Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the large intestines and rectum. This disease plagues more than 500,000 people in the U.S., according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Colitis is usually treated with medication and is managed with a combination of lifestyle and dietary changes. This condition can also be treated with alternative therapies, such as hypnosis, and herbs, such as boswellia. Boswellia, with its anti-inflammatory properties, appears to be a safe, natural treatment for relieving colitis.
About Colitis
Ulcerative colitis, a painful inflammatory bowel disease, causes bleeding ulcers in the large intestine, pus, mucus and severe diarrhea. Depending on the severity of the condition, symptoms can can appear suddenly or can be brought on gradually and may include bloody stools, rectal bleeding, the urgent need to defecate, abdominal cramps, anemia, joint aches and pains, and weight loss. Individuals who suffer from ulcerative colitis are also at risk for malnutrition, arthritis, gallstones, skin rashes, eye infections, liver disease and blood clots. Doctors are still unsure of what causes colitis but, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, colitis may be influenced by a weak immune system, genetics, and environmental factors. Since prevention is not possible, managing and treating the symptoms is a patient's best option.
Boswellia
Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian frankincense, is an Ayurvedic herb, native to India, that comes from the gum resin of the boswellia tree. This herb contains the active ingredient boswellic acid that has the ability to inhibit enzymes that cause inflammation. Boswellia also seems to hold anti-arthritic and anti-proliferative properties, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The center also declares that boswellia has fewer side effects than steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and therefore may be a more viable treatment for colitis.
Scientific Evidence
The studies done on ulcerative colitis and boswellia are promising. In a study published in the July 2001 issue of "Planta Medica," researchers found that boswellia serrata is an effective treatment for colitis with minimal side effects. During this study, patients who suffered from chronic colitis were given either 900 mg of boswellia or 3 g of sulfasalazine three times a day for six weeks. Those who consumed the boswellia showed improvements in their symptoms, and 14 out of the 20 who used this herb went into remission and experienced no adverse side effects. In another study published in the June 2008 issue of "Phytomedicine," clinicians proved that boswellic acid has anti-ulcer properties in addition to its anti-inflammatory response. At a dose of 250 mg, boswellic acid appears to inhibit ulcer production and to prevent new ones from forming in laboratory rats. More studies need to be performed on humans to prove this claim. Two years later, in the September issue of "Phytomedicine," boswellia was again shown to inhibit the formation of radicals and proteases that cause inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis.
Considerations
Boswellia has few side effects but may cause abdominal cramps, stomach pain, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, the feeling of fullness and possible skin rashes. If you are allergic to boswellia, symptoms may include chest pain, respiratory issues, hives and severe inflammation of the skin. Currently, there are no known drug contraindications or interactions, but it may increase or decrease the medication's effectiveness. Boswellia should also not be used during pregnancy because it may cause birth defects or spontaneous abortion. Although this herb appears to be relatively safe, consult a physician before using it medicinally and to monitor the dosage.
References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Boswellia
- "Phytomedicine"; Modulation of the Immune System By Boswellia Serrata Extracts and Boswellic Acids; H.P. Ammon; September 2010
- "Planta Medica"; Effects of Gum Resin of Boswellia Serrata in Patients With Chronic Colitis; I. Gupta, et al.; July 2001
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- "Phytomedicine"; The Gastric Ulcer Protective Effect of Boswellic Acids, A Leukotriene Inhibitor From Boswellia Serrata, In Rats; S. Singh, et al.; June 2008
- Aetna InteliHealth: Boswellia (Boswellia Serrata)
