Quick Summary
Boswellia and Devil’s Claw are plant-based ingredients known for their natural anti-inflammatory properties. What's the difference and which is better?
When it comes to supporting joint health in horses, especially older or arthritic ones, natural anti-inflammatories can make a real difference. Two of the most popular natural ingredients used in equine joint supplements are Boswellia and Devil’s Claw — but while both have their benefits, they are not equal in strength or effectiveness.
At Equine Answers, we’ve spent years formulating supplements that deliver genuine results. Here’s what sets these two ingredients apart, and why Devil’s Claw plays such an important role in our best-selling Premier Flex Plus.
Boswellia vs. Devil’s Claw – What’s the Difference?
Both Boswellia and Devil’s Claw are plant-based ingredients known for their natural anti-inflammatory properties.
- Boswellia (also known as Indian Frankincense) contains active compounds called boswellic acids, which help reduce inflammation in joints and connective tissue. It’s a gentle, well-tolerated ingredient often used in everyday maintenance supplements.
- Devil’s Claw, on the other hand, is considerably more powerful. Its active compound, harpagoside, has strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, making it especially effective for older horses or those suffering from arthritis or stiffness.
A good indication of Devil’s Claw’s potency is that it’s prohibited in British Horse Racing and FEI competition — while Boswellia is not. This shows just how effective Devil’s Claw can be at reducing pain and inflammation naturally.
The Importance of Using the Right Devil’s Claw
Not all Devil’s Claw is created equal. Many supplements on the market use Devil’s Claw powder, which is simply the ground root of the plant. Unfortunately, this form often contains very low or even zero levels of harpagoside, meaning it delivers little to no benefit.
At Equine Answers, we take a different approach. In both Premier Flex Plus and Bute Substitute, we use the strongest available Devil’s Claw extract — ensuring a consistently high level of harpagoside in every batch. This premium extract provides a far more effective anti-inflammatory action and can make a real difference for horses struggling with joint discomfort.
Why Premier Flex Plus Is So Effective
It’s not just the strength of the Devil’s Claw extract that makes Premier Flex Plus stand out. It’s the combination of super-strength joint nutrients that work together to support mobility, reduce stiffness, and protect cartilage.
Each serving of Premier Flex Plus includes:
- Super strength Devil’s Claw extract (high in harpagoside)
- Glucosamine HCl – essential for joint structure and repair
- Chondroitin sulphate – supports cartilage health
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA) – improves joint lubrication
- MSM – a powerful natural sulphur compound that helps reduce inflammation
Together, these ingredients create one of the most potent equine joint supplements available, ideal for horses suffering from arthritis, joint stiffness, or age-related wear and tear.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a natural way to help your horse stay comfortable, flexible, and active, it’s worth understanding the difference between Boswellia and Devil’s Claw.
While Boswellia can play a useful role in mild, everyday joint support, Devil’s Claw extract — especially when used at full strength — is the more powerful choice for managing inflammation and discomfort in older or arthritic horses.
That’s why we use only the highest-quality, strongest Devil’s Claw extract in our Premier Flex Plus and Bute Substitute formulas. There’s simply nothing stronger on the market.
Discover more about Premier Flex Plus and how it can help your horse move more freely and comfortably.