Joint Supplements: UC-II, Boswellia and MSM Explained

Medically reviewed by Dr. Reina Punj, MBBS, PG Diploma in Endocrinology (University of South Wales), Lead Physician, Excelgenics Clinical Panel.

Joint supplements often combine several ingredients in one capsule: UC-II collagen, Boswellia, MSM, hyaluronic acid, vitamins and minerals. Each has a different background and a different level of evidence, and the amounts vary widely between products. This guide explains what each ingredient is, what the research shows, how to read a joint supplement label, and who should be careful.

Shop Mobilyn Joint Support with UC-II, MSM & Boswellia →

First, when to see a doctor

Joint pain, swelling or stiffness that lasts, keeps coming back, or limits what you can do needs a proper medical assessment. Conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis need diagnosis and treatment from a doctor, and no supplement treats them. For osteoarthritis, the NHS describes exercise as one of the most important treatments, whatever your age or fitness, and notes that being overweight puts extra strain on some joints. A supplement can only ever be one small part of looking after your joints.

Common joint supplement ingredients compared

Ingredient What it is Doses used in research Strength of evidence
UC-II (undenatured type II collagen) Collagen from chicken cartilage, processed so that its natural structure is kept 40 mg a day Promising but limited: mainly industry-funded trials
Boswellia serrata extract Resin extract from the Indian frankincense tree Varies with how the extract is standardised Moderate: a few small trials; larger, higher-quality studies needed
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) A sulphur-containing compound found in small amounts in foods 1.5–6 g a day Mixed: small trials with varying results
Hyaluronic acid (oral) A substance found naturally in joint fluid and skin Varies; short studies of 1–4 months Early: small studies, needs larger trials
Glucosamine and chondroitin Compounds related to cartilage Typically 1,500 mg glucosamine with 1,200 mg chondroitin Weak: GPs no longer prescribe them on the NHS

UC-II collagen: how it differs from other collagen

UC-II is undenatured type II collagen, the main type of collagen in cartilage. It is taken in a very small amount, usually 40 mg a day, and is not intended as a source of protein. That makes it very different from hydrolysed collagen peptides, such as the marine collagen used for skin, which are broken down into small pieces and usually taken in grams. Research on one form cannot be applied to the other. Our Marine Collagen Supplements Guide covers hydrolysed collagen for skin.

What the research shows: the largest UC-II trial was carried out at 13 centres in southern India. It included 191 adults aged 40–75 with knee osteoarthritis, who took 40 mg UC-II a day, a placebo, or glucosamine (1,500 mg) with chondroitin (1,200 mg) for 180 days. On a standard questionnaire of knee pain, stiffness and function (WOMAC), the UC-II group improved more than both the placebo group and the glucosamine-chondroitin group. Glucosamine-chondroitin did not differ significantly from placebo. The study was sponsored by the company that makes UC-II, and two of its three authors worked for that company. Results from a single sponsored trial need independent confirmation.

Boswellia benefits: what the research shows

Boswellia serrata, also called Indian frankincense, is a tree native to India, Northern Africa and the Middle East. Supplements use extracts standardised to boswellic acids, such as AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid).

A 2020 meta-analysis of 7 randomised trials (545 people with osteoarthritis) found that Boswellia and its extracts were associated with less pain and stiffness and better joint function than control treatments, with the authors suggesting at least 4 weeks of use. However, the review rested on only seven fairly small trials. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says Boswellia taken by mouth may help reduce pain linked to osteoarthritis, but that larger, higher-quality studies are needed.

MSM supplement: what the research shows

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a sulphur compound found in tiny amounts in fruit, vegetables, grains, milk, tea and coffee. Trials in people with knee osteoarthritis have given mixed results: one trial of 1.5 g a day for 12 weeks reported less pain and swelling than placebo, while a trial of 6 g a day found improvement in only a quarter of participants and no difference in stiffness. Many MSM studies used it in combination with other ingredients, which makes its own effect hard to judge. Mobilyn provides 1,000 mg of MSM a day, which is lower than the amounts used in most of these trials.

Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and zinc

Hyaluronic acid taken by mouth has been studied in small, short trials in people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. A 2018 review called the results promising but said larger, longer and better-standardised studies are needed.

Vitamin C and zinc have well-established roles: vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage, and zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. These are nutrient functions authorised in the EU register of health claims, not treatments.

What to look for in a joint supplement

What to check Why it matters Mobilyn (per 2-capsule daily serving)
UC-II amount Research has used 40 mg a day. 40 mg UC-II undenatured type II collagen
Boswellia amount and standardisation The label should state both the extract amount and what it is standardised to. 250 mg Boswellia serrata extract (65% AKBA)
MSM amount Trials have used 1.5–6 g a day. 1,000 mg
Hyaluronic acid Often included alongside collagen. 80 mg low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid
Vitamins and minerals Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage. Vitamin C 65 mg, zinc 5 mg
Other ingredients Check for anything that may interact with medicines. 5 mg black pepper extract (piperine)
Vegetarian or non-vegetarian Some joint ingredients, including UC-II, come from animal sources. Non-vegetarian (UC-II is from chicken cartilage)

No published trial has tested Mobilyn's particular combination of ingredients. The research above relates to individual ingredients, often at different doses.

How to take a joint supplement

  • Dose: follow the label. For Mobilyn, that is 2 capsules a day with water after a meal, such as breakfast or lunch.
  • Be patient and consistent: trials have lasted from 4 weeks to 6 months. Take it daily for several weeks before judging whether it suits you.
  • Keep moving: regular, suitable exercise and a healthy weight do more for joints than any supplement. A physiotherapist can suggest the right activity.
  • Check for overlap: if you also take Radia or CoQHealth, note that each also contains 5 mg black pepper extract, and Radia also contains vitamin C, zinc and hyaluronic acid. Radia is fish-derived (not suitable if you have a fish allergy) and contains CoQ10; CoQ10 can interact with warfarin and insulin.

Side effects and safety

The ingredients in joint supplements are generally well tolerated in research. MSM has mainly been linked to mild digestive discomfort, and the NCCIH describes Boswellia as likely to be safe when taken by mouth. Points to keep in mind:

  • Non-vegetarian: UC-II is derived from chicken cartilage, so Mobilyn is non-vegetarian. If you are allergic to chicken, ask your doctor before use.
  • Medicines: piperine has been shown to inhibit CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, which handle many medicines, so it can change how some medicines are processed. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you take any regular medicine, including painkillers or blood thinners.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: little is known about the safety of Boswellia in amounts above those found in food, so avoid use unless your doctor advises it.
  • Long-term use: most trials have lasted 6 months or less, so long-term safety is less well studied.
  • Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

Who might consider a joint supplement?

  • Adults who want nutritional support for their joints alongside exercise and a healthy weight
  • People who want UC-II, Boswellia and MSM together in one daily serving
  • Anyone whose doctor has confirmed that it suits them and their medicines

Interested in omega-3 as well? Our Vegan Omega-3 Guide explains what plant omega-3 can and cannot do.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best joint supplement in India?

There is no single best product. Look for ingredient amounts that match those used in research, a Boswellia extract with its standardisation stated, and a full ingredient list. Mobilyn combines 40 mg UC-II, 250 mg Boswellia serrata extract (65% AKBA) and 1,000 mg MSM with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and zinc in two capsules a day, and is made under an FSSAI licence.

What is the difference between UC-II and collagen peptides?

UC-II is undenatured type II collagen taken in milligram amounts. Collagen peptides are hydrolysed collagen, usually type I, taken in grams. They are different ingredients and have been studied separately.

Is glucosamine better than UC-II?

In the one large head-to-head trial, UC-II performed better than glucosamine with chondroitin, which did not differ from placebo. That trial was industry-sponsored. GPs no longer prescribe glucosamine or chondroitin on the NHS because there is no strong evidence that they work.

How long do joint supplements take to work?

Studies have measured changes after 4 weeks to 6 months, in people with osteoarthritis. Experiences vary, and some people notice no difference.

Can I take a joint supplement with painkillers?

Ask your doctor or pharmacist first. Piperine can change how some medicines are processed, and persistent pain that needs regular painkillers should be assessed by a doctor.

See Mobilyn Joint Support with UC-II, MSM & Boswellia →

Further reading

References

  • NHS. Osteoarthritis: treatment. nhs.uk
  • Lugo JP, Saiyed ZM, Lane NE. Efficacy and tolerability of an undenatured type II collagen supplement in modulating knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nutrition Journal. 2016;15:14. doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0130-8
  • Yu G, Xiang W, Zhang T, et al. Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 2020;20:225. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6
  • National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Boswellia. nccih.nih.gov
  • Butawan M, Benjamin RL, Bloomer RJ. Methylsulfonylmethane: applications and safety of a novel dietary supplement. Nutrients. 2017;9(3):290. doi:10.3390/nu9030290
  • Versus Arthritis. MSM (complementary and alternative treatments). versusarthritis.org
  • Guadagna S, Barattini DF, Pricop M, Rosu S. Oral hyaluronan for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Progress in Nutrition. 2018;20(4):537–544. doi:10.23751/pn.v20i4.7581
  • Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, list of permitted health claims (vitamin C, zinc). eur-lex.europa.eu
  • Bhardwaj RK, Glaeser H, Becquemont L, et al. Piperine, a major constituent of black pepper, inhibits human P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 2002;302(2):645–650. doi:10.1124/jpet.102.034728

This information is for general education and is not medical advice. Food supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition or take medication.