Evidence supporting the use of: Indian frankincense
For the health condition: Cartilage Damage

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Indian frankincense, also known as Boswellia serrata, has a longstanding history in Ayurvedic medicine for treating inflammatory conditions, including joint pain and arthritis. Modern scientific research has increasingly focused on its bioactive compounds, particularly boswellic acids, which are believed to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic effects relevant to cartilage health. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that Boswellia extracts can reduce pain and improve function in patients with osteoarthritis, a condition characterized by cartilage degradation. For example, a 2019 systematic review in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found moderate-quality evidence that Boswellia may reduce pain and improve physical function in osteoarthritis, though studies tend to be small and of varying quality.

The proposed mechanism involves inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes, as well as suppression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that contribute to cartilage breakdown. Although evidence is stronger for symptom relief (pain, swelling) than for direct cartilage repair or regeneration, some preclinical studies suggest Boswellia extracts may slow cartilage degradation. Overall, while more high-quality, long-term studies are needed, there is reasonable scientific support for the use of Indian frankincense as an adjunct in the management of cartilage-damaging conditions like osteoarthritis.

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