Role of Rosehip, Devil’s claw, and Boswellia serrata in osteoarthritis: molecular and clinical perspectives

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease orchestrated by various-signal transduction pathways working together in the joint, ultimately causing an imbalance between the catabolic and anabolic processes. These pathways are responsible for inflammation, leading to pain and disability. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) carry the risk of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal side effects, for which alternative drug treatment has become popular. The ideal therapy should modify osteoarthritis's natural history and alter the destructive process of articular cartilage without concerning side effects. Nutraceuticals from natural sources help balance anabolic and catabolic processes in the joint tissue and improve redox balance, thus providing cartilage protection. Rosehip extract, Harpagophytum procumbens, and Boswellia serrata exert active effects on various OA targets such as inflammation and catabolism, suppress oxidative stress, relieve chronic pain, and exert complementary, additive and synergistic anti-arthritic effects. The safety of Rosehip extract, Harpagophytum procumbens, and Boswellia serrata alone and in combination is well established. The recent clinical evidence suggests the potential promise in favour of this combination as a proper initial therapeutic strategy for arthritis management.