Boswellia
A more common name for boswellia is frankincense. That’s right, the same stuff that, as the story goes, one of the wise men brought to the swaddled Late J.C. upon his birth 2,000 years ago.
A particular kind of boswellia, known as 5-Loxin, is so named because it is a natural, selective inhibitor of the pro-inflammatory 5-lipoxygenase enzyme.
Research using 5-Loxin found that 250 mg per day reduced pain and improved physical functioning in arthritis patients after only seven days. Researchers concluded it controls inflammatory responses by reducing pro-inflammatory modulators, and it may also improve joint health by reducing enzymatic degradation of knee cartilage. Of note, a subgroup in the study taking 100 mg per day found no benefit. However, a different study found 100 mg per day did reduce pain and improve physical function in arthritis patients.
The leading joint-health supplement has long been Osteo Bi-Flex, and a few years ago it was re formulated to include 5-Loxin. This was notable because the old formulation contained joint-health stalwarts glucosamine and chondroitin, but those take perhaps six to eight weeks for the benefit to manifest. Today’s supplements, thanks to ingredients like 5-Loxin, can take effect in just one week.
Tart cherries
Tart cherries (Prunus cerasus) are loaded with compounds called anthocyanins, known for their high antioxidant properties and inflammation-modulating abilities. Tart cherry juice company Cheribundi gained fame a few years ago from studies showing it improved the body’s inflammation response.
One double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined its effects on arthritis. Twice a day, 20 women drank a 10.5-ounce bottle of Cheribundi tart cherry juice. After 21 days, those drinking the juice experienced significantly lower levels of C-reactive protein—the body’s primary inflammation marker. Although three other inflammation markers showed no change, overall the arthritis sufferers reported less pain, suggesting lowering levels of the C-reactive protein marker was good enough.
Might as well go to the source for your tart cherry intake and quaff a bottle of Cheribundi. The company now offers six different product lines to choose from—all telling you how many cherries can be found in each bottle.
