Writing in the Journal of the American Nutrition Association, India-based scientists found that consuming the extract also resulted in increased cartilage volume, thickness and joint space width.
In addition, the study participants reported an improvement in joint comfort and mobility after only 30 days.
The study used the Aflapin-branded proprietary Boswellia resin extract, standardized to at least 20% AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid), which is known to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase activity and exert anti-inflammatory effects.
“[T]o our knowledge, this is the first 180-day randomized clinical trial that evaluates knee joint cartilage morphology utilizing MR [magnetic resonance] image analysis in standardized B. serrata extract-supplemented OA volunteers,” the researchers wrote. “Overall, this pilot study data is encouraging and will help further explorations to assess the specific structural components and other metabolic changes in the joint cartilage of the OA subjects in larger cohorts.”
Study details
Eighty adults with Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-III, a type of knee osteoarthritis, were recruited to participate in the study. They were then randomized to receive either 100 mg per day of the Boswellia extract or placebo for 180 days.
Cartilage morphology was evaluated via MRI, which showed that cartilage volume, thickness and joint space width increased post-intervention. There were improvements in the stair climb test and 6-minute walk test and reductions in high-sensitive C-reactive protein, type II collagen degradation peptide in serum and Fibulin-3.
“[Aflapin]-supplemented participants exhibited increased joint space, cartilage thickness and volume compared to the baseline and placebo, demonstrating cartilage protection efficacy,” the researchers wrote.
“This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study demonstrates that a standardized Boswellia serrata gum resin extract, SN13108F (Aflapin), supplementation is safe, and it alleviates knee pain and improves locomotor functions in OA subjects,” they added.
“Based on the serum and urine biomarkers analysis, this study concludes that SN13108F reduces inflammation and cartilage degradation; also, the MRI analysis suggests improved cartilage integrity and joint space in the participants.”
Osteo Bi-Flex
Aflapin, the proprietary Boswellia serrata resin extract used in this study, is the active ingredient found in the Osteo Bi-Flex brand of joint health supplements, the top selling joint supplement in the U.S. food, drug and mass channels.
Commenting on the findings, Staci Wagenbach, senior director of brand marketing for Osteo Bi-Flex dietary supplements, stressed that this study showed the effects of Boswellia for adults with knee osteoarthritis, and Osteo Bi-Flex is not intended for adults with osteoarthritis.
However, she added that adults without joint diseases are also interested in the benefits of the Boswellia extract supplement.
“Adults are more active than ever, and we’ve noted increased interest in Osteo Bi-Flex among the younger 45+ demo,” Wagenbach said. “Our product formulas are designed to support long-term joint health, so new users often become loyal, repeat buyers.”
Source: Journal of the American Nutrition Association, 19:1-12. doi: 10.1080/27697061.2024.2438894. “A Standardized Boswellia serrata Extract Improves Knee Joint Function and Cartilage Morphology in Human Volunteers with Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis in a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study”. Authors: B. Kumar, et al.