Turmeric and Boswellia: The Dynamic Duo
When we think of dynamic duos, we may think of Batman and Robin, Thelma and Louise, or Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. We may not intuitively link turmeric and boswellia with these famous pairs, it’s true. But we should. When it comes to fighting inflammation, turmeric and boswellia are the Superman and Lois Lane of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
A Little History:
Turmeric is a spice, a member of the ginger family. It is known as Jiang Huang in Chinese medicine, and Kanchani (“Golden Goddess”) in Ayurvedic medicine.
Boswellia is a tree that grows primarily in India, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. The tree resin of Boswelia has been used for thousands of years for both internal and external use. It is commonly known as Indian Frankincense. The resin has been used in religious, cultural, and embalming ceremonies since ancient times, particularly by the Hindus, Babylonians, Persians, Romans, Chinese, and Egyptians.
Inflammation:
Inflammation is the cause of pain, both acute and chronic. Chronic inflammation — inflammation that is uncontrolled — can lead to diseases including cancer, degenerative joint disease, digestive tract disorders (intestinal bloating, frequent bouts of diarrhea, gas, constipation), asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis.
Anti Inflammatory Actions: Here Come The Dynamic Duo
Turmeric contains hundreds of molecular constituents with a variety of biological actions. The most studied is curcumin, which demonstrates strong COX-2 inhibition — that is, it blocks a molecule called cyclooxgenase-2, an enzyme that promotes pain, swelling and inflammation in the body. Research has shown that turmeric also inhibits the pro-inflammatory lipid prostaglandin-2 (PG2). Turmeric has also been studied for its inhibition of arachidonic acid, and its ability to scavenge free radicals generated in this inflammatory pathway.
Boswellia’s active constituents are the boswellic acids, most importantly acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid, commonly known as AKBA. AKBA’s actions include the inhibition of the inflammatory enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, also known as 5-LOX. An excess of 5-LOX can cause a cascade of inflammation. The body increases 5-LOX production when there is excess arachidonic acid. The excess is a result of consuming arachidonic precursors or stimulants including foods high in omega 6, and high glycemic carbohydrates. 5-LOX stimulates other pro-inflammatory molecules called leukotrienes. Leukotrienes have been linked to arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Benefits:
The curcumin in turmeric can protect joint cartilage by reducing inflammation, inhibiting inflammatory cell growth, and inhibiting cartilage-destroying enzymes. Ongoing studies at Tufts, UCLA, MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Emory School of Medicine highlight the potential for curcumin to fight specific cancers and reduce tumors.
Boswellia’s AKBA shows significant anti-inflammatory properties and analgesic benefits. Boswellia can reduce pain that is both acute and chronic, improve joint functions, increase joint mobility, and inhibit inflammatory enzymes that can lead to chronic inflammation.
Turmeric and boswellia can also be helpful for minor muscle soreness and discomfort due to their anti inflammatory and analgesic actions.
BioStar’s Comfort Zone EQ – Ultra, and K9 Comfort Zone – Ultra:
BioStar’s NEW Comfort Zone EQ – Ultra
The newest additions to BioStar’s product line are Comfort Zone EQ – Ultra, and K9 Comfort Zone – Ultra. These 100% whole food supplements bring the dynamic duo of turmeric and boswellia together in highly palatable bars (Comfort Zone EQ – Ultra) and powder (K9 Comfort Zone – Ultra).
For the recipe, we sourced turmeric with the highest percentage of curcumins, and boswellia with the highest percentage of active boswellic acids, particularly AKBA. This is to ensure that your dog or horse will get maximum benefit and efficacy.
BioStar’s K9 Comfort Zone – Ultra
As I found out recently when one of my dogs (Buckaroo) was a little too enthusiastic about rough-housing with the canine version of an NFL defensive tackle (Kemosabe), it was great to have K9 Comfort Zone – Ultra on hand to ease the strain of a sore canine shoulder!
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
