Frankincense Relieves Osteoarthritis Pain

Frankincense has been shown to reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis. According to a study published July 30, 2008 in Arthritis Research & Therapy, patients who took an enriched extract of the 'Indian Frankincense' herb Boswellia serrata experienced significant pain relief in as few as 7 days. 5-Loxin is the Boswellia serrata extract that was enriched with 30% 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA). The enriched extract works as an anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme.

There were 70 participants involved in the study led by a faculty member of the University of California, Davis. Alternative treatments are of great interest to patients who have experienced or are concerned with side effects caused by certain arthritis medications. For thousands of years, Boswellia serrata has been used in Ayurveda. This was the first study though to prove an enriched extract of the plant can be used as a successful treatment for osteoarthritis. There were no major adverse effects in the osteoarthritis patients involved in this study. Researchers concluded Frankincense was safe for humans and safe for longterm use.

Related Resources:

• Herbal Remedies for Osteoarthritis
• Traditional and Alternative Treatments - Where Should Paths Cross?
• Pycnogenol - Natural Pain Relief for Osteoarthritis
• Rose Hips (LitoZin) for Osteoarthritis

_{Photo by Nancy Catherine Walker (iStockphoto)}