Arjura Natural has launched a holistic approach to analgesics with its formula Rhuleave-K, which was shown recently in a clinical trial to provide pain relief comparable to popular over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen, at the same speed, the company reports.
 
Rhuleave-K is a high-dissolution liquid composition comprised of turmeric and a resinous frankincense extract, which are combined in a black sesame oil base. The three botanicals are blended with a unique proprietary technology formulated specifically for fast relief of acute musculoskeletal pain, Arjuna said.
 
“There are a number of herbal extracts and formulations in the market that target pain and inflammation, but they are slow-acting and typically provide relief over a period of weeks,” Benny Anthony, PhD, joint managing director for Arjuna, said. “We found very limited clinical data on efficacy of herbal products for acute pain relief which is what spurred the development of this unique formula.”
 
Curcumin is extensively studied for its potent antioxidant properties, and has been shown in a catalogue of studies to modulate the body’s inflammatory response, over a broad range of inflammatory pathways. Arjuna reports that the analgesic activity of Boswellia serrata (frankincense) extract has been identified in studies focusing mostly on joint tenderness and cases of osteoarthritis. It has been shown that this extract has an inhibitory effect on the COX-2 and LOX receptors, which are channels of pain.
 
The company applies a novel delivery technology, dubbed SPEED, which ensures a fast, uniform dispersal of the active ingredients, Arjuna said. Black sesame oil functions as an effective carrier which aids in the dispersal and dissolving of fat-soluble compounds into the body. Additionally, black sesame oil has been heralded as a staple in traditional Ayurvedic medicine spanning thousands of years.
 
Tested
 
A randomized, active, controlled, open-label study published in the journal Medicine compared the pain-relieving effects of Rhuleave-K with a 1,000 mg dose of acetaminophen, with positive results.
 
“Rhuleave-K is a breakthrough pain support formula,” Anthony said. “It’s the first natural alternative to OTC meds that is able to provide meaningful relief in a short amount of time, and effectively targets most types of musculoskeletal pain, such as lower back pain, sprains, tendonitis, and joint pain. Its zero toxicity qualities means it can be safely used by nearly all consumers and all ages.”
 
The study, which involved 88 healthy subjects with acute musculoskeletal pain, randomized the participants to receive either the 1,000 mg daily dose of Rhuleave-K (treatment), or the acetaminophen (control) counterpart, and changes in pain intensity and relief were measured at six hours, 3 days, and 7 days in the week-long experiment. Researchers used the McGill Pain Questionnaire and Patient Global Impression Change in order to allow participants to self-report their symptoms.
 
According to the authors, “66% of subjects in the treatment group reported positive response in pain relief, [with at least 50% experiencing total pain relief] after 6 hours, compared to 73% of control.”
 
“73% of subjects on treatment were considered positive responders, compared to 80% in the control group,” the authors continued. “The average time of onset analgesia was one hour for the treatment group, versus 0.83 hour for the control. At the end of days 3 and 7, there was significant improvement in the pain condition of treatment group and was comparable to control (P = .436 for day 3 and P = 5.29 for day 7) […] The results showed that the treatment used in the study may act as a natural, fast-acting, and safe alternative for acute pain relief comparable to acetaminophen.”