This study investigated the use of a plant-based supplement, Boswellia serrata resin extract, in dogs with chronic joint and spinal diseases.
Commonly observed chronic degenerative joint and back conditions reduce an animal's quality of life and cause, among other things, pain and lameness. The problem is seen in dogs of all ages, but it is most commonly found in the largest breeds and in older dogs. In addition, genetic factors have been found to play a role (Smith et al., 1995). Osteoarthritis is characterized by, among other things, deterioration of articular cartilage, bone remodeling, inflammation, and pain. Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, so help must be sought through approaches that can slow the progression of the condition, improve mobility, improve tolerance for exercise, and improve the dog's quality of life.
Possible treatments include synthetic medications (steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)) or surgical treatment. The costs and limitations of surgical procedures, as well as the known side effects of anti-inflammatory pain medications, are reasons to look for alternatives among other products available on the market. The medicinal use of nutritional approaches and plant-based supplements is currently a highly interesting and timely topic within the scientific veterinary community (Dicarlo et al., 2003; Reichling et al., 2003; Fitzi et al., 2002; Reichling and Saller, 2001).
Boswellia serrata is a traditional plant-based substance obtained from the resin of the Boswellia tree. It is known for its anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory properties.
This study was carried out by 10 veterinarians in Switzerland and included 29 dogs diagnosed with chronic joint and spinal diseases. Osteoarthritis and degenerative conditions were confirmed radiologically in 25 out of 29 cases. The dogs were given Boswellia serrata resin extract at a dose of 400 mg per 10 kg once daily for six weeks. Results were already observed in 71% of dogs two weeks after starting treatment. A statistically significant reduction in severity and in typical clinical signs—such as lameness, localized pain, and stiff gait—was reported after 6 weeks.
The dogs were examined 2, 4, and 6 weeks after the start of the trial. Clinical results showed a statistically significant improvement in condition already after two weeks. Outcomes were rated as either "good" or "very good" in 71% of dogs with 95% confidence (51%, 90%). These results were confirmed after 4 weeks in 67% of dogs and after 6 weeks in 71% of the animals. Thus, a significant positive efficacy of treatment was demonstrated after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of Boswellia extract administration. Symptoms analyzed included persistent or intermittent lameness, localized pain, stiffness of movement, reduced range of motion, joint effusion, and thickening of the joint capsule. After 6 weeks, a large proportion of dogs (depending on the symptom, 40–70%) were symptom-free.
In this clinical study, the dogs received only Boswellia extract, and they did not receive other anti-inflammatory pain medications concurrently. The study showed that dogs suffering from joint or spinal disease benefited from 42 days of Boswellia extract at 400 mg per 10 kg, and that their clinical condition improved significantly.
The harms of anti-inflammatory pain medications are generally well known. They may cause vomiting, gastric or duodenal ulcers (Wallace et al., 1990; Forsyth et al., 1998) and even kidney or liver damage. Corticosteroids are generally very effective, but they may cause additional cartilage deterioration, which limits their use in osteoarthritis treatment (Ungemach et al., 2002). This study sought alternatives that could be better and safer, and it showed that Boswellia extract was well tolerated in dogs.
Pharmacological, clinical, and both human and animal studies have confirmed that Boswellia resin may inhibit prostaglandin synthesis—meaning the spread of inflammatory mediators—and thus influence the maintenance of the inflammatory process and slow disease progression (Kreck and Saller, 1998; Ammon, 1996). Toxicity and safety tests were performed in mice, rats, and monkeys, and they have shown that the resin is safe for use in different animal species (Singh et al., 1996; Atal et al., 1983).
In another study, the clinical efficacy of Boswellia extract in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis was compared with synthetic anti-inflammatory pain medications (Doig et al., 2000; Vasseur et al., 1995). These studies showed that 55% of dogs treated with anti-inflammatory pain medications showed clinical improvement, whereas the corresponding figure for the herbal extract (Vasseur et al., 1995) was 71%.
Today, it is also known that there are other natural products that can be used as supportive care and may be helpful in joint-related issues. Recent publications on the topic have addressed, among other things, polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3) and chondroprotective supplements such as glucosamine–chondroitin sulfate and green-lipped mussel preparations (Anderson et al., 1999).
Original study:
Dietary support with Boswellia resin in canine inflammatory joint and spinal disease
