Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the joints. It occurs when the immune systems attacks the lining of the joints, known as the synovium, causing inflammation, pain and stiffness. Without treatment, the immune system eventually destroys the entire joint. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs help to slow its progression. Anti-inflammatory medicines also help reduce pain and swelling. An herb known as Indian frankincense is sometimes used as a complementary treatment, although evidence showing that it is effective is weak. Don't use Indian frankincense in place of medical treatment, and get advice from your doctor before using it.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Indian frankincense, also known as boswellia, is derived from the resin of a plant traditionally used in Indian medicine. It contains a chemical called boswellic acid, which according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is likely to be responsible for Indian frankincense's anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects. It is used to treat a variety of ailments, most of which are characterized by inflammation; ulcerative colitis and asthma are two examples. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that it might help reduce pain and swelling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but adds that evidence is mixed.
Administration
Indian frankincense is commonly supplied as a powder or in capsules or tablets. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that 400 mg to 800 mg taken three times daily has been used as a traditional remedy for rheumatoid arthritis. Keep in mind this is only a guideline. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about the suitability of this dosage for you.
Clinical Evidence
Studies evaluating the role of Indian frankincense in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are limited. In addition, findings are mixed. The results of a study published in the February 1998 issue of the German medical journal "Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie" show that Indian frankincense has no measurable efficacy as a rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Furthermore, an analysis of data from a number of research studies, published in the December 2008 issue of "BMJ," concludes that while evidence for the effectiveness of Indian frankincense is encouraging, it is not compelling.
Safety Considerations
Mississippi Baptist Health Systems states that no serious side effects have been reported following the use of pharmaceutical-grade standardized Indian frankincense. However, the organization advises people with kidney or liver disease not to use it. Also avoid this herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Boswellia
- "Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie"; Is H15 (Resin Extract of Boswellia Serrata, "Incense") a Useful Supplement to Established Drug Therapy of Chronic Polyarthritis? Results of a Double-Blind Pilot Study; O. Sander et al.; February 1998
- "BMJ"; Frankincense: Systematic Review; E. Ernst; December 2008
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems: Boswellia
