A clinical trial the results of which were presented at the 2024 American Society for Nutrition's annual meeting, has found that a Bosellia serrata extract can support joint health.
In this study, the bioactive ingredient by PLT Health, Joint Shield 5-LOXIN Advanced, was proven to support joint comfort, reduce joint-related inflammation and boost mobility in adults when incorporated into Nestlé Health Science's supplement, Osteo Bi-Flex.
Osteo Bi-Flex was also found to support the cartilage, with the nutraceutical exhibiting its effects within 30 days of supplementation.
Joint support remains a priority
The skeleton is crucial to our survival, working alongisde the muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons to facilitate movement.
However, as we age, whole-body inflammation tends to increase, which can cause localised inflammation within the joints.
This can occur at varying degrees of severity, but currently it's estimated that 528 million people worldwide suffer from arthritis, which can have a profound impact on quality of life.
As arthritis is considered the most common disability globally, and joint inflammation affects even more of the population, there is a clear need for natural solutions that can help alleviate pain and discomfort and help maintain mobility.
Therefore, researchers at the Lakshimi Hospital in India wanted to determine if Osteo Bi-Flex could positively impact the joint, cartilage and bone health of its users.
Boswellia serrata for joint health
Throughout the six month, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, men and women aged between 40 and 75 were given 100mg of Boswellia serrata or a placebo.
Notably, the extract could promote a healthy joint-specific inflammatory response.
Those taking Boswellia serrata daily also experienced improvements in key mobility tests, such as the stair climb and six minute walk — highlighting the ingredient's potential to promote activity in the latter years.
MRI scans conducted post-trial also revealed that supplementation with Osteo Bi-Flex enhanced cartilage volume and thickness, while reducing key markers of cartilage degradation such as type II collagen degradation peptide and Fibulin-3.
In this study, the effects of the supplement were observed by 30 days, though previous trials have found it to function after 7 days of supplementation.
"The new study presented at The American Society for Nutrition adds to the positive research for the benefits of Boswellia serrata for joint health," said Krysmaru Araujo Torres, Head of Medical Affairs at Nestlé Health Science.
"We are impressed to see that this study included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure joint space, cartilage thickness and cartilage volume — results of which demonstrated that Boswellia serrata can promote cartilage health."