Biological Name: Boswellia serrata

Other Names: Boswellia, Salai guggal, Indian frankincense, Boswellin

Elements Applied: Gum resin is commonly applied in herbal medicine.

Active Components: The active component, gum oleoresin, contains terpenoids, gum, and essential oils. Boswellic acids, which take responsibility for Boswellia’s effects, are found in terpenoid content of the plant. Commercially produced extracts are commonly led to 37-65% content of boswellic acids.

According to several researches, boswellic acids have been revealed to reduce inflammations, taking an action, identical to traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) applied by lots of people for inflammatory diseases. Boswellia decreases inflammatory agents (like leukotrienes) in the organism. In comparison with NSAIDS, prolonged application of boswellia won’t cause stomach conditions like ulcers.

History: According to Ayurvedic books of the ancient times, boswellia’s gummy extract belongs to a group of gum resins, which are called guggals. Conventionally, these guggals were applied for a wide range of diseases, such as ringworm, pulmonary diseases, dysentery, diarrhea, and arthritis.

Used For: The list of conditions for which boswellia is applied includes: rheumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, and bursitis.

According to a study which took place in India, Boswellia extract is more effective, reliable and less harmful for the body than conventional medicines chosen for rheumatic conditions, like Ketoprofen (hydotropic acid and benzoyl). Ketoprofen is given preference over alternative anti-inflammatory remedies like acetylsalicylic acid, phenylbutazone, and indomethacin.

Boswellic acids are reported to subdue the tissue which spreads in the area of inflammation and impedes connective tissue recovery. The method it employs when taking action is highly similar to the method employed by non-steroidal class of medicines for arthritis, though producing no adverse effects, like ulcerations and stomach complaints.

An extracted active component of boswellia can be purchased in India under the trademark of Sallaki. A bulk of researches which took place after the first study, proved Boswellia’s capacity in curing arthritis and inflammations.

Boswellia is also indicated to increase blood flow to the joints and recover the blood vessels, destroyed by pains.

During a study in which placebo or a combination of turmeric, Aswagandha, and Boswellia was given to sufferers of osteoarthritis for a period of three months, Boswellia potency was evaluated. The results were checked every two weeks. When two weeks passed, the therapy was changed, with first group taking placebo instead of Boswellia mixture, and second group taking Boswellia instead of placebo. The study was tracked for three months. People who were taking a herbal combination revealed a considerable decrease in pains and their severity.

Boswellia serrata is additionally prescribed for rheumatic arthritis, being equally effective to conventional chemical drugs, but bearing no adverse effects.

Additional Info: Boswellia is characterized by high or moderate branching, and can be found in hilly regions of India. Cutting the tree trunk one can get a gum oleoresin out of it. Its processed derivate is applied in contemporary herbal medications.

Preparation and Intake: Commercially used gummy oleoresin extract is suggested. The majority of rheumatic cases of osteoarthritis and arthritis can be helped with a 150 mg dose taken thrice a day. For instance, if your extract includes 37% boswellic acids, the dose applied should be increased to 400 mg thrice a day. Therapy course commonly takes from eight to twelve weeks.

Safety: Boswellia is commonly considered safe if taken according to recommendations. There are anecdotal reports of sickness, skin rash and diarrhea after using the herb. Any case of arthritis or osteoarthritis should be supervised by a health-care provider.