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Clinical Studies Behind Every Bottle Created
Before an ingredient becomes part of a Rooted Nature product, our team looks at the human research behind it — randomized trials, systematic reviews, and peer-reviewed studies indexed through PubMed and NIH resources.
Explore Our Areas of Research
Our products are built around published scientific research, with formulations guided by evidence, ingredient quality, effectiveness, and long-term wellness support.
Joint Pain & Osteoarthritis
Research on joint pain, arthritis, and joint function.
Muscle Strength and performance
Research on muscle strength, physical performance, and recovery
Inflammation & Biomarkers
Research on inflammation and measurable health biomarkers
Mobility & Physical Recovery
Research on mobility, movement, and physical recovery.
Absorption & Bioavailability
Research on mobility, movement, and physical recovery.
Stress & Cortisol
Research on stress, cortisol, and stress-related outcomes.
Cognition & Healthy Aging
Research on cognition, brain health, and healthy aging.
Clinical Study #1 : Improving Knee Pain and Mobility in Osteoarthritis
Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Dugall M, et al.
Efficacy and Safety of Meriva®, a Curcumin-phosphatidylcholine Complex, during Extended Administration in Osteoarthritis Patients.
Alternative Medicine Review. 2010;15(4):337-344.
Summary: 100 adults with knee osteoarthritis were studied over 8 months. One group continued standard osteoarthritis care, while the other group used standard care plus Meriva® curcumin-phosphatidylcholine complex, taken daily at 1,000 mg/day.
Results: Adults that took curcumin phytosome (Meriva®), showed significant improvements in joint pain, stiffness, physical function, walking ability, and inflammatory markers compared with the control group. Total WOMAC score improved from 80.6 to 33.3, and walking distance increased from 77.3 meters to 344.4 meters. The study suggests that curcumin Phytosome (Meriva®) may support long-term joint comfort and mobility in people with knee osteoarthritis.
Clinical Study #2 : Reducing Exercise Induced Muscle sorness in Lower Limb
Drobnic F, Riera J, Appendino G, et al.
Reduction of delayed onset muscle soreness by a novel curcumin delivery system (Meriva®): a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2014;11:31.
Figure 3 Pain intensity: Patient-reported pain intensity in the right thigh (RT), left thigh (LT), right leg (RL), left leg (LL) and total pain score (the sum of the scores of each lower limb).
Summary: 19 healthy, moderately active men completed an intense downhill running test designed to cause muscle soreness. One group received placebo, while the other group took Meriva® curcumin phytosome twice daily for 4 days, starting 48 hours before exercise.
Results: Adults that took curcumin phytosome (Meriva®), reported less lower-limb pain compared with placebo, with significant reductions in both right and left anterior thigh pain. MRI results also showed fewer signs of muscle injury in the Meriva® group, especially in the posterior and medial thigh areas. The study suggests that curcumin phytosome (Meriva®), may help support post-exercise muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and protect against exercise-related muscle damage.
Clinical Study #3 : Improved Curcumin Absorption in the Body
Cuomo J, Appendino G, Dern AS, et al.
Comparative Absorption of a Standardized Curcuminoid Mixture and Its Lecithin Formulation
Journal of Natural Products. 2011;74:664–669
Figure Caption: The x-axis shows time after supplementation (hours), while the y-axis shows the concentration of total curcuminoids in the blood (ng/mL). High-dose curcumin phytosome (◆) and low-dose curcumin phytosome (■) achieved substantially higher blood curcuminoid levels than the unformulated curcuminoid mixture (▲), demonstrating improved absorption.
Summary: Nine healthy adults participated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study comparing curcumin phytosome (a curcumin-phospholipid complex) with an unformulated curcuminoid mixture. Each participant received three treatments on separate study days, including low-dose curcumin phytosome (209 mg curcuminoids), high-dose curcumin phytosome (376 mg curcuminoids), and an unformulated curcuminoid mixture (1,799 mg). Blood samples were collected over 24 hours to compare the absorption of curcuminoids into the bloodstream.
Results: Adults who received curcumin phytosome demonstrated approximately 29-fold greater curcuminoid absorption than those receiving the unformulated curcuminoid mixture. The phytosome formulation also achieved significantly higher blood concentrations of curcumin despite delivering lower doses. The study suggests that curcumin phytosome significantly improves the bioavailability of curcumin compared with raw curcuminoids, enhancing its absorption and bioavailability within the body.
Clinical Study #4 : Improving Knee Pain and swelling in osteoarthritis
Kimmatkar N, Thawani V, Hingorani L, et al.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Boswellia serrata Extract in Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee – A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
Phytomedicine. 2003;10:3–7.
Figure Caption: The graph compares post-treatment symptom scores after 8 weeks. Participants who received Boswellia serrata extract reported lower pain, reduced swelling, and improved joint movement compared with the placebo group.
Summary: Thirty adults with knee osteoarthritis (ages between 45 to 72 years) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Participants received either Boswellia serrata extract (333 mg, three times daily) or placebo for 8 weeks, followed by a washout period before switching treatments. Researchers evaluated knee pain, swelling, physical function, walking ability, and joint flexibility to assess the efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract.
Results: Adults who received Boswellia serrata extract reported significant reductions in knee pain and swelling, along with improved knee flexion, walking distance, stair climbing, and overall physical function compared with placebo. The extract was well tolerated, with only minor gastrointestinal side effects reported however no radiological change was observed. The study suggests that Boswellia serrata may help support joint comfort, mobility, and physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis.
Clinical Study #5 : Improving Knee Pain & Function in osteoarthritis
Majeed M, Majeed S, Narayanan NK, et al.
A pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel Boswellia serrata extract in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee.
Food Science & Nutrition. 2019;7(3):1023–1038.
Figure Caption: Radiological X-ray images of two patients (Subjects #06 and #09) with knee osteoarthritis, taken before and after 120 days of Boswellia serrata extract (BSE) treatment. After treatment, both patients showed a visible increase in the gap between the knee joints and disappearance of the bony spurs (osteophytes) that were present at baseline — indicating improvement in joint condition.
Summary: Forty-eight adults (mean age 58.7 ± 8.20 ) with knee osteoarthritis participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial lasting 120 days. Participants received either Boswellia serrata extract (Boswellin®; two tablets daily) or a placebo. The study evaluated whether Boswellia supplementation could improve knee pain, stiffness, physical function, walking ability, quality of life, and inflammatory markers while assessing overall safety and tolerability.
Results: Participants who received Boswellia serrata extract showed significantly greater improvements in knee pain, stiffness, physical function, walking distance, and overall WOMAC scores compared with placebo. Walking distance increased from 218.0 m to 297.3 m, while placebo showed only minimal improvement. The Boswellia group also demonstrated lower pain scores and reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, with no serious adverse events reported. The study suggests that Boswellia serrata may help support joint comfort, mobility, and healthy inflammatory balance in adults with knee osteoarthritis.
Clinical Study #6 : Reducing Knee Pain in osteoarthritis
Altman RD, Marcussen KC.
Effects of a Ginger Extract on Knee Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis.
Arthritis & Rheumatism. 2001;44(11):2531–2538.
Figure Caption: The x-axis shows the study visits at Weeks 2 and 6, while the y-axis represents knee pain scores (lower scores indicate less pain). Participants receiving ginger extract reported greater reductions in knee pain while standing compared with those receiving placebo.
Summary: A total of 261 adults (age 42–70 years) with moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial lasting 6 weeks. Participants received either a standardized ginger extract 170 mg extract twice daily or placebo, with acetaminophen permitted as rescue medication. The study evaluated whether ginger supplementation could reduce knee pain and improve physical function while assessing its safety and tolerability.
Results: Adults who received ginger extract experienced greater reductions in knee pain on standing and after walking compared with placebo. Sixty-three percent of participants receiving ginger met the treatment response criteria versus 50% in the placebo group. Improvements in WOMAC scores and reduced use of rescue medication also favored the ginger group, while most side effects were mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The study suggests that ginger extract may help support joint comfort and mobility in adults with knee osteoarthritis.
Clinical Study #7 : Improving Bone Health & Inflammation in osteoporosis
Salekzamani S, et al.
Effect of Ginger and Curcumin Co-Supplementation on Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Bone Turnover Biomarkers in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis: A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 2023.
Summary: A total of 120 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (mean age 58 years) participated in a triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted over 16 weeks. Participants were randomly assigned to receive curcumin (500 mg/day), ginger (500 mg/day), curcumin plus ginger (500 mg + 500 mg/day), or placebo, while continuing their standard osteoporosis treatment. The study evaluated whether combining curcumin and ginger provided greater benefits for inflammation, antioxidant status, and bone turnover than either ingredient alone.
Results: Participants who received the curcumin and ginger combination demonstrated the greatest improvements in inflammatory and antioxidant markers compared with the individual treatment groups and placebo. The combination significantly reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) while increasing total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Improvements in bone turnover markers were also observed, suggesting enhanced overall therapeutic effects. The study suggests that curcumin and ginger combination proved to be statistically superior to the individual treatments across all outcomes
Clinical Study #8 : Reducing Stress & Anxiety in Adults
Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S
A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults.
Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. 2012;34(3):255–262.
Figure caption: Percentage reduction in stress, anxiety, and cortisol after 60 days — the larger the drop (more negative), the greater the improvement. Ashwagandha outperformed placebo across all four measures: Perceived Stress Scale (-44% vs. -5.5%), GHQ-28 (-72.3% vs. -2.3%), DASS (-71.6% vs. -5%), and serum cortisol (-27.9% vs. -7.9%)
Summary: Sixty-four adults with a history of chronic stress participated in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants received either 300 mg of a high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract twice daily or placebo for 60 days. The study evaluated whether Ashwagandha supplementation could reduce stress, anxiety, and serum cortisol levels while assessing its safety and overall tolerability.
Results: Adults who received Ashwagandha root extract showed significantly greater reductions in stress and anxiety scores compared with placebo. The Ashwagandha group also experienced a significant decrease in serum cortisol, a key marker of physiological stress, while reporting improvements in self reported well-being. The supplement was well tolerated, with only mild adverse effects reported. The study suggests that Ashwagandha may help support stress resilience, emotional well-being, and healthy cortisol levels in adults.
Clinical Study #9 : Reducing Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage
Wankhede S, Langade D, Joshi K, Sinha SR, Bhattacharyya S.
Examining the Effect of Withania somnifera Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Recovery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2015;12:43.
Figure caption: Effect of Ashwagandha on muscle strength and size after 8 weeks of resistance training. Ashwagandha supplementation led to significantly greater gains than placebo in bench press strength (46.0 kg vs. 26.4 kg), leg extension strength (14.5 kg vs. 9.8 kg), arm size (8.9 cm² vs. 5.3 cm²), and chest size (3.4 cm vs. 1.4 cm), with no significant difference seen in thigh size.
Summary: A total of 57 healthy young men (aged 18 to 50 years) with little previous resistance-training experience participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial lasting 8 weeks. Participants completed a structured resistance-training program while receiving either 300 mg of Ashwagandha root extract twice daily or placebo. The study evaluated whether Ashwagandha supplementation could improve muscle strength, muscle size, recovery, body composition, and exercise performance.
Results: Participants who received Ashwagandha root extract experienced significantly greater improvements in muscle strength, muscle size, and exercise recovery than those receiving placebo. The Ashwagandha group also demonstrated larger reductions in exercise-induced muscle damage and body fat percentage, along with greater increases in serum testosterone. The supplement was well tolerated throughout the study. The study suggests that Ashwagandha may help support muscle strength, recovery, and overall physical performance when combined with resistance training.
Clinical Study #10 : Reducing Osteoarthritis Pain in Overweight Adults
Fish oil supplementation reduces osteoarthritis-specific pain in older adults with overweight/obesity
Julia C. Kuszewski, Rachel H. X. Wong, Peter R. C. Howe
Rheumatology Advances in Practice. 2020;4(2):rkaa036.
Summary: 152 sedentary adults aged 50–80 years with overweight or obesity participated in a 16-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants received fish oil providing 400 mg EPA + 2,000 mg DHA per day, either alone or with curcumin, while the control groups received matching placebos. The study evaluated chronic pain, osteoarthritis (OA) burden, microvascular function, inflammation, and well-being.
Results: Participants who took fish oil experienced a 42% reduction in overall chronic pain compared with placebo (P = 0.013). Fish oil also significantly reduced pain scores and present pain intensity (both P = 0.012). OA burden was reduced by 40% after adjustment for baseline BMI (P = 0.050). These reductions in pain and OA burden can be seen in the graph, where the fish oil group showed greater decreases across the pain measures compared with the no-fish-oil group.