Curcumin and Boswellia (Rhuleave-K™) for Rapid Pain Relief

Herbs That May Assist

Curcumin
Turmeric longa, root
BosPure ® Boswellia
Boswellia serrata, dry gum oleoresin
Rhuleave-K™

Actions

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Analgesic and antinociceptive

Clinical Applications

  • ·Acute pain

Clinical Overview

Inflammatory pain is a prominent health burden that impacts the lives of countless individuals. To help manage acute pain symptoms, Rhuleave-K™ is a clinically proven blend of curcumin derived from Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata (boswellia) within black sesame oil that offers effective analgesia. Supported by human studies, this combination noticeably reduces muscular pain within 63 minutes, [1] and offers a similar time-to-effect as paracetamol. [2] Rhuleave-K™ features innovative SPEEDTECH™ technology, which combines particle micronisation within a phospholipid-rich [*]sesame oil delivery system [3] to enhance curcumin and boswellia absorption. [4] As such, this formulation can provide a fast-acting natural solution for inflammatory pain.

Background Information

Understanding the Inflammatory Process

Inflammation is an adaptive response caused by harmful stimuli, such as tissue damage in the body. [5] The process of inflammation is mediated in four stages facilitated by:

  1. Cell receptors that induce intracellular inflammatory signalling (e.g. toll-like receptors [TLRs], NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 [NLRP3]). [6]
  2. Messenger proteins that relay these signals into cell nuclei (e.g. peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma [PPAR-γ] and IkappaB kinase [IKK]). [7]
  3. Inflammatory transcription factors that enter nuclei and interact with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), such as nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), [8] to stimulate the transcription of:
  4. Effector mediators that are released into tissue, including [9]:
    • Pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. interleukin 1, 1β, and 6 [IL-1], IL-1β and IL-6] and tumour necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]); and,
    • Pro-inflammatory enzymes (e.g. cyclooxygenases [COX] and lipoxygenases [LOX]), which promote arachidonic acid inflammatory pathways (e.g. prostaglandin, thromboxane and leukotriene activity).

These inflammatory mediators act upon immune and vascular cells at the site of tissue damage, which promote the cardinal signs of inflammation in response to injury: heat, swelling, redness and pain. [10]

A Natural Alternative for Acute Pain

To alleviate the symptoms of acute inflammation, paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are among the most widely used analgesics globally. [11] However, for many individuals who take these over the counter (OTC) medicines, complete relief may be difficult to achieve with a single agent. [12] Moreover, single doses above maximum recommendations (i.e. >400 mg of ibuprofen [NSAID] and >1,000 mg of paracetamol) may result in higher risks of adverse events [†]. [13] Providing a natural option, curcumin and boswellia within Rhuleave-K™ has been shown to relieve musculoskeletal pain within 63 minutes. [14] Moreover, these analgesic herbs have been shown to achieve comparable outcomes to paracetamol [15] and NSAIDs. [16],[17] As such, this combination can offer individuals an effective alternative to OTC pain treatments.

Enhanced Herbal Efficacy with SPEEDTECH™

Unique to the manufacture of Rhuleave-K™, proprietary SPEEDTECH™ technology [‡] enhances curcumin and boswellia absorption, helping to overcome the low bioavailability of these extracts. [18],[19] By combining natural ingredients through a high-speed milling process, SPEEDTECH™ micronises botanical particles within a phospholipid-rich base of sesame oil [20] to create a highly bioavailable dispersion of active compounds. For this reason, specialised SPEEDTECH™ technology can maximise the anti-inflammatory benefits of Rhuleave-K™ for greater clinical effects (Figure 1). [21],[22],[23],[24]


Figure 1: Innovative SPEEDTECH™ technology designed to enhance curcumin and boswellia absorption.

Actions

Anti-inflammatory

Boswellia and curcumin possess therapeutic actions that target several stages of inflammation. For example, boswellia inhibits intermediate messenger molecule IKK in vitro, thereby limiting its effect on promoting NFκB activation. [25] Subsequently, boswellia downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6, which may help to mitigate acute inflammatory pain. [26] Additionally, boswellia blocks the activity of the enzyme, 5-LOX, [27],[28] thereby reducing leukotriene B4 synthesis in vitro, which plays a key role in attracting pro-inflammatory cells into tissues (e.g. neutrophils and eosinophils). [29] In animals, these properties have been shown to achieve greater anti-inflammatory effects in combination with COX inhibitors, highlighting the adjunctive treatment benefits of boswellia. [30]

Curcumin also moderates the inflammatory response. [31] Specifically, curcumin binds to TLRs and PPAR-γ, which inhibit NFκB and other transcriptional signalling molecules that promote inflammatory pathways (e.g. Janus kinase [JAK] and signal transducer and activator of transcription [STAT]). [32] Through these mechanisms, curcumin has been observed to lower cytokine levels, such as TNF-α, IL-1, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8. [33],[34] Moreover, through downregulating transcriptional mediators, curcumin reduces the expression of COX-2 and 5-LOX in vitro, which promote the release pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. [35],[36] This dual action of curcumin on both these enzymes may provide potential advantages over NSAIDs that target COX-2 pathways alone. [37] Interestingly, human studies have shown curcumin-containing extracts to reduce COX-2 levels as effectively as to NSAIDs, [38] further supporting the benefits of curcumin compared to OTC pain relief.

Analgesic and Antinociceptive

Through targeting sensory pain receptors (nociceptors), analgesic agents can help to reduce pain perception. This in turn can help minimise pain sensitivity. [39],[40] Curcumin has been shown to reduce nociception via transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), which are linked to heightened pain sensitivity. [41],[42] In addition, curcumin also stimulates adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium channels that block nociceptor activation, which further dampens pain transmission. [43] Further to this, evidence indicates that curcumin can activate alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7-nACh), also associated with reducing nociceptive pain. [44] Demonstrating these effects, curcumin has been shown to limit pain sensitivity following injury in animals, [45] supporting its analgesic properties.

Clinical Applications

Acute Pain

Human clinical data supports the efficacy of Rhuleave-K™, which is comparable to a single dose of acetaminophen (paracetamol). This was demonstrated in a randomised open-label study conducted in 88 healthy subjects (mean age 42 ± 12 years) with grade 1 musculoskeletal strain [§].[46] Individuals received 1,000 mg/d Rhuleave K (equivalent to 266 mg/d curcumin and 1,000 mg/d boswellia extract; n=44) with breakfast or 1,000 mg of acetaminophen (n=44) and were monitored over six hours daily for seven days. Outcomes of the study revealed Rhuleave-K™ offered equal benefit to acetaminophen (p<0.001), achieving noticeable pain relief within 2.5 hours (Figure 2). After six hours, Rhuleave-K™ reduced total pain by 53.1% versus 55.4% in the pharmaceutical group, and lowered pain intensity by 37.7% comparable to acetaminophen (38.6%). Further, natural treatment improved pain quality and intensity after seven days by 71.8%, akin to OTC drug treatment (73.6%). [47]


Figure 2: Pain reduction with Rhuleave-K™ treatment was comparable to acetaminophen (p<0.001). [48]


The fast-acting benefits of Rhuleave-K™ were documented in 232 healthy individuals (mean age 36.4 years) with exercise-induced muscle pain. These patients received either Rhuleave-K™ (n=116) or placebo (n=116) and were monitored over six hours. [49] Results revealed a reduction of severe pain from greater than 74% to less than 3% in the head, neck, upper and lower limbs, torso and back (p<0.001). This demonstrated a relative >95% improvement in pain with Rhuleave-K™, while no significant relief occurred in the placebo group. Researchers also observed that perceived pain relief occurred around 63 minutes with active treatment. Further, complete pain relief in the head, neck, upper and lower limb, torso, and back was achieved in 3.1 hours. [50] As such, these studies support the anti-inflammatory effects of Rhuleave-K™.

Clinical evidence also supports the use of curcumin to minimise muscle pain following exercise. In a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised-controlled clinical trials, researchers analysed data from 159 participants (aged 19.5 to 35.5) with muscle soreness. [51] These individuals received 150 mg/d to 6,000 mg/d of curcumin featuring enhanced bioavailability. Pooled statistics revealed that 150 mg/d to 180 mg/d of curcumin achieved a near significant effect in reducing muscle soreness (p<0.051). Further evaluation revealed this effect was significant in reducing pain in untrained individuals (p<0.001) following resistance exercise (p<0.001) after 72 and 96 hours (p<0.034; p<0.001). [52]

Additionally, curcumin has also been observed to reduce inflammatory arthritic pain. [53],[54] For instance, in a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 24 rheumatoid arthritis patients (mean age 36) received 250 mg of curcumin twice daily [**] or placebo for 90 days. Results from this study revealed a 78.1% improvement in joint tenderness and a 80.4% reduction swelling versus 4.4% and 3.7% improvement in the placebo group respectively. [55] Collectively, this research indicates that ingredients within Rhuleave-K™ can deliver fast-acting pain relief.

Table 1: Clinical evidence for curcumin and Boswellia contained within Rhuleave-K™

Rhuleave-K™

CONDITION

DOSE + FORM

INTERVENTION

OUTCOME

Healthy subjects (mean age 42 ± 12 years) with grade 1 musculoskeletal strain (<5% loss of function [56]) experiencing acute pain rated 60% to 65% (n=88). [57]

Single dose 1,000 mg/d Rhuleave-K™ (equivalent to 266 mg/d curcumin + 1,000 mg/d boswellia) with breakfast

vs.

1,000 mg acetaminophen (paracetamol)

7 days; Randomised open-label study.

Pain reduction from baseline with Rhuleave-K™ treatment was comparable to acetaminophen (p<0.001). Both treatments achieved noticeable pain relief within 2.5 hours. Within 6 hours, Rhuleave-K™ achieved a 53.1% reduction in total pain comparable to 55.4% with acetaminophen, as well as 37.7% improvement in pain intensity vs. 38.6% with acetaminophen. After 7 days, Rhuleave-K™ improved pain quality and intensity by 71.8% compared to 73.6% in the acetaminophen group. [58]

Healthy subjects (mean age 36.4 years) with exercise-induced acute muscle pain (grade 1) rated at 80% (n=232). [59]

Single dose 1,000 mg/d Rhuleave-K™ (equivalent to 266 mg/d curcumin + 1,000 mg/d boswellia)

vs.

placebo

6 hours; Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Pain rated between 74% to 86% in the head, neck, upper and lower limbs, torso, and back was reduced down to 0% to 3% after six hours with Rhuleave-K™ (p<0.001), improving relative pain scores by >95%. No significant pain relief was observed in the placebo group. Perceived pain relief occurred around 63 minutes with Rhuleave-K™. Complete pain relief with Rhuleave K in the head, neck, upper and lower limb, torso, and back occurred around 3.1 hours. [60]

Curcumin

159 participants (aged 19.5 to 35.5) with exercise-induced muscle damage and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). [61]

150 mg/d – 6,000 mg/d curcumin featuring enhanced bioavailability delivery systems

24 hours to 56 days; Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised-controlled clinical trials.

Pooled data analysis revealed that <180 mg/d of curcumin across 4 clinical trials achieved a near significant effect in reducing muscle soreness in adults (p<0.051). Further analysis found curcumin to effectively reduce muscle soreness in untrained individuals (p<0.001), in response to resistance exercise (p<0.001) after 72 and 96 hours (p<0.034; p<0.001). [62]

937 patients (age >40+) with degenerative knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis rated >50% severity. [63]

500 mg/d - 1,500 mg/d of mixed curcuminoids or isolated curcumin extract

vs. NSAIDs or placebo

4 to 12 weeks; Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised-controlled clinical trials.

Meta-analysis data revealed no significant difference in subjective pain outcomes between turmeric extracts/ curcumin with pain medication (i.e. 800 mg/d to 1,200 mg/d of ibuprofen, and 50 mg/d to 100 mg/d of diclofenac sodium; p<0.10). [64]

80 patients (mean age 64) with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. [65]

30 mg TDS of curcuminoids (predominantly curcumin)

vs.

25 mg TDS diclofenac sodium (NSAID)

28 days; Randomised single-blind study.

Effects of curcumin-containing extract on reducing inflammatory enzyme activity (COX-2) (that precipitates osteoarthritic knee pain) was comparable to NSAIDs (p<0.001). [66]

36 patients (mean age 36) with rheumatoid arthritis with ‘high disease activity level’ [67] using validated disease activity scale. [68]

250 mg BD dose of curcumin (n=12) [††]

vs. 500 mg BD dose of curcumin (n=12)

vs.

placebo (n=12)

90 days; Randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Outcomes revealed that 250 mg BD of curcumin within an enhanced bioavailability delivery system led to a 78.1% reduction in joint tenderness, and lowered swelling by 80.4%. Comparable outcomes were observed in the 500 mg BD group resulting in an 88% reduction in tenderness and 84.8% less swelling (p<0.001).

Outcomes in the placebo group were minimal, lowering joint tenderness by 4.4% and swelling by 3.7% (p>0.05). [69]



Key: BD: twice daily; TDS: thrice daily


Safety Information

Disclaimer: In the interest of supporting health Practitioners, all safety information provided at the time of publishing (Oct 2025) has been checked against authoritative sources. Please note that not all interactions have been listed.

For further information on specific interactions with health conditions and medications, refer to clinical support on 1800 777 648(AU), 0508 227 744(NZ) or via email, anz_clinicalsupport@metagenics.com, or via Live Chat www.metagenics.com.au, www.metagenics.co.nz


Pregnancy

  • Caution.Safety has not been conclusively established during pregnancy. Practitioner discretion is advised when prescribing for use in pregnancy due to the following cautions:
    • Boswellia: Evidence states that there is no increased risk of harm to the foetus from limited use in woman.However, traditional text states that boswellia is contraindicated during pregnancy. A review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration states ‘reports in Indian literature say that the resin from boswellia may be an emmenagogue and induce abortion.’

Breastfeeding

  • Limited/unavailable research. A review did not identify any concerns for use during breastfeeding; however, safety has not been conclusively established.

Contraindications

  • Allergy or Hypersensitivity: Contact dermatitis and a single case of anaphylaxis has been reported from turmeric, which contains curcumin. Sesame may also cause anaphylaxis in those who are allergic. Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to turmeric, curcuminoids or sesame.

Cautions

  • Anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs: Turmeric may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, research is conflicting.
  • Antidiabetic drugs: Theoretically, taking turmeric with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
  • Calcium channel blockers: Taking turmeric with amlodipine may increase levels of amlodipine
  • Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy: It has generally been thought that antioxidants may interfere with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy by decreasing the efficacy of the treatment. However, review studies have found that antioxidants are safe to use in conjunction with these treatments. Given the serious nature of the condition, it is still advisable to check with a patient’s oncologist before recommending a formula containing antioxidants, then use cautiously and only under the supervision of the oncologist.
    • Whilst curcumin has been shown to enhance chemotherapy in ovarian cancer, it may suppress chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in breast cancer. Curcumin was found to inhibit chemotherapeutic effects by reducing camptothecin-, mechlorethamine- or doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells and reducing the effectiveness of cyclophosphamide in an in vivo mouse model. In contrast, curcumin has also been shown to augment the cytotoxic effects of other chemotherapeutic drugs, including doxorubicin, tamoxifen, cisplatin and camptothecin, 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, daunorubicin, vincristine, and melphalan, with no effect on the toxicity of etoposide, daunorubicin, and idarubicin. Use with caution and only under the supervision of a patient’s oncologist.
  • Cytochrome P450 (CYP) CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and/or CYP3A4 substrates: Theoretically, Boswellia and/or Curcumin might increase the levels of drug substrates.
  • Hepatotoxic: Theoretically, turmeric might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
  • Immunosuppressants: Theoretically, Boswellia serrata might alter the effects of immunosuppressive drugs. In vitro studies suggest that Boswellia serrata extracts may inhibit autoimmune mediators like leukotrienes and suppress antibody production and cell-mediated immunity, while other research indicates that boswellic acids with a keto group, when combined with calcium ions, can stimulate immune responses through specific cell signalling pathways.
  • Methotrexate: Theoretically, turmeric might have additive effects when used with hepatotoxic drugs such as methotrexate.
  • Sulfasalazine: Turmeric might increase the effects and adverse effects of sulfasalazine.
  • Talinolol (a cardioselective beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure): Turmeric may reduce the absorption of talinolol in some situations.
  • Tamoxifen: Theoretically, turmeric might reduce the levels and clinical effects of tamoxifen.
  • Tramadol: Theoretically, turmeric might increase or decrease levels of tramadol.
  • Warfarin: Turmeric might increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.

Footnotes


[*] Phospholipids possess stabilising, emulsifying and solubilising properties that can enhance the delivery of therapeutic compounds.

[†] Negative side effects associated with NSAIDs include gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal side effects; negative effects associated with acetaminophen are related to hepatotoxicity.

[‡]SPEEDTECH™ is a proprietary high-speed mixture method that involves specialised milling micronisation technology to create a highly bioavailable dispersion of therapeutically active compounds.

[§] Grade 1 muscle strain is characterised by <5% loss of muscle function.

[**]Curcumin within an enhanced delivery matrix format equivalent to 10-fold greater absorption than natural curcumin.

[††]Curcumin with an enhanced delivery matrix format equivalent to 10-fold greater absorption than natural curcumin.

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