| Curcumin (turmeric)
Curcumin is a naturally occurring yellow pigment derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa), a flowering plant of the ginger family. It has traditionally been used as a coloring and flavoring spice in food products. Curcumin has long been used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines as an anti-inflammatory agent, a treatment for digestive disorders, and to enhance wound healing. Several clinical trials have demonstrated curcumin’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic effects.
Most studies to date have been performed in animals, but given the centuries of use of curcumin, as well as its now demonstrated activity in the NF-kB, COX-1, and COX-2 inflammatory pathways, it may be considered a viable natural alternative to nonsteroidal agents for the treatment of inflammation.
The usual dosage of standardized turmeric powder is 400–600 mg taken three times per day. Side effects are few, but with extended use, this agent can cause stomach upset, and in extreme cases gastric ulcers may occur at very high doses. Caution should be used if the patient is taking anticoagulant medications or high doses of nonsteroidal drugs. Studies have shown that curcumin may be used in combination with lower doses of nonsteroidal medications
Boswellia serrata resin (Frankincense)
The Boswellia species are trees located in India, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Arabian Peninsula, and they produce a gum resin called olibanum, better known in the western world as frankincense. This resin possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and analgesic properties.
In one recent study, a statistically significant improvement in arthritis of the knee was shown after 8 weeks of treatment with 333 mg B. serrata extract taken three times a day. The treatment improved function, but radiographically there was no change in the affected joints.
A combination of Boswellia and curcumin showed superior efficacy and tolerability compared with nonsteroidal diclofenac for treating active osteoarthritis. Boswellia typically is given as an extract standardized to contain 30-40% boswellic acids (300-500 mg two or three times/day). Boswellia has been well tolerated in most studies, although some people may experience stomach discomfort, including nausea, acid reflux, or diarrhea.
Dr Jones' Comments, Dog and Cat Doses
So if you are looking for an alternative to one of the more common NSAIDs such as meloxicam, then I would strongly have you consider both of these herbs in combination - at least 95% Curcumin.
The animal doses in general of 95% Curcumin is 100mg/10lbs of body weight daily- this can be given in a divided dose, but MUST be given with food, preferably a Essential Fatty Acid such as flax oil, to be absorbed properly.
The animal dose of Boswellia is 50mg/10lbs of body weight daily.
In general both have very few side effects- even at doses 10 times the suggested amounts, and are generally well tolerated.
I personally was super excited to see how curcumin and boswellia gave superior pain relief to the popular and more side effect laden 'Voltaren'..crazy to see this.
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