The canine joint supplement market is a minefield, but you might have seen new joint-health superstar herb Boswellia burst onto the scene this year in a big way.
This ‘wonder ingredient’ comes with a solid history and growing evidence base of some seriously impressive joint benefits – but what is Boswellia? How does it work? And why is Boswellia so good for dogs?
What is Boswellia?
Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense (as well as: Salai, Sali Guggul, Gajabhakshya, Boswellia Serrata), is the resin herbal extract from the Boswellia serrata tree, which is native to a variety of countries including India, North Africa and parts of the middle east. To collect the resin from the Boswellia tree, farmers simply tap the tree and the branches fall off!
In India, Boswellia has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine - one of the world's oldest and longest lasting medical systems - thanks to its joint-supportive properties. Used for centuries to support inflammatory conditions, Boswellia has attracted more mainstream interest over the past few decades after studies in people suffering with osteoarthritis demonstrating less pain, improved range of motion and increased exercise tolerance.1 Studies in dogs have shown similar results.2
This is exactly why Boswellia is a joint health super-star herbal extract! Its primary active compounds are boswellic acids, which support natural anti-inflammatory pathways in the body, making it great for dogs that are prone to inflammatory joint conditions.
How does Boswellia work?
The primary active compounds in Boswellia are boswellic acids, which work to support natural anti-inflammatory pathways in the body. They are thought to exert this effect by interacting with the chemicals that mediate inflammation within the body.
The two most prominent boswellic acids are 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA) and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA). These two compounds are the ones that The European Pharmacopoeia (the reference document for the quality control of medicines) used as markers to ensure the quality of Boswellia serrata gum resin.3,4
By aiding the natural processes that control inflammation, Boswellia can help promote joint comfort and mobility - making it a great choice for dogs that are experiencing joint health challenges.
What joint supplements for dogs are the best?
There are many joint supplements for dogs available on the market. These range in ingredients, so your choice of supplement is completely dependent on what ingredients you are looking for to support joint problems, and what amount of active ingredients you would like.
If you are looking for Boswellia for dogs, MoveWellia® Tablets include Boswellia, which contain 90% Boswellic acids, for optimal effect. Sustainably and ethically sourced, MoveWellia® has been specifically developed for dogs with advanced joint care to support dogs experiencing joint health challenges, including stiffness and ‘slowing-up’.
Ingredients include a unique blend of natural active compounds with supportive properties, ideal for supporting inflammatory joint conditions:
Boswellia
A joint health super-star herbal extract! Its primary active compounds are boswellic acids, which support natural anti-inflammatory pathways in the body, making it great for dogs that are prone to inflammatory joint conditions. MoveWellia® includes boswellia which contains 90% boswellic acids, for optimal effect.
Celery Seed
A Dorwest favourite containing active compounds that include polysaccharides and antioxidants. This power herb improves joint comfort by supporting good blood circulation to joints and connective tissue repair processes.
Glucosamine hydrochloride
Produced naturally in the body, this amino sugar cushions the joints to maintain comfort and mobility. Glucosamine production reduces as dogs age, resulting in weaker joint cartilage and increased risk of joint discomfort.
Chondroitin
As one of the essential building blocks of joint cartilage, chondroitin ensures the elasticity of cartilage, which is essential for joint shock absorption. Supplementation helps keep cartilage hydrated and supple, strengthening joint function.
Vitamin C
Increasingly recognised as an important component of natural anti-inflammatory pathways, Vitamin C also helps maintain the health of collagen – a key component of the joint support structures.
Zinc
Recognised as a key mineral deficiency in some inflammatory joint conditions, supplementation can help improve joint comfort.
Hyaluronic acid
A naturally occurring gel-like substance, hyaluronic acid is an important component of joint fluid, which lubricates the joint, promoting mobility.
1.Reichling, J., et al. (2004) Dietary support with Boswellia resin in canine inflammatory joint and spinal disease. Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 146.2: 71-79.
3.Upaganlawar, A. Ghule, B. (2009) Pharmacological Activities of Boswellia serrata Roxb. - Mini Review. Ethnobotanical Leaflets 13: 766-74.
4.Abdel-Tawab, M., et al. (2011) Boswellia serrata. An Overall Assessment of In Vitro, Preclinical, Pharmacokinetic and Clinical Data. Clin Pharmacokinet 50, 349–369
