Boswellic Acids Help Relieve Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

[CognitiveNutrition]

Boswellic Acids Help Relieve Symptoms of Osteoarthritis





Resin extracted from the tree Boswellia serrata is well known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and analgesic properties. The resin contains boswellic acids that inhibit the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), which is essential for the synthesis of leukotrienes; important mediators of inflammatory response.

A recent study published in ?Arthritis Research & Therapy? has provided further evidence of the positive effects of Boswellia serrata extracts on the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The study included 70 patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee. These patients received either 100mg or 250mg of boswellic acid containing extract, or a placebo, daily for 90 days. Patients were evaluated for pain, physical function and the presence of a cartilage degrading enzyme (metalloproteinase) in the joint fluid at day 0, 7, 30, 60 and 90. Patients receiving either dose of boswellic acids demonstrated significant improvements in both pain and functional ability of the knee joint. Even more impressive is that patients receiving the 250mg dose showed these improvements as early as 7 days following the start of treatment and required other pain medication 72% less often than patients taking placebos.

A novel finding of this study is the effect of boswellic acids on the prevalence of matrix metalloproteinases, or cartilage degrading enzymes, in the synovial fluid. These enzymes are often over expressed in osteoarthritis patients; however, individuals treated with Boswellia serrata extracts demonstrated a significant decrease in the levels of these enzymes over the 90 day test period.

This study provides further support for the effectiveness of extracts from Boswellia serrata, like Maxi-Boz, for the treatment of osteoarthritis. These extracts have been shown to improve joint function, reduce pain, and reduce the levels of cartilage degrading enzyme in the joint fluid. Furthermore, the results of various blood, urine and biochemical tests on the patients taking this extract did not reveal any adverse effects, demonstrating that Boswellia serrata extracts are not only effective, but also safe for human consumption.

Sengupta et al. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin? for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthritis Research and Therapy. 2008; 10: R85