Results of a randomised, placebo-controlled, multicenter study have reportedly demonstrated Arjuna Natural’s Rhuleave-K can offer relief from acute musculoskeletal pain in multiple body parts following exercise.

The proprietary blend of turmeric extract (Curcuma longa) and frankincense (Boswellia serrata) is bound by a black sesame oil base, and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects for rapid pain relief, Arjuna says.

Joint and muscle pain continues to be one of the leading reasons for hospital visits. In fact, pain management has evolved over recent years into a major area of specialty, gaining recognition as a medical discipline in its own right.

Acute musculoskeletal pain commonly occurs as a result of overexertion in sports, or other strenuous activities like lifting weights, brisk walking, squats, running, etc., and can be a major cause of discomfort or even degradation in quality of life. 

“People will typically reach for over-the-counter pain relief agents, for managing acute pain because of the swift action,” explains Benny Antony, PhD, Joint Managing Director for Arjuna. “Consumers are also increasingly turning to complementary medicine including traditional herbal remedies and natural supplements for pain relief. However, they tend to be slow acting and can take anywher from a few days to several weeks to take effect.”

Arjuna leads a relatively young category in the nutraceutical industry, having crafted a holistic solution to rapid pain relief by joining two classic anti-inflammatory botanicals—curcuminoids and boswellia—into a proprietary, high-dissolution composition. The formula is bound by a black sesame oil base, which acts as an effective carrier and is known for its own wellness properties. The novel Speedtech technology is applied to ensure rapid, uniform dispersal of the actives, resulting in a fast-action mechanism.

The clinical study, published in the Journal of Applied Medical Sciences in March, evaluated the effect of Rhuleave-K in 232 healthy individuals suffering from acute musculoskeletal pain of the head and neck, upper and lower limbs, trunk, and general body following exercise. 

Participants were given 1,000mg of Rhuleave-K in two softgels, or a placebo. While the placebo group experienced no significant decrease in any of the five location categories of pain, the supplementation group reported pain recovery as early as 40 minutes following supplementation, with complete pain relief achieved by as early as 160 minutes. 

Subjects in the head and neck category experienced the fastest relief. The maximum length of time reported for reaching meaningful total pain relief was 216 minutes, predominantly among those subjects suffering from pain in the trunk, specifically the chest, pelvis, abdomen, and back. Supplementation was also associated with improved range of movement.

“We developed Rhuleave-K to offer consumers a natural and safe botanical aid that can deliver an immediate pain alleviation effect. Turmeric root and frankincense gum resin naturally harbor a range of biological actives and have been used for centuries in traditional medicines to relieve joint pain and inflammation,” said Antony.