Osteoarthritis relief from boswellia (5-Loxin)

For thousands of years, the Indian system of traditional medicine called Ayurvedic has depended on the anti-inflammatory properties of Boswellia serrata to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis. Now researchers have scientific evidence that boswellia is a safe and effective alternative treatment for osteoarthritis.

Boswellia study
Investigators conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 70 patients who had osteoarthritis. The patients were given an extract enriched with 30 percent AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid), which is believed to be the most active ingredient in frankincense, the source of boswellia.

The patients received either 100 mg (25 subjects) or 250 mg (25) of 5-Loxin (the brand name of the extract), or a placebo (25) for 90 days. All the patients were evaluated for pain and physical functions when the study started and on days 7, 30, 60, and 90. The investigators also evaluated the synovial fluid from each patient for levels of the enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-3, which breaks down cartilage.

At the end of the study, both doses of the extract resulted in statistically significant improvements in joint pain, joint stiffness, and mobility. The patients in the 250-mg treatment group reported significant improvement as early as seven days after starting the study. These reports were corroborated by a significant reduction in matrix metalloproteinase-3 in the synovial fluid. In comparison, the patients taking placebo had no improvements.

Taking boswellia for osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 27 million people in the United States. Symptoms include pain, joint stiffness, and limited movement. According to the Arthritis Foundation Greater Southwest chapter in Phoenix, 1.5 million people in the southwest area have arthritis.

For arthritis, the suggested dose of boswellia supplement (standardized extract containing 60% boswellic acids) is 300 to 400 mg three times daily. Talk to your health-care professional before starting any supplement regimen.