Combination of branded curcumin and Boswellia extracts significantly reduced joint pain and stiffness in recently published study

A recently published clinical study¹ found that a formula combining Akay Bioactives' curcumin extract, CurQfen, and FenuMat Boswellia serrata complex, helped improve joint pain and quality of life in study participants. The company's FenuMat hydrogel matrix is a self-emulsifying hydrogel technology that enhances bioavailability. The study, “A full-spectrum Boswellia serrata extract with enhanced bioavailability, and its co-delivered system with curcumin alleviate pain and stiffness associated with moderate spondylitis: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-arm study,” was published in Frontiers in Pharmacology on June 30, 2025.

The study involved 105 healthy participants with mild to moderate pain and stiffness who were given a 400 mg dose, once per day, of the Boswellia extract (F-BSE), the Boswellia extract in combination with the curcumin extract (C-BSE), or a placebo for 28 days. A total of 94 participants completed the study. Measurements of pain and stiffness were taken using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) questionnaires, Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaires, and clinical markers.

Highlighted results include:

• Reduced BASDAI total and subscores by day 14 in both F-BSE and C-BSE groups, which demonstrates a reduction of neck, back, and hip pain and stiffness
• Participants with high baseline neck and pain scores assessed using the NDI showed a reduction in pain that continued to day 28, with C-BSE showing a greater effect
• Inflammation markers were reduced in both groups on day 14 and day 28

“C-BSE demonstrated superior effects compared to F-BSE, indicating a synergistic anti-inflammatory and analgesic action when the full-spectrum Boswellia extract and curcumin are delivered as a water-soluble, non-covalent complex with enhanced bioavailability using the FenuMat delivery technology,” the researchers explained in the abstract.

Both extracts were well-tolerated and did not result in significant side effects or significant adverse events.

“These findings mark a significant advancement in physical wellness research,” stated Dr. Krishnakumar I.M., chief research officer at Akay Bioactives, in the press release. “The combination of CurQfen with FenuMat Boswellia not only supports physical comfort but also helps improve quality of life for routine activities like working, driving, and reading. It reflects our continued focus on delivering science-backed, natural health solutions.”

Reference

1. Mamatha, K.; Prabhakaran, P.; Syam Das, S.; Kanjoormana Aryan, M.; and Thomas J. A full-spectrum Boswellia serrata extract with enhanced bioavailability, and its co-delivered system with curcumin alleviate pain and stiffness associated with moderate spondylitis: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-arm study. Front. Pharmacol. 2025. 16:1577429. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1577429.