Boswellia: Tradition & Science

Boswellia has become one of the go-to ingredients to support joint health and comfort in both performance horses and in older horses and ponies who are getting a little stiff with age-related signs of wear and rear.

What is Boswellia?

Boswellia Serrata grows in the dry, mountainous regions of India, North Africa and the Middle East. The resin produced from the Boswellia plants is also known as frankincense and we know it has been used as a traditional medicine for arthritis and other joint related conditions for many centuries!

Recent research in both humans and animals, including horses, has now indicated that Boswellia contains a group of compounds called Boswellic acids that exhibit the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties for which Boswellia is renowned. Furthermore, one of the Boswellic acids, abbreviated to AKBA, has been shown to be the most active of these compounds, through its role in decreasing the production of the body's own chemicals called cytokines, that cause inflammation and can result in cartilage breakdown.

Why should I be feeding Boswellia?

Intense training, travel and competition programmes can place considerable pressures on the horse's joints and muscles, especially at longer shows and events, and the inflammation and free radicals produced through these exertions can significantly reduce performance.

Similarly, as horses and ponies ages, normal wear and rear can also result in increased inflammation and ongoing damage to joints over time, ultimately resulting in stiffness and discomfort.

Providing nutritional support, using the potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Boswellia can help to support and maintain optimum performance and comfort in both competition and in older hoses and ponies.

Which kind of Boswellia should I be feeding?

So it's really important to ensure that the Boswellia you are using contains high levels of the important Boswellic acids, and especially AKBA. Equine America are currently the only UK manufacturer to guarantee the level of Boswellic acids - look out for the Buteless range of products, containing high levels of AKBA, as well as other potent plant-based anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds!

Discover our Jointcare Supplement Range

If you have any queries about which product would be best for your horse of pony, call our friendly, knowledgable team on 01403 255809, or send us a message.