Mother Nature always has solutions to health problems, and the truth is most people prefer to use natural remedies whenever available instead of relying on drugs and invasive medical procedures. Fortunately, for some conditions, such as arthritis and joint pain, there are multiple natural treatments available out there.
As we explained in our previous articles, winter cherry – a plant originating in India – and oral hyaluronic acid supplements can be used for relieving joint pain and swelling [add links to articles]. Today we’ll discuss the health benefits and the uses of anther natural solution used in patients with arthritic and painful joints: boswellia serrata, or frankincense.
How boswellia reduces inflammation in arthritis
What makes this resin effective in relieving the symptoms of arthritis and joint pain is an ingredient called boswellic acid, which exerts anti-inflammatory effects. This acid has been found to suppress pain and to improve joint mobility in people with osteoarthritis, allowing them to adopt a more active lifestyle. A study published in the journal Phytomedicine found boswellia to decrease knee pain in patients with OA and to improve the walking ability and knee flexion [11].
Three doses of plant extract administered daily can reduce knee and shoulder pain in patients with osteoarthritis, while improving joint mobility and reducing swelling, showed Indian researchers [13]. At the same time, boswellia extracts may reduce spinal pain, improve happiness and activity levels in OA suffers.
Another study, this time published in the Journal of Rheumatology, found this natural remedy to be useful in reducing joint pain and swelling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis [12]. The boswellic acid contained by this resin seems to suppress inflammation and prevent the concomitant damage of connective tissue, restoring the integrity of blood vessels and improving blood supply to the joints.
Boswellia health effects, availability and risks
The use of boswellia for joint pain is not new. This tree gum resin is part of the Ayurvedic medicine system, being commonly used in India for treating symptoms of arthritis like swelling of the joint, redness and itchiness of the tissues, pain and discomfort, stiffness and limited range of motion. All these manifestations are the result of inflammation, so in order to put an end to such symptoms, an anti-inflammatory compound is needed.
Boswellia is considered a potent natural anti-inflammatory agent, its primary active ingredient (AKBA) inhibiting the activity of inflammatory enzymes and preventing the damage caused to cells and tissues. By fighting against inflammation, this resin keeps the joints healthy, and helps in preventing allergies and respiratory conditions. But these aren’t the only health benefits of frankincense.
Studies on patients with cerebral edema found this plant to be efficient in reducing the swelling of tissues and improving the overall well-being of the sufferers [3, 4]. Administered daily for up to 3 months, the resin was found to reduce headaches severity and frequency in patients with chronic cluster headaches [5].
Other studies found boswellia to be safe and effective in stabilizing blood sugar levels and reducing pancreas inflammation in patients with type 1 diabetes [6], in improving immunity [1] and reducing the symptoms of bronchial asthma [7]. Also, an ingredient found in this resin seems to have anti-depressant effects [9], and a boswellia extract called H15 seems to effectively relieve the symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases [8] and ulcerative colitis [10].
Boswellia extracts are available as resin, creams and pills, but should only be used as recommended by your doctor, as they may interact with anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, and other medications used to treat inflammation. Extracts may have different concentrations, but the general dosing guidelines recommend a dose of 300-500 mg, twice per day.
Although the plant is considered safe, it may accelerate menstrual flow and may cause nausea, diarrhea, skin rashes and acid reflux when used improperly. Also, it’s not indicated to pregnant women.
Resources
- http://examine.com/supplements/boswellia-serrata/
- http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2014/12/boswellia-new-studies-show-effective-pain-relief/page-01
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11342692
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10894362
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22767962
- http://www.wellnessresources.com/studies/boswellia_reduces_pancreatic_inflammation/
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9810030
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1751779/
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18492727
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9049593
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12622457
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10852255
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22661840
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