Clinical evaluation of a formulation containing Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata extracts in the management of knee osteoarthritis, MOLECULAR MEDICINE REPORTS 8: 1542-1548, 2013.

A randomized controlled study published in MOLECULAR MEDICINE in 2013 compared the effects and safety of turmeric plus boswellia with a COX-2 inhibitor in knee osteoarthritis.

Thirty participants were divided into two groups of 15. Group A took 350 mg turmeric standardized to 70% curcumin plus 150 mg boswellia extract standardized to 75% boswellic acids twice daily. Group B took 100 mg celecoxib twice daily for 12 weeks. Participants attended eight clinic visits for examination, data collection and blood tests of liver and kidney function.

Results:

Pain measures and pain severity improved in both groups.

Walking distance before knee pain improved in both groups: 92.86% of the turmeric and boswellia group could walk 1000 metres before severe pain, compared with 85.71% of the celecoxib group.

A significant difference was observed in knee tenderness on touch after 12 weeks: the pain measure fell by 92.85% in group A and 78.57% in group B.

Knee range of motion improved in both groups.

Group A showed no changes in blood test values, indicating safety of use.

Study conclusion:

Daily turmeric and boswellia extracts demonstrated greater efficacy in measures of pain, movement and pain while walking than COX-2 inhibitor treatment, without evidence of toxicity or changes in liver and kidney function.

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