5-Loxin can benefit osteoarthritis, says study

The 90-day study, co-sponsored by Indian supplier, Laila Nutraceuticals, found a significant number of patients over the age of 40 given 100mg and 250mg of PL Thomas's 5-Loxin daily registered reduced pain and improved physical function.

PL Thomas’s version of 5-Loxin has been on-market since 2004, the first ingredient it launched in conjunction with Laila, and is extracted from the Boswellia serrata​ plant, also known as frankincense.

Boswellia serrata​ has a long history of use as an anti-inflammatory in Ayurvedic medicine.

The extract contains boswellic acids including acetyl-keto-beta (AKBA), thought to be the most potent anti-inflammatory constituent.

The double blind, randomised, placebo controlled study, published July 30 in Arthritis Research & Therapy​, found significant improvements in knee health and performance were detected after seven days in the group given 250mg of 5-Loxin daily.

As well as reductions in pain scores, drops in synovial fluid matrix metalloproteinase-3 fluid activity were recorded in both groups. Synovial fluids are enzymes that can damage connective tissue such cartilage and collagen.

There was no statistical change in the placebo group which was given an identical-looking supplement but consisting of only rice bran.

Each group began with 25 participants although only 70 finished the trial which had check-in points at seven, 30, 60 and 90 days.

“5-Loxin may exert its beneficial effects by controlling inflammatory responses through reducing pro-inflammatory modulators, and it may improve joint health by reducing the enzymatic degradation of cartilage in OA patients,”​ the researchers concluded.

The study, led by Siba Raychaudhuri of the University of California, assessed participant levels of pain, joint stiffness and mobility.

Raychaudhuri noted the results of the study were significant because of the number of existing osteoarthritis treatments that had side-effects.

Such treatments included nonopioid analgesics such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including cyclo-oxygenase II inhibitors.

These are proven to reduce pain and inflammation but have been associated with increased risk for gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension, congestive heart failure and renal insufficiency.

The study saw minor side-effects observed in both active and placebo groups that included diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain, mild fever and general weakness.

But no safety issues were recorded.

In the UK, about seven million people are reported to have long-term health problems associated with arthritis. Around 206m working days were lost in the UK in 1999-2000, equal to £18bn (€26bn) of lost productivity.

Osteoarthritis is estimated to affect 21 million people in the US.

Source: Arthritis Research & Therapy​

Volume 10, Issue 4

“A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee”​

Authors: Krishanu Sengupta, Krishnaraju V Alluri, Andey Rama Satish, Simanchala Mishra, Trimurtulu Golakoti, Kadainti VS Sarma, Dipak Dey and Siba P Raychaudhuri