Boswellia serrata vs. ordinary turmeric – what’s the difference?

Read why the combination in Rhuleave-K® offers better support for your joints.

Boswellia serrata vs. turmeric

Why there is confusion

Anyone looking for natural joint support keeps coming across two names: turmeric and Boswellia serrata (Indian frankincense). Both are known for their traditional use, both have been studied in modern research, and both are often marketed for similar purposes.

But are they really the same? And why did we decide to include both in Movanze™?

The answer: although both ingredients support the comfort of your joints, they do so in different ways – and combining them can give better results than either ingredient on its own.

Turmeric – the golden root

What is turmeric?

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a plant from the ginger family, best known as a spice in the kitchen. The active compound in turmeric is curcumin, which has been the subject of thousands of scientific studies.

Traditional use

In Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, turmeric has been used for more than 4,000 years for all kinds of purposes, including supporting the joints and general wellbeing.

Modern research

Modern science has studied the properties of curcumin, but it’s good to know that pure curcumin has fairly low bioavailability – so the body finds it hard to absorb and use properly.

The challenge

Many turmeric preparations on the market contain only standardised curcumin extract, without taking absorption into account. That can limit how well the ingredient actually works.

Boswellia serrata – the age-old resin

What is Boswellia serrata?

Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian frankincense, is a resin extract from the boswellia tree. This tree grows mainly in India, North Africa and the Middle East.

Traditional use

Boswellia has been used for more than 3,000 years in traditional medicine, especially in Ayurveda. It was valued for supporting the joints, mobility and general wellbeing.

Active constituents

The active compounds in boswellia are the boswellic acids, especially AKBA (3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid), which has shown interesting properties in research.

State of research

Boswellia serrata may have a beneficial effect on the musculoskeletal system, bones and joints and may help to strengthen the function of bones, joints and muscles*. This is based on traditional use and preliminary research.

The advantage of boswellia

Unlike curcumin, boswellia in its natural form has better bioavailability: the body can absorb and use its active compounds more easily.

Why we combine them in Rhuleave-K®

Complementary mechanisms

Turmeric and Boswellia serrata work in different but complementary ways in the body. Where turmeric has certain properties, boswellia has others – and together they offer broader support for your joints.

Synergy

Research suggests that combining several plant ingredients can give better results than single ingredients in high doses. That is the principle behind the Rhuleave-K® formula.

The answer to absorption

By adding sesame oil to Rhuleave-K®, we have taken the poor absorption of curcumin into account. The sesame oil serves as a natural carrier that helps the body absorb the fat-soluble active compounds from both turmeric and boswellia.

Balanced composition

In Movanze™ you get 500 mg of Rhuleave-K® (with turmeric, boswellia and sesame oil) PLUS another 100 mg of pure Boswellia serrata extract. That way you get an optimal dose of both ingredients.

What this means for you

Broader support

If you choose Movanze™ with Rhuleave-K®, you don’t get just one ingredient – you get a scientifically composed combination that covers several aspects of supporting your joints.

Better absorption

Because it contains sesame oil, your body can make better use of the active compounds, which can lead to more noticeable results.

Backed by science and tradition

You get the best of both worlds: traditional knowledge from thousands of years of use, combined with modern insight into how these ingredients work together.

A complete solution

Alongside Rhuleave-K®, Movanze™ also contains type II collagen, manganese and vitamin D3. Manganese contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue and, like vitamin D, to the maintenance of normal bones¹.

Conclusion

The question is not whether to choose turmeric OR Boswellia serrata – it’s about why you choose both in an optimised formula like Rhuleave-K®.

Movanze™ gives you a complete, science-based approach to supporting your joints, in which every ingredient plays its part in a bigger whole. That makes Movanze™ more than an ordinary turmeric or boswellia preparation – it’s a complete solution for your joints.

References

  1. Chandran B, Goel A. A randomized, pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Phytother Res. 2012 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Kizhakkedath R. Clinical evaluation of a formulation containing Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata extracts. Mol Med Rep. 2013 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Sengupta K, et al. Comparative efficacy and tolerability of 5-Loxin and Aflapin Against osteoarthritis of the knee. Int J Med Sci. 2010 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Belcaro G, et al. Product-evaluation registry of Meriva, a curcumin-phosphatidylcholine complex, for the complementary management of osteoarthritis. Panminerva Med. 2010 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. Gupta SC, et al. Therapeutic roles of curcumin: lessons learned from clinical trials. AAPS J. 2013 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

¹ Authorised health claims: Manganese contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. Manganese contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue.

* EFSA on-hold claim: Indian frankincense/Boswellia serrata may have a beneficial effect on the musculoskeletal system, bones and joints and may help to strengthen the function of bones, joints and muscles.