Medical investigations have shown that the gum-oleoresin, known as ‘salai guggul’, is beneficial in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and ulcerative colitis with no side effects as those seen with traditional drugs of choice. Boswellia was also found to improve blood supply to the joints and restore integrity of vessels weakened by spasm.
According to a review of unpublished studies, preliminary double-blind trials have found boswellia effective in relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Two placebo-controlled studies, involving a total of 81 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, reported significant reductions in swelling and pain over the course of 3 months.
In one study conducted at the Government Medical College in Jammu, India, nearly 60 percent of arthritic patients tested experienced good to excellent results against stiffness and pain. Over three-quarters of the patients in the study were either bedridden or incapacitated from doing normal work. Within two to four weeks after starting on the B. serrata extract, they reported a lessening of morning joint stiffness, pain, and improved grip strength. In another study of 26 patients suffering from arthritic knees, dramatic improvement was experienced within four weeks.
A German review published in 2002 documents the effectiveness of boswellic acids in treating arthritis, chronic ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, bronchial asthma and reactive swelling around a brain tumour, as shown by clinical trials.
Experimental and clinical usage of boswellia indicates it has none of the side effects on blood pressure, heart rate of the gastric irritation and ulcers associated with many antiinflammatory and antiarthritic drugs. It is now an approved herbal medicine in India for use against osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, soft tissue rheumatism, low back pain, myositis and fibrositis.
Animal studies have suggested that boswellia lowers cholesterol and triglyceride (a type of fat) levels in the blood. In other controlled human studies, boswellia was shown to decrease the duration of bronchial asthma, possibly by blocking formation of the chemicals that cause the blood vessels to contract. Also has shown to be effective in epilepsy.
Traditional ayurvedic medicine has also used the gummy resin from the boswellia tree to treat diarrhoea, dysentery, lung disease and worms.
Recommended Dosage
1 to 3 g powder of purified exudate.
Contraindication
The gum is not recommended for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. Rare cases of nausea, diarrhoea or allergic skin rash have been reported as side effects.
The Benefits and Side Effects of Boswellia Serrata
Habitat: Boswellia serrata is endemic to India and Pakistan.
Description: The plant is a deciduous branching medium-sized tree of the Burseraceae family. The bract is gray and papery and the leaves are green and alternate. The tree produces white flowers.
There are sixteen known species in the genus Boswellia, including Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carteri but it is Boswellia serrata that is mostly used in herbal medicine, mainly for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Plant Parts Used: The tree trunk produces resin (oleoresin) which is purified and then used as an extract in medicinal applications. The hardened resins are called tears.
Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of Boswellia Serrata
Traditional ayurvedic medicine has used the gummy resin from the boswellia tree to treat arthritis, diarrhea, Crohn’s disease, dysentery, lung disease and worms.
In herbal medicine, boswellia is best known for its use in treating arthritis. The active ingredient, boswellic acid, in the resin is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
It has also been said to have pain relieving properties.
These two properties could make it an effective remedy for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Boswellia serrata extract has also shown promise in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood and liver. This makes it an effective agent in lowering overall cholesterol levels.
The extract also has a mild sedative effect, as well. This effect is a welcome side effect and aids in the pain relief effect on arthritic joints.
Asthma has been treated successfully using boswellia serrata extract. It helps to relax the bronchial passageways.
It has also been used to treat Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis effectively, as well.
Some research shows promise in the immunity boosting properties of boswellia extract use
Dosage and Administration.
Boswellia is available in tablets, capsules, or in a liquid form of the extract from the gum resin. The liquid form can be made into an ointment to be applied topically.
Customary daily dosages are usually between 300 and 500 mg of the extract three times daily. The actual recommended dosage of boswellic acid is 150 mg three times per day.
Since many herbal remedies are standardized to different percentages of active ingredients (especially boswellic acid) it is important to follow manufacturer recommendations.
The topical application can be used as needed to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints, not to exceed 5 applications in a 24 hour period.
Potential Side Effects of Boswellia Serrata
Side effects from boswellia use are rare, but occasionally nausea, diarrhea, or skin rash may occur.
There are no confirmed documented contraindications or drug interactions but the herb might increase the effects or toxicity of some.
It should not be used by pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding.
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