Boswellia Serrata May Help Relieve Joint Discomfort

Boswellia serrata is a tree that is prevalent in India, the Middle East, and North Africa. It has been used in Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine, for thousands of years. A new study suggests that an enhanced bioavailable extract of Boswellia serrata may help support joint function.

For their study, the researchers recruited 67 adults. They were given 100 mg of the Boswellia serrata extract or a placebo daily for 30 days. Joint discomfort and physical function were evaluated at baseline, day 5, and day 30. The researchers also measured levels of several inflammatory and cartilage biomarkers.

Participants in the Boswellia serrate group began to see improvements in joint discomfort as early as 5 days after beginning supplementation. At the end of the study period, discomfort scores had decreased by 44.4%, stiffness scores by 66.3%, and physical function scores by 48% (indicating less physical disfunction).

Participants in the supplement group also saw statistically important reductions in circulating inflammation biomarkers, as well as significant inhibition of an enzyme that breaks down cartilage, collagen, and connective tissue

The study was conducted by researchers from Pujitha Hospital.  It was published online ahead of print on February 15, 2022 in the Journal of the American Nutrition Association.

A previous study found that undenatured type II collagen may provide joint health benefits.