Available evidence from short-term RCTs shows that MSM may have a moderate effect in improving joint pain and swelling as well as general functional well-being in people with osteoarthritis. In one trial this effect was greater when MSM was combined with glucosamine.
Boswellia appears to be effective in reducing inflammation, so it may also lessen the symptoms of RA. The Arthritis Foundation recommends boswellic acid capsules as a potential therapy for RA, as well as for osteoarthritis.
Previous studies have shown that the bioflavonoid quercetin has anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects. Pubmed investigated the effect of quercetin supplementation on inflammation.
An extract from the pineapple plant, has been demonstrated to show anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and may provide a safer alternative or adjunctive treatment for osteoarthritis.
A study published by Trusted Source in the medical journal Trials compared the effectiveness of turmeric to that of an anti-inflammatory drug called diclofenac.
In rats, piperine significantly reduced nociceptive and arthritic symptoms at days 8 and 4, respectively. Histological staining showed that piperine significantly reduced the inflammatory area in the ankle joints.