Doctor...Tell Me about Boswellia and Arthritis

Boswellia is also know as Indian frankincense, salai guggal, and boswellin. The proper botanic label for boswellia is Boswellia serrata. It is derived from the resin of the bark of the Boswellia tree. While it grows in other parts of Southeast Asia, it is found abundantly found in the Indian subcontinent.

Boswellia is available in either pill or capsule form. The dose for most people is generally 300 mg to 400 mg taken three times a day.

For a product to be effective, it should contain at least 60 per cent boswellic acid. It is the boswellic acid that contains the active ingredient. A number of nutritional supplements now contain boswellia. Look for a reputable manufacturer.

The condition for which boaswellia has had the most supporting evidence for a beneficial effect is arthritis.

The most convincing study was published in 2003 (Phytomedicine. 2003 Jan;10(1):3-7) when a research study examined thirty patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Half of the patients received daily supplementation with 333 mgs of Boswellia. The other half received placebo. After the first intervention, washout was given and then the groups were crossed over to receive the opposite intervention for eight weeks. All patients receiving boswellia reported decrease in knee pain, increased knee flexion and increased walking distance. The frequency of swelling in the knee joint was decreased. Radiologically there was no change. The observed differences between drug treated and placebo being statistically significant, are clinically relevant. Boswellia serrata extract was well tolerated by the subjects except for minor gastrointestinal symptoms.

The conclusions were: "Boswellia serrata extract is recommended in the patients of osteoarthritis of the knee with possible therapeutic use in other arthritis."

Other studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Diseases that have been studied where good results have been reported include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and bursitis.