Research Shows that Boswellia, An Ancient Herb - Relieves Pain & Swelling Without Harmful Side Effects

Boswellia, or olibanum, has been used historically in India for thousands of years for a variety of ailments. Supplement makers derive this herb extract from the gum resin of the stem bark of the plant. Modern scientists are now focusing their study of this plant's amazing ability to manage arthritis and inflammation.

Research indicates that boswellia can improve symptoms of arthritis in ways similar to drugs like ibuprofen. Animal studies suggest that this natural herb relieves pain and swelling without the harmful side effects commonly associated with ibuprofen and similar drugs.

Information from medical studies done in humans with arthritis are limited. One placebo-controlled trial evaluated only 37 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Whereas most participants had no change in disease status, one participant in each group responded positively, and 4 in each group worsened.

Another study evaluated patients with osteoarthritis. The unique formula used in this trial contained various supplements including Withania somnifera, boswellia serrata, Curcuma longa, and zinc. Though the number of patients involved in the study was small, the formula demonstrated a drop in pain severity and a drop in the measured disability score.

Boswellia is A Natural Pain Reliever for Overworked Joints.

The results of a randomized double blind placebo controlled crossover study consisting of 30 patients with osteoarthritis were that all patients receiving this herb reported decrease in knee pain, increased knee flexion, increased walking distance, and a decrease of swelling in the knee joint.

Scientists have also suggested that this wonderful herb's ability to reduce inflammation may be helpful to those who suffer from respiratory illnesses like asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis.

A recent double blind, placebo-controlled study of forty patients with bronchial asthma, reported that 70 percent of patients showed improvement when administered boswellia.

In human studies, a boswellia extract was compared to sulfasalazine (1gm tid) in individuals with ulcerative colitis. Patients on this extract showed similar improvements as patients on sulfasalazine. Another human studycompared boswellia serrata to mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid or mesalamine) for the symptomatic treatment of Crohn's disease.

Both agents improved patient scores on the Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI). The investigators believe that when both the safety and efficacy profile of the boswellia serrata extract is considered, it offers superiority to mesalazine in terms of a benefit-risk-evaluation. Other human studies continue to support the use of boswellia in patients with chronic colitis and other bowel disorders.