Spinal osteoarthritis causes lower back pain.
The purified gum of two trees of the Boswellia genus, Boswellia serrata (India) and Boswellia carteria (North Africa and Saudi Arabia), are often mixed together for medicinal purposes in the Hindu Ayurvedic healing system, which is over 2000 years old. The resin of both types of trees is commonly known as frankincense.
Modern usage by Western herbalists has focused on Boswellia serrata, most often used internally or as a cream to treat arthritis symptoms. In recent decades the medicinal properties of Boswellia serrata have also been the subject of laboratory studies. These studies show that it has potential as an anti-inflammatory that could be effective against arthritis symptoms such as the back pain associated with spinal osteoarthritis.
Condition
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder, often beginning in the 40s or 50s and affecting most people by the age of 80. It is most often caused by tissue damage. Attempts of the tissues to repair the damaged joint by increasing cartilage production ultimately causes the function of the joint to be altered and the joint to fail. In some cases, bone overgrows the edges of the joint, causing visible and palpable bumps called "osteophytes."
Osteoarthritis frequently affects the spine. The pain is especially severe if the bone overgrowth occurs in the spinal canal in the lower back.
Current Treatment
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually prescribed to treat the pain and swelling of severe cases of osteoarthritis. When used over the long term, however, NSAIDs carry a high risk of serious side-effects including digestive upsets, ulcers, and increased bleeding risk, especially in the digestive tract. Long-term use increases the risk of kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and blood clots in the legs. The risk of side effects is also higher in older people.
Potential of Boswellia
The anti-inflammatory potential of Boswellia appears promising. In animal studies, compounds isolated from Boswellia were as effective against swelling as NSAIDs, without side-effects such as stomach irritation. Human studies for the treatment of arthritis have also been performed, with promising results.
Action
According to a June 2008 article in Alternative Medicine Review, up to 16 percent of Boswellia serrata resin is essential oil, containing four pentacyclic triterpene acids of which the major constituent is beta-boswellic acid. Animal studies conducted in India show that boswellic acids block the synthesis of proinflammatory 5-lipoxygenase products.
Study
A 2003 human study conducted by a team of physicians at the Indira Ghandi Medical College in Nagpur, India was specifically on Boswellia serrata as a treatment for osteoarthritis. The purpose of the double blind placebo controlled crossover study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in 30 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Subjects receiving the drug reported decrease in knee pain and frequency of joint swelling was reduced, but there was no radiological change.
Status
Despite the potential of Boswellia serrata, as of 2010 further research is needed. For this reason Healthline.com gives it a grade of "C" as a treatment for osteoarthritis.
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