Arthritis

Frankincense for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

This investigated the topical use of frankincense oil in individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee. Researchers concluded that applying the oil to the affected knee three times daily for four weeks shows significant effectiveness compared to placebo by decreasing pain severity and improving knee function.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9984289/

Boswellin® Study on Knee Osteoarthritis

A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled human trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a standardized oral supplementation of Boswellin®, a novel extract of Boswellia serrata extract (BSE) containing 3‐acetyl‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid (AKBBA) with β‐boswellic acid (BBA) in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee. The findings from the present study provide clinical evidence to support that biologically active components of BSE, specifically AKBBA and BBA, acted synergistically to exert anti‐inflammatory/anti‐arthritic activity efficaciously in reducing joint pain and improving the physical functional ability. No serious adverse events were observed, thus supporting the pharmacological safety of BSE (Boswellin®) to be considered as a viable candidate for the treatment of OA of the knee.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6681146/

Frankincense Effectiveness on Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis

This is a systematic review of data from randomized clinical trials
It shows encouraging results for conditions caused or maintained by inflammation.

Clinical trials of 47 studies on Boswellia serrata (frankincense) showed that the compound was effective for treating both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. On top of that, the research also concluded that frankincense was effective for treating other conditions, such as colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Collectively, these data seem to indicate that Boswellia serrata extracts are effective in treating a range of conditions caused or maintained by inflammatory processes.

The evidence evaluated may be encouraging, but all the clinical trials had a small sample size. [1]

Frankincense Oral Supplement for Osteoarthritis

Frankincense has been widely studied for its potential in promoting joint health. Clinical studies have provided evidence supporting its use in these areas. Several clinical trials have investigated the use of oral frankincense supplements or extracts in individuals with osteoarthritis. In these trials, participants taking frankincense supplements have reported improvements in joint function, reduced discomfort, and decreased stiffness compared to those in control groups. These studies have also shown that Boswellia serrata extracts do not have toxic side effects at higher doses, making them a potential option to explore alongside conventional approaches. The recommended duration of treatment with Boswellia and its extract is at least 4 weeks. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7368679/

Frankincense Oral Supplement for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Researchers administered 400-1,200 mg of a standardized frankincense extract, to over 260 participants for 1-6 months. Compared to placebo, participants taking the frankincense extract experienced reductions in discomfort, swelling, morning stiffness, need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and erythrocyte sedimentation rates. Participants using frankincense also reported improved general health and well-being

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23194870/

The Synergy of Frankincense and Myrrh

Chinese medicine, frankincense and myrrh have been combined as drug pairs in the same prescription for thousands of years, and their combination has a better therapeutic effect on diseases than a single drug.

They often appear in the same prescription in the form of drug pairs. They usually have stronger synergistic effects than single medicines.

In the past, most of the studies on frankincense and myrrh focused on single-flavor medicines, and all aspects of research were relatively in-depth. However, in recent years, with the rise of network sciences such as systems biology and network pharmacology, drug combination has become a hot topic in modern drug research and a new trend in the development of modern drugs. [2]

Frankincense and Myrrh can suppress inflammation

Research in Scientific Reports indicate that frankincense and myrrh can suppress inflammation and prevent/treat rheumatoid arthritis. An extensive 2011 Scientific Report concluded that frankincense and myrrh may be beneficial as an anti-inflammatory agent. This was supported by a 2015 study that showed strong evidence for frankincense and myrrh as an inflammation suppressor. [3]

Frankincense mitigates inflammation
Frankincense reduces inflamation which is linked to cancer. [4]

Osteoarthritis of knee with frankincense

Research has shown that frankincense has been more effective than placebos when it came to managing swelling, pain, and joint movement associated with arthritis. In this study all patients receiving drug treatment reported decrease in knee pain. [5]

Frankincense alleviates rheumatoid arthritis

This study concluded that oil of frankincense can be beneficial for easing morning stiffness, and the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and can even help reduce reliance on NSAIDs. [6]

Frankincense reduces inflammation

Acids from the boswelia sap can prevent the release of leukotrienes, which are inflammatories, as the active principle in treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. [7]