Compositions are described including a combination of hydroxytyrosol and 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid. The hydroxytyrosol may be sourced from an olive extract and the 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid may be sourced from a Boswellia serrata extract. The compositions may be formulated for oral administration to a mammalian or an avian subject. Methods for preventing or reducing an inflammatory response in connective tissue are provided, the methods comprising orally administering the compositions to a subject in need thereof.