrus
Andrographolide
Amentoflavone
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
anthocyanidins
Ampelopsin
Actaea spicata
Arjunic Acid
Apocynin
Arctiin
Astragalin
Boswellic Acid
Baicalein
Bogbean
Boswellia
Black willow
Barbasco
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
Baicalin
Black Hellebore
Bee venom
Bergenia
Cod Liver Oil
Cortisol
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cyanidin
Chinese Fleeceflower
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chuchuhuasi
Cetylated Fatty Acids
C-Phycocyanin
Cannabidiol
Carnosic acid
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid
Eicosatetraenoic acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose Oil
Fat liver oil
Fructoborate
Flemingia philippinensis
Frankincense
Flavanols
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Ginkgetin
Gypenoside
Horse Gram
Hyperoside
Hellebore
Hydroxytyrosol
Harpagoside
Jatropha macrantha
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Qin Jiao
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Sinomenium acutum
Semecarpus anacardium
saponins
Shilajit
Stearidonic acid
Sulforaphane
Taxillus chinensis
Tanshinone
Uncaria
Ursolic Acid
Withanolides

Products containing Boswellic acids

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.