Turmeric and Indian Frankincense Relieve Acute Musculoskeletal Pain

Herbal preparations have been used from ancient times to obtain effective pain relief. Turmeric and boswellia are well-studied anti-inflammatory compounds gaining in popularity and being used as an adjunct to, but also as an alternative to, conventional treatments for musculoskeletal pain.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA), including pain, morning stiffness, joint swelling, limited range of motion, and decreased physical function, typically are treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cortisone. Although those drugs help manage pain and inflammation, they are associated with adverse effects, drug interactions, and are contraindicated in certain populations. Curcumin, a component of turmeric (Curcuma longa, Zingiberaceae) root and rhizome, has been reported to be a potent anti-inflammatory agent. The boswellic acids found in boswellia (Boswellia serrata, Burseraceae) possess anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties.

Boswellia tree resin extract, also known as Indian frankincense, and turmeric have been used in traditional ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Both botanical medicines are touted for rejuvenating joints and for their many other anti-inflammatory-based health benefits. They can each be taken orally or applied topically. Curcumin, one of the active compounds in turmeric, has been shown to ameliorate obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, depression, and fatty liver disease. Curcumin, the colourant in turmeric, is rich in polyphenols and blocks one of the metabolic pathways leading to inflammation, reducing the effects of pathologies such as osteoarthritis and metabolic syndrome.  

In recent years, turmeric and Boswellia supplements have become popular for the relief of chronic pain and discomfort, largely owing to their reliable anti-inflammatory effects. However, a recent research shows a potential synergistic effect between turmeric and Boswellia for treating the inflammation and pain of osteoarthritis.

Turmeric (and its active compound, curcumin) is widely known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Fewer studies focus on Boswellia, as it is less available and less popular than turmeric. Research, however, has found that long-term use of Boswellia for patients with osteoarthritis is safe and effective. Recent research shows a potential synergistic effect between turmeric and Boswellia for treating the inflammation and pain of osteoarthritis.