Trial 1
In the first trial, 30 participants with osteoarthritis were randomly given either 333 mg Indian frankincense capsules three times a day or placebo tablets for eight weeks.
- The Indian frankincense group had moderate improvement in pain, knee flexion and walking distance compared to the placebo group.
- The compound was well tolerated by participants, with only minor stomach upsets reported.
Trial 2
The potential beneficial effects of 333 g Indian frankincense were compared with valdecoxib (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) in treating osteoarthritis of the knee in 66 people over six months.
- Participants in both groups showed considerable improvement in pain, stiffness and ability to perform physical activity during the trial, but this happened more slowly in participants who were given Indian frankincense.
- One month after treatment had finished, those in the Indian frankincense group experienced a significant improvement in symptoms compared to participants who received valdecoxib, which might indicate that this compound has a relatively long-lasting effect.
- Only minor gastrointestinal side-effects were reported by participants in both treatment groups.
Trial 3
The effectiveness and safety of 5-LOXIN®, a drug made of Indian frankincense extract enriched with an anti-inflammatory acid called AKBA, was evaluated. The 75 participants were randomly given one of the following once a day for three months:
- 100 mg of 5-LOXIN®
- 250 mg of 5-LOXIN®
- placebo tablets.
Results showed the following:
- Compared to the placebo group, participants who were on either dose of 5-LOXIN® had a significantly greater improvement in pain and physical function. Those on 250 mg had the quickest improvement (as early as seven days after the start of treatment).
- The level of an inflammatory and cartilage-destroying chemical in the knee fluid was significantly reduced in participants taking 5-LOXIN®.
- Only minor side-effects (gastrointestinal problems and mild fever) were reported by participants across all treatment groups.
Trial 4
In this trial, 60 people with knee osteoarthritis were given one of the following twice a day for three months:
- 50 mg 5-LOXIN® tablet
- 50 mg Aflapin® tablet (made of Boswellia serrata extract enriched with at least 20% AKBA)
- 50 mg Boswellia serrata non-volatile oil tablet
- a placebo.
The trial found the following:
- All groups reported improvements in pain, function and stiffness.
- Those who received 5-LOXIN ® reported a greater improvement in pain and stiffness than the placebo group; meanwhile those who received Aflapin® reported greater improvements in pain, stiffness and function in comparison with the placebo group.
- Those who received 5-LOXIN ® or Aflapin® reported improvements in pain and physical ability as early as seven days after beginning the treatment and continued to improve throughout the study.
FAQs
Some studies show that Indian frankincense extract might ease pain and stiffness. The boswellic acids in Indian frankincense may lower inflammation while preventing cartilage loss. For centuries, people have turned to Indian frankincense for belly aches like nausea and indigestion.
What are the side effects of Indian frankincense? ›
Boswellia serrata extract has been used safely in doses up to 1000 mg daily for up to 6 months. It usually doesn't cause major side effects. But some people have reported stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, and itching.
What medications should not be taken with Boswellia? ›
Boswellia has no known serious interactions with other drugs. Boswellia has no known moderate interactions with other drugs.
Does frankincense oil help with arthritis? ›
It can prevent the production of inflammatory substances in the joints. Current evidence, based on four RCTs, suggests that it might have some beneficial effects in treating participants with osteoarthritis of the knee which might last for a period of time after treatment is stopped.
Which is better for joint pain, turmeric or Boswellia? ›
Turmeric (and its active compound, curcumin) is widely known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Fewer studies focus on Boswellia, as it is less available and less popular than turmeric. Research, however, has found that long-term use of Boswellia for patients with osteoarthritis is safe and effective.
What does Boswellia do to the brain? ›
Since inflammation is linked to brain aging, Boswellia may modestly help cognitive function by reducing age-related inflammation.
Can Indian frankincense raise blood pressure? ›
Frankincense essential oil is a popular component of Eastern medicine. In addition to having anti-inflammatory properties, it may also help combat anxiety and similar issues. These effects may help reduce high blood pressure.
Who shouldn't use frankincense oil? ›
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if frankincense is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
What happens if you put frankincense directly on skin? ›
Anti-inflammatory properties: Frankincense essential oil contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the skin. This can be especially beneficial for people with skin conditions such as acne or rosacea.
What is the difference between Boswellia and frankincense? ›
Boswellia is an herbal extract made from the bark of the boswellia tree. It is also known as frankincense. The resin (sticky substance found in trees and plants) is used to make an extract. Boswellia resin is used in Ayurvedic (traditional Indian) medicine.
Boswellia species by reducing the resistance to insulin and restoring pancreatic beta cells decrease blood glucose. Also, Boswellia species has antithrombotic and anticoagulant properties that regulate blood pressure.
Does Boswellia cause weight gain? ›
In the same study, the Boswellia-fed rodents experienced less weight gain and abdominal belly fat while supporting healthy blood sugar and lipid levels.
What is the strongest essential oil for arthritis? ›
Below are six of the best essential oils for RA symptoms, alongside scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.
- Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus contains several compounds that may help to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. ...
- Frankincense. ...
- Lavender. ...
- Ginger. ...
- Turmeric essential oil. ...
- Basil.
Thyme essential oil had the most effects, reducing COX-2 levels by nearly 75 percent . The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy also lists many oils that may reduce inflammation, including: roman chamomile. ginger.
What is the golden herb for joint pain? ›
Turmeric (Curcuma longa), is commonly used in Chinese and Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine system, possess curcumin which is an active anti-inflammatory component.
Where should you rub frankincense on your body? ›
Dilute your frankincense oil in an unscented carrier oil, like olive or almond. Then, apply the oil to areas of your skin that are dry, irritated, or itchy to rejuvenate them. When applied to the navel in particular, frankincense oil is said to promote relaxation and tranquility.
What is the healing power of frankincense? ›
Frankincense, along with myrrh, has been prescribed in traditional Chinese medicine and administered for treatment of blood stagnation and inflammation diseases in addition to pain relief and swelling. A study done by nine doctors in China revealed frankincense and myrrh may help in the treatment of cancer.
