A Standardized Boswellia serrata Extract Improves Knee Joint Function and Cartilage Morphology in Human Volunteers with Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis in a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #boswellia #male #female #osteoarthritis-knee

A Standardized Boswellia serrata Extract Improves Knee Joint Function and Cartilage Morphology in Human Volunteers with Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis in a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

Kumar et al., 2025 | J Am Nutr Assoc | Rct

Citation

Kumar Brijesh, Ghaytidak Abhijeet Balbhim, ... Rokkam Meher Prasanna. A Standardized Boswellia serrata Extract Improves Knee Joint Function and Cartilage Morphology in Human Volunteers with Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis in a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study. J Am Nutr Assoc. 2025-Jul;44(5):375-386. doi:10.1080/27697061.2024.2438894

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. (Family: Burseraceae; Genus: Boswellia) gum resin (Salai guggul) has profound therapeutic value in Ayurvedic and Unani medicines in alleviating several chronic inflammatory illnesses, including arthritis, asthma, skin and blood diseases, fever, etc. SN13108F (Aflapin®) is a proprietary, standardized Boswellia serrata gum resin extract. This 180-day randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study aimed to evaluate cartilage morphology using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), pain and joint function and long-term safety in the SN13108F-supplemented volunteers with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty adult male and female subjects with the Kellgren-Lawrence grade II - III KOA were supplemented with SN13108F (100 mg/day) or a matched placebo for 180 consecutive days. RESULTS: SN13108F reduced (p < 0.001; vs. baseline and placebo) Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Visual Analogue Scale, Lequesne's Functional Index scores, improved six-minute walk test, and stair climb test. Post-trial MRI assessments of the tibiofemoral joints revealed that the cartilage volume, thickness, and joint space width were increased (p < 0.001; vs. placebo), and levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, matrix metalloproteinase-3, Fibulin-3, type II collagen degradation peptide in serum, and cross-linked C-terminal telopeptide of type II collagen in urine were significantly reduced (p < 0.001; vs. baseline and placebo) in the SN13108F-supplemented subjects. Hematology, complete serum biochemistry, urine analysis, and the participants' vital signs did not alter between the groups. CONCLUSION: SN13108F supplementation is safe, and it mitigates joint pain and improves musculoskeletal function and cartilage morphology in KOA.

Key Findings

SN13108F reduced (p < 0.001; vs. baseline and placebo) Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Visual Analogue Scale, Lequesne's Functional Index scores, improved six-minute walk test, and stair climb test. Post-trial MRI assessments of the tibiofemoral joints revealed that the cartilage volume, thickness, and joint space width were increased (p < 0.001; vs. placebo), and levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, matrix metalloproteinase-3, Fibulin-3, type II collage

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population the kellgren
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Boswellia
  • Male
  • Female
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee
  • Plant Extracts
  • Middle Aged
  • Knee Joint
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Cartilage, Articular
  • Aged
  • Adult
  • Double-Blind Method

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: boswellia

Provenance

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