Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#analgesics #anti-inflammatory-agents-non-steroidal #boswellia #humans #osteoarthritis-knee

Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Yu et al., 2020 | BMC Complement Med Ther | Meta Analysis

Citation

Yu Ganpeng, Xiang Wang, ... Li Jun. Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020-Jul-17;20(1):225. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the commonest form of inflammatory joint disease. Unfortunately, to date, there is no appropriate treatment for OA. Boswellia serrata was considered as a potent anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and analgesic agent that may be a drug for OA. METHODS: In this meta-analysis, data from randomized controlled trials were obtained to assess the effects of Boswellia or its extract versus placebo or western medicine in patients with OA. The primary outcomes included visual analogue score (VAS), WOMAC pain, WOMAC stiffness, WOMAC function and lequesne index. RESULT: Seven trials involving 545 patients were included. Compared with the control group, Boswellia and its extract may relieve the pain [VAS: (WMD -8.33; 95% CI -11.19, - 5.46; P<0.00001); WOMAC pain: (WMD -14.22; 95% CI -22.34, - 6.09; P = 0. 0006)] and stiffness [WOMAC stiffness: (WMD -10.04; 95% CI -15.86, - 4.22; P = 0. 0007)], and improve the joint's function [WOMAC function: (WMD -10.75; 95% CI -15.06, - 6.43; P<0. 00001); lequesne index: (WMD -2.27; 95% CI -3.08, - 1.45; P<0. 00001)]. CONCLUSION: Based on current evidence, Boswellia and its extract may be an effective and safe treatment option for patient with OA, and the recommended duration of treatment with Boswellia and its extract is at least 4 weeks.

Key Findings

Based on current evidence, Boswellia and its extract may be an effective and safe treatment option for patient with OA, and the recommended duration of treatment with Boswellia and its extract is at least 4 weeks.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population oa
Sample Size 545
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Analgesics
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Boswellia
  • Humans
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee
  • Pain Measurement
  • Plant Extracts
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Triterpenes

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: boswellia

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09