The Benefits of Boswellia for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis
Recent research has proven that Boswellia, a herb that comes from a tree native to India was more beneficial, less toxic and more potent than the standard drugs of choice for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
The active ingredients in Boswellia are the boswellic acids. Boswellic acid has strong anti-inflammatory properties which are great at reducing the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Boswellic acids have been found to block chemical reactions involved in inflammation.
Modern science has verified that boswellic acids contained within the herb can block the formation of leukotrienes, the immune cells responsible for inflammation, while also promoting the formation of free radicals.
Long-term use of Boswellia, as opposed to NSAIDs, does not appear to cause irritation or ulceration of the stomach.
A double blind study using Boswellia found a beneficial effect on pain and stiffness, as well as improved joint function. It showed no negative effects in this study.
The herb has a unique anti-inflammatory action, much like the conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). But unlike NSAIDs, long-term use of Boswellia is generally considered safe and does not lead to irritation or ulceration of the stomach.
Modern preparations made from a purified extract of this resin and packaged in pill or cream form are used to reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike conventional NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen – the accepted treatments for joint inflammation – Boswellia doesn’t seem to cause stomach irritation.
Boswellia is probably best for Rheumatoid Arthritis, but due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is also effective for Osteoarthritis.
Different preparations of Boswellia vary in their potency and biochemical makeup. Scientists in Germany have found that the biologically active ingredient AKBA that is found in Boswellia is responsible for its therapeutic properties.
Unlike other boswellic acids that only partially inhibit 5-LOX, AKBA binds directly to 5-LOX, effectively suppressing its pro-inflammatory activity.
In most boswellia preparations, however, AKBA only represents a small fraction of the ingredients.
The solution, take the Boswellia supplement product 5-LOXIN
Several years ago, researchers developed methods to prepare a compound with concentrations of AKBA greater than 30%. The resulting product has been found to be safe and well-tolerated. This product produced by Life Extension, is patented and trademarked under the name 5-LOXIN. To date, 5-LOXIN inhibits 5-LOX more effectively than the highest quality boswellia formulations. In studies 5-LOXN produced a 27 percent reduction in inflammation compared to 35 percent with ibuprofen and was free of the side effects associated with ibuprofen and other NSAIDs.
A recent study indicated that 5-LOXIN® may exert its beneficial effects by controlling inflammatory responses through reducing pro-inflammatory modulators, and it may improve joint health by reducing the enzymatic degradation of cartilage. A 90-day, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study demonstrated 5-LOXIN® reduces joint discomfort and improves physical functioning significantly in human subjects.
Dosage: Most doctors recommend you take 400-800 mg of extract in capsules or tablets three times per day.
Boswellia generally lasts eight to twelve weeks. In the one clinical trial to date, people with rheumatoid arthritis used 550 mg of Boswellia extract three times per day.
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