Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. It is characterized by ulceration and inflammation of the inner layers of colon and rectal tissue. Its symptoms may include frequent bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss and aching joints. Although there is no cure, dietary measures and medicines including immune system suppressors and corticosteroids, can help to keep symptoms at bay. An herb known as boswellia may also help to reduce inflammation, although evidence to prove it is an effective treatment for this condition is limited. Talk to your doctor before using it and don't use it as a substitute for medical treatments.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Derived from the resin of a plant commonly used in traditional Indian medicine, boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is sometimes used as an alternative remedy for a variety of disorders including arthritis, asthma and menstrual cramps. It is also used to alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Its main constituent, boswellic acid, is likely responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and may work by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals.
Administration
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that 550 mg of boswellia, taken three times daily for up to six weeks, has been used to treat ulcerative colitis. However, this does not necessarily mean that this dosage and treatment schedule is appropriate for you. Get in-depth advice from your doctor regarding how much boswellia you should take.
Effectiveness
Up-to-date clinical studies evaluating the role of boswellia in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are lacking. However, the results of a study published in the "European Journal of Medical Research" in January 1997 show that boswellia is as effective as the prescription anti-inflammatory drug, sulfasalazine, in decreasing symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Findings from an animal-based study published in the June 2008 issue of "Phytomedicine," show that boswellia may inhibit the formation of ulcers.
Safety Considerations
The Mississippi Baptist Health Systems website notes that no adverse effects have been linked to the use of a standardized boswellia extract. However, it adds that crude herb preparations of boswellia may not be as safe. Avoid using this herb if you have liver or kidney disease, and don't use it if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. If you experience any unusual effects while using boswellia, discontinue use and see your doctor.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Boswellia
- "European Journal of Medical Research"; Effects of Boswellia Serrata Gum Resin in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis; I. Gupta, et al.; January 1997
- "Phytomedicine"; The Gastric Ulcer Protective Effect of Boswellic Acids, a Leukotriene Inhibitor from Boswellia Serrata, in Rats; S. Singh, et al.; June 2008
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems: Boswellia
