Boswellia is an herbal remedy derived from the resin of Boswellia serrata trees. Also called Indian frankincense, boswellia is native to India, where it has a long-standing role in ayurveda, the traditional medicinal system there. Boswellia has anti-inflammatory properties that can make it useful for relieving tendinitis, including rotator cuff tendinitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The UMMC recommends working with your health care provider to make an accurate diagnosis before beginning any treatment.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Animal research shows both anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties for boswellia extract, according to Drugs.com. Boswellia and boswellic acids, the active component, thus may provide another option for treating inflammatory disorders such as tendinitis, bursitis, arthritis and ulcerative colitis. People commonly treat these conditions with corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which have a greater risk of side effects than boswellia does.
Tendinitis
The rotator cuff includes muscles and tendons that cover the top of the upper arm bone. Rotator cuff pain sometimes results from a tear, but it also may be caused by tendinitis or a sprain. Tendinitis involves pain and inflammation of a tendon and its ligaments, often caused by repetitive movement, and is most common in the rotator cuff, elbow, wrist and thumb, knee, ankle and hip, according to the UMMC. Tendinitis may become chronic if not treated properly with rest, strengthening exercises or physical therapy, cautions the UMMC, but boswellia may help relieve the inflammation as an alternative to drug treatment.
Usage
Boswellia is available as a liquid extract or dried extract in capsules and tablets. Look for products containing at least 60 percent boswellic acids for best results. For tendinitis inflammation, the UMMC recommends 300 to 400 mg of boswellia three times daily.
Expert Insight
The UMMC notes that boswellia has not been studied specifically for tendinitis. It has, however, been studied for arthritis inflammation and pain. A study published in the January 2003 issue of "Phytomedicine," for instance, found that patients with knee osteoarthritis who took boswellia for eight weeks experienced reduced knee pain, reduced frequency of knee joint swelling, increased knee bending ability and increased walking distance.
Side Effects
Boswellia is unlikely to cause side effects. Some people experience minor stomach upset when taking this supplement. Boswellia may increase the risk of bleeding, so the UMMC recommends consulting your doctor about this herb if you also take medication with blood-thinning effects.
