Boswellia serrata, a traditional Ayurvedic herbal remedy, is used in the treatment of colitis and other inflammatory diseases. Sometimes called frankincense, the resin of the boswellia tree contains active boswellic acids, which may help to reduce leukotrienes. Chronic inflammatory diseases like colitis are affected by leukotriene production. Used in conjunction with prescription medication, complementary and herbal remedies may be beneficial in helping control the severity of colitis flares. Speak with a medical physician before taking boswellia.
Signs and Symptoms of Colitis
Ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, causes open sores and inflammation in the colon and rectum. No cure exists at this time for colitis, though medication and diet can have an effect on the frequency and severity of flares. Symptoms of a flare can include frequent diarrhea, bleeding from the rectum, bloody stool, stomach pains and joint aches.
Diagnosing Colitis
The cause of colitis is unknown. Risk factors include family history, ancestry and poor diet choices that include excessive sugar or fat from animal products. A physician may conduct a physical exam, take a stool sample, or order a colonoscopy or an X-ray of the small intestine in order to diagnose the condition.
Function of Boswellia
Boswellic acid may be considered as an alternative to prescription steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, producing less side effects and adverse reactions. A study conducted by the Department of Medicine, Medical College Jammu in India, published in 2001 in the journal "Planta Med," tested the effects of boswellia on 30 patients with colitis. Ten patients received prescription medication and the remaining 20 received boswellia. Fourteen of the 20 participants receiving boswellia went into remission compared to four out of the 10 who took the prescription medication. This study concluded that boswellia could be effective in the treatment of colitis.
Considerations
Ulcerative colitis should not be treated with only herbal remedies. Boswellia may interact with other medications. To reduce inflammation, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends a dose of 550 mg, three times per day, for up to six weeks. Boswellia may increase the risk of bleeding. People taking blood thinners or those with blood disorders should not take boswellia. Additional side effects may include upset stomach, diarrhea and heartburn. Additional scientific research is needed on the long-term healing effects of boswellia on colitis and inflammation.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- "Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift"; Boswellic Acids as the Active Principle in Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases; 2002
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Boswellia
- "Planta Med"; Effects of Gum Resin of Boswellia Serrata in Patients With Chronic Colitis; July 2001
