Arjuna launches a botanical blend clinically supported to help manage pain

Photo © Shutterstock.com/Sebastian Kaulitzki

Arjuna Natural (Kerala, India) introduced a holistic approach to managing pain — Rhuleave-K, a proprietary botanical formula that has shown some clinical evidence of offering safe pain management at an efficacy comparable to over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. The formula is a high-dissolution liquid composition comprising turmeric (Curcuma longa) and frankincense (resinous extract of Boswellia serrata) combined in a black sesame oil base. The formula uses SPEED delivery technology that offers a uniform dispersal of the actives, thereby facilitating its fast-action mechanism.

“There are a number of herbal extracts and formulations in the market that target pain and inflammation, but they are slow-acting and typically provide relief over a period of weeks,” said Benny Antony, PhD, joint managing director for Arjuna, in a press release. “We found very limited clinical data on efficacy of herbal products for acute pain relief which is what spurred the development of this unique formula.”

Rhuleave K’s analgesic activity was demonstrated in a randomized, active, controlled, open-label study published in the journal Medicine. In the study, 88 healthy subjects with acute musculoskeletal pain were randomized to receive 1,000 mg/d of Rhuleave-K or 1,000 mg/d of acetaminophen. The results revealed a positive response of pain relief (analgesia) comparable to acetaminophen, without risks of side effects or interactions with other medicines. Onset of analgesia was experienced about one hour following administration. Earliest pain relief could be seen as early as 2.4 hours comparable with the acetaminophen. 

Results of the study also showed significant reduction in pain, irrespective of intensity, on a similar level to acetaminophen. In the study, Rhuleave-K was equally as effective as acetaminophen in reducing the sensory pain but was superior to the drug in reducing the emotional side effects of pain. Moreover, Rhuleave-K’s curcumin component has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory capacity. Toxicity studies show that Rhuleave-K is safe, even in doses 11 times the recommended daily dosage.

Reference

1. Rudrappa, GH et al. “Efficacy of high-dissolution turmeric-sesame formulation for pain relief in adult subjects with acute musculoskeletal pain compared to acetaminophen: A randomized controlled study” Medicine (Baltimore), vol. 99, no. 28 (2020)