Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, is characterized by inflammation of the intestine, causing symptoms including watery diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain. There is no cure for Crohn's, but a combination of dietary measures and drug treatments can help to reduce symptoms and keep the disease under control. The herb boswellia has anti-inflammatory properties and might play a role in the treatment of Crohn's, but evidence is mixed. Talk to your doctor before incorporating it into your treatment plan.
Properties and Administration
Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, comes from the resin of a plant used in traditional ayurvedic medicine and sometimes is employed as an alternative remedy for a number of ailments including asthma, arthritis and colitis. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that its major constituent is boswellic acid and that this is likely to be responsible for most of boswellia's pharmacological activities. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 1,200 mg three times daily for up to eight weeks to reduce Crohn's-associated inflammation, but check with your doctor about the right dose for you.
Efficacy
Evidence that boswellia is an effective treatment for Crohn's disease is mixed. The results of a clinical trial by H. Gerhardt and colleagues published in the January 2001 issue of "Zeitschrift Gastroenterologie" show that boswellia extract displayed similar efficacy to mesalazine, a commonly used drug for inflammatory bowel diseases. The authors conclude that, considering both safety and efficacy, boswellia is superior to mesalazine in terms of risk versus benefit. In contrast, the results of a trial by W. Holtmeier and colleagues published in the February 2011 issue of "Inflammatory Bowel Disease" show that, although well-tolerated, boswellia is not an effective treatment for Crohn's disease.
Side Effects and Contraindications
RxList notes that boswellia is likely safe for most people but adds that it can cause side effects including abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea. Drug.com reports that although data regarding boswellia's side effect profile is limited, no side effects have been reported that required a person to discontinue treatment. Avoid using this herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Other Herbal Options
The UMMC website cites several other herbs that might help to reduce inflammation and alleviate Crohn's symptoms, including curcumin and slippery elm. Curcumin might reduce inflammation and lessen the need for anti-inflammatory drugs, while slippery elm might soothe and protect irritated digestive tract tissue. Get medical advice before incorporating either of these herbs into your Crohn's treatment plan.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Crohn's Disease
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Boswellia
- "Zeitschrift Gastroenterologie;" Therapy of Active Crohn disease with Boswellia Serrata Extract H 15; H. Gerhardt et al; January 2001
- "Inflammatory Bowel Disease;" Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial of Boswellia serrata in Maintaining Remission of Crohn's Disease: Good Safety Profile But Lack of Efficacy; W. Holtmeier et al; February 2011
- RxList: Indian Frankincense
- Drugs.com: Indian Frankincense
