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Boswellia Serrata
(Boswellia serrata Roxb.)
(Common: Frankincense)
Contents
Description
of Boswellia Serrata
Boswellia Serrata is a tree native to the
hot, arid regions of India, North Africa and the Middle East.
It's medicinal use dates back to the ancient Ayurvedic medical
tradition of India, to early Chinese herbalists and to the
Egyptian mummification process. Most westerners, however, will
readily recognize it by its common name, Frankincense, one of the
three treasures brought by the Magi in the Christmas story.
The active ingredients of Boswellia Serrata are
found in the sap of the tree, a gummy oleoresin that is purified
into a variety of substances. The gum resin is one of Ayurvedic
medicine's Guggals, a grouping of similar resins with medicinal
properties. It has been prescribed by Ayurvedic physicians for
such ailments as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diarrhea
and pulmonary disease as well as a topical for bacterial and
fungal infections, boils, skin problems and varicose veins.
It has been used cosmetically as a facial
toner and to smooth wrinkles. It has also been highly regarded as
enhancing to mental, emotional and spiritual health and has been
used in religious rituals throughout the middle and far east.
Today, Olibanum oil, also a derivative of
Boswellia Serrata tree sap, is commonly used in the modern food
industry. It's contained in beverages and food products such as
frozen dairy deserts, baked goods and puddings. It's also an
ingredient in soaps, detergents, creams and lotions. And, the
Boswellic acids, the active components of the gum resin, have more
recently been shown to have anti-inflammatory action.
- Asthma
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Crohn's Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
Clinical Applications
of Boswellia Serrata
Asthma: Boswellia extracts have long been used
in the treatment of respiratory ailments, reducing mucus
production and facilitating breathing. The results of a recent
study has been promising, showing a statistically significant
improvement in ease of breathing, reduced leukocytes in the blood
and a reduction of bronchial congestion; however, more studies are
needed to confirm these results.
Osteoarthritis/ rheumatoid arthritis: Studies
have shown that Boswellic acids have an anti-inflammatory action
which results in less pain in joints, tendons and muscles. While
recent studies have been small, indicators are that the Boswellic
acid component contributed to a greatly improved pain severity
score and an improved disability score. Stiffness, grip strength
and range of motion also improved.
Recent interest in the use of Boswellia for
inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel
disease, and asthma stems from scientific reports that Boswellia
inhibits Leukotriene synthesis. By inhibiting pro-inflammatory
mediators in the body, the signs and symptoms of inflammatory
action, redness, heat, swelling and pain are reduced.
Asthma - Asthma
is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the air ways. Leukotrienes,
notable among inflammatory agents which produce bronchospasm,
increase bronchial hyper-responsiveness, mucus production, and a
host of other symptoms are unresponsive to standard corticosteroid
administration. Boswellic acids, however, have shown in in-vitro
trials, an ability to inhibit the action of Leukotrienes. The
results of several smaller studies have yielded encouraging
results with participants exhibiting milder symptoms.
Osteoarthritis/rheumatoid
arthritis - Several animal studies have documented
the inhibition of Leukotrienes and other factors that promote
inflammation in the joints, tendons and muscles. In biochemical
studies, Boswellic acids have acted to reduce arthritis-associated
elevated enzymes. Their inhibition helps prevent their erosive
action on the connective tissue in joints.
Recommended Amounts of Boswellia Serrata
Because herbs also contain active
chemical substances which can and will interact with others, no
herb or drug should be taken without first consulting with one's
physician.
The regular recommended dosage of Zymosine is 2
capsules 3 times a day. This can be increased to 3 capsules 3
times a day if needed. Also if taken for Osteoarthritis, you may
be able to reduce your dosage after 30 to 60 days to 1 capsule 3
times a day.
Safety of
Boswellia Serrata
Boswellia Serrata is generally believed to be
safe when used as directed. Although specific trials to determine
all parameters have not been conducted, anecdotal evidence sites
minor gastrointestinal upset as the only noted side effect. It is
recommended that all supplementation be done with the guidance of
a physician.
Precautions
for Boswellia Serrata
Patients with a history of gastrointestinal or
gastroesophageal disorders should consult with their physicians
before using. Patients using blood lipid medications for high
cholesterol should be aware that Boswellia Serrata has been
associated with lower cholesterol and trigliceride levels and
could interfer with the action of that medication. Pregnant or
nursing mothers should not take Boswellia Serrata as it has been
suggested that it promotes menses.
Boswellia Serrata Research
1) Gupta I, Parihar A, Malhotra P, et al. Effects of
Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis. Eur
J Med Res 1997;2(1):37-43.
2) Gupta I, Parihar A, Malhotra P, et al. Effects of gum resin of
Boswellia serrata in patients with chronic colitis. Planta Med
2001;67(5):391-395.
3) Ammon HP. Boswellic acids (components of frankincense) as the
active principle in treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases
[article in German]. Wien Med Wochenschr 2002;152(15-16):373-378.
4) Etzel R. Special extract of Boswellia serrata (H15) in the
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Phytomed 1996;3(1):91-94.
5) Kimmatkar N, Thawani V, Hingorani L, Khiyani R. Efficacy and
tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of
osteoarthritis of knee: a randomized double blind placebo controlled
trial. Phytomedicine 2003;Jan, 10(1):3-7.
6) Singh GB, Bani S, Singh S. Toxicity and safety evaluation of
boswellic acids. Phytomed 1996;3(1):87-90.
7) Singh GB, Singh S, Bani S. Anti-inflammatory actions of boswellic
acids. Phytomed 1996;3(1):81-85.
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