Benefits
Better absorption of boswellic acids
In a randomized, open-label crossover study in 12 healthy volunteers given 2 x 250 mg, the lecithin form produced significantly higher and faster blood levels of most boswellic acids than the same dose of plain extract; KBA was the exception. Better absorption has not yet been shown to give better results than plain boswellia in people.
Joint comfort and inflammation markers after sports strains
In open-label registry studies, 25 young rugby players with knee pain and 35 adults with grade II ankle sprains who chose Casperome alongside standard care reported less pain and needed fewer rescue pain relievers than those on standard care alone. Inflammation markers also fell in the rugby study. People picked their own group and there was no placebo, so this evidence is preliminary.
Faster return to normal bowel habits
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 49 adults with short-term diarrhea, 250 mg twice daily for 5 days shortened the time to recovery (about 3.1 vs 4.4 days) and reduced stool frequency, belly pain and nausea. This is a single small trial co-authored by Indena staff.
Digestive comfort: bloating, cramps and bowel habits
In a 6-month study of 69 adults with mild IBS, people taking one Casperome tablet daily had lower scores for most symptoms and needed fewer rescue medicines and medical visits than people on standard antispasmodic care. In a 4-week study of 71 adults, symptoms improved in all groups, with fewer medical visits on Casperome. Neither study used a placebo, so the results are preliminary.
Mechanism of action
Lecithin delivery form
Binding the extract to lecithin helps the poorly water-soluble boswellic acids cross the gut wall. In mice, the lecithin form gave up to 7-fold higher blood levels of KBA and 3-fold higher levels of β-boswellic acid than plain extract, with higher tissue levels as well.
Prostaglandin and leukotriene pathways
Boswellic acids were long thought to work by blocking 5-lipoxygenase, which makes leukotrienes. A pharmacology review noted that blood levels of AKBA after oral boswellia are too low for that to be certain and pointed to β-boswellic acid acting on microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 and cathepsin G instead. These are lab findings.
Clinical trials
Single-dose, randomized, open-label, two-way crossover study comparing Casperome with the same plain Boswellia serrata extract at 2 x 250 mg. (Riva et al. 2016, Phytomedicine)
12 healthy volunteers.
Except for KBA, boswellic acids were absorbed significantly more and faster from Casperome, both by weight and by molar dose, reaching peak levels in the range needed to act on their lab targets. Co-authored by Indena staff.
Open-label registry study over 4 weeks; participants chose standard management alone or with daily Casperome. (Franceschi et al. 2016, Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci)
52 healthy young rugby players with acute knee pain (25 Casperome, 27 control).
The Casperome group did better on effort pain, pain-free walking distance, joint swelling, VAS pain, need for other drugs and inflammatory blood markers. There was no placebo or blinding and groups were self-selected.
Open-label supplement registry study over 7 days; participants chose standard management alone or with 250 mg Casperome daily, with ketoprofen allowed as rescue medication. (Feragalli et al. 2017, Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci)
72 otherwise healthy adults with sports-related grade II ankle sprains (35 Casperome, 37 control).
Signs and symptoms improved more with Casperome at days 3 and 7, rescue drug use was lower, and boswellic acids were measurable in blood. No side effects were reported. Self-selected groups without placebo; the authors called it a pilot study.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 250 mg Casperome twice daily for 5 days. (Giacosa et al. 2022, Nutrients)
49 adults with acute diarrhea.
Time to recovery was shorter with Casperome (3.08 vs 4.44 days), with fewer stools and less abdominal pain and nausea than placebo. Three authors are Indena employees.
Randomized comparison of one Casperome tablet daily versus standard management (diet plus antispasmodic drugs as needed), with no placebo. (Riva et al. 2019, Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol)
69 otherwise healthy adults with mild IBS.
The Casperome group had lower scores for most self-rated IBS symptoms, needed fewer rescue medications and medical visits, and had fewer minor side effects such as constipation than the standard-care group.