Boswellia serrata is widely used for the management of joint disorders. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the available clinical evidences on B. serrata supplementations in patients with osteoarthritis.

6 trials, involving 545 patients, have been included. Compared to control, B. serrata is able to reduce pain assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale (p < 0.00001) or by the WOMAC scale (p = 0.0006). Supplementation also improves joint’s stiffness (p = 0.0007) and joint’s function (p < 0.00001). Finally, an improvement in the Lequesne index has also been measured (p < 0.00001).

This new meta-analysis confirms therefore the beneficial effects of B. serrata supplementation for the management of joint pain and function in patients with osteoarthritis.

Yu G, Xiang W, Zhang T, Zeng L, Yang K, Li J. Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020;20(1):225.

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