A Standardized Boswellia serrata Gum Extract Promotes Chondroprotection and Improves Knee Pain, Function, and Inflammation in Adults with Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis

A Standardized Boswellia serrata Gum Extract Promotes Chondroprotection and Improves Knee Pain, Function, and Inflammation in Adults with Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis

Jennifer L Murphy, Dawna Salter, Dinesh Aurora, Raghu R Somepalli, Kumar Brijesh

Murphy et al, 2024 Curr Dev Nutr 

The gum resin of the Boswellia serrata tree is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This 180-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of supplementation with a standardized Boswellia extract composition, SN13108F, on pain, functional mobility, inflammation, and knee joint cartilage architecture compared to placebo.

Eighty (43M/37F) subjects, aged 40-75, with a BMI of 20-29 kg/m2 and a grade II/III Kellgren-Lawrence, were randomized to either 100 mg of SN13108F (n¼40, BSE) or a matched placebo capsule (n¼40, PLA) daily for 180 days. Measures of joint pain, stiffness, and functional mobility were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Lequesne’s Functional Index (LFI), Six-Minute Walk Test (SMWT), and Stair Climb Test (SCT) at days 30, 60, 120, and 180. Knee joint space and cartilage thickness were assessed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and day 180. Biomarkers, serum C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-3), type II collagen degradation peptide (C2C), fibulin-3, and urinary C-terminal cross-linked telopeptides of type II collagen (uCTX-II) were also assessed.