A native of the sandy, arid hills of India, the Boswellia serrata tree is the source of a gum resin that has been in use in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries as a treatment for arthritis, diarrhea and pulmonary disease. Studies conducted at the University of Ulm in Germany suggest that boswellia has significant anti-inflammatory effects and may indeed reduce inflammatory conditions of the joints, lungs and digestive tract.
Description
A member of the Burseraceae family, Boswellia serrata is a medium to large tree with papery bark. When injured or tapped, the trunk exudes a resin. The resin contains terpenoids from which boswellic acid, the active ingredient in boswellia, is derived. Its use in Ayurvedic tradition may be attributed to elephants: Narda G. Robinson, Doctor of Osteopathy, writes that ancient Ayurvedic healers may have watched these animals eating Boswellia. Attributing the elephants' long life and good health to the consumption of the tree, these healers sought to bring Boswellia's health benefits to their human patients.
Joint Pain
The University of Michigan Health System states that boswellic acid, the component of the resin derived from its terpenoid content, has "an anti-inflammatory action much like the conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for inflammatory conditions." Boswellia's primary anti-inflammatory component, boswellic acid, inhibits synthesis of leukotrienes, compounds in the blood which cause allergic reactions, inflammation and constriction of the blood vessels.
Asthma
Boswellia serrata is used as an adjunct to traditional asthma treatments, but caution is advised. Aetna Intelihealth suggests, "Boswellia may reduce the number of asthma attacks. It is not clear what dose is safe or effective or how boswellia may interact with other asthma treatments." Boswellic acid's ability to reduce attacks is due to its ability to inhibit leukotriene synthesis. Leukotrienes present in the blood are "major signal molecules responsible for asthma attacks," according to California State University researcher James Deal.
Digestive Disorders
A study conducted at Klinikum Mannheim der Universität in Heidelberg, Germany, indicates that boswellia's anti-inflammatory activity may be useful in controlling the symptoms of Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel condition. When compared with the pharmaceutical drug mesalazine, researchers Gerhard, Seifert, Buvari, Vogelsang and Repges concluded that the "safety and efficacy of Boswellia serrata extract H15 appears to be superior over mesalazine in terms of a benefit-risk-evaluation."
Preparation and Dosage
Boswellia serrata is available as a standardized extract in capsule form. Commercial preparations are standardized to contain 37.5 to 65 percent boswellic acids. A normal dose for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis is 300 to 400 mg 3 times a day.
Side Effects
Boswellia serrata is generally considered safe when used as directed. In rare cases, stomach upset, diarrhea and skin rash may occur. There are no known drug interactions associated with boswellia.
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