Boswellia
Botanical Description / Habitat
Boswellia Carteri
Boswellia glabra
Boswellia serrata
Family
Burseraceae
See also Frankincense (Boswellia Thurifera)
Common Names
Boswellia
Boswellin
Indian Frankincense
Salai guggal
Habitat
Somalia and parts of Saudi Arabia.
Description
Small tree, with white flowers.
Medicinal Parts
Bark and trunk. The resin is obtained from incisions made on the trunk.
This is a close relative of the Biblical frankincense and myrrh.
Historical Properties & Uses
In Ayurvedic medicine, Indian Frankincense is used to treat chronic rheumatic inflammation.
The gum is credited with astringent, stimulant, expectorant, diuretic, diaphoretic, antipuretic, stomachic emmenagogue, ecbolic and antiseptic properties. It is reported to be useful in ulcers, tumours, goitre, cystic breast, diarrhea, dysentery, piles, asthma, bronchitis, chronic laryngitis, jaundice, syphilitic and skin diseases. It is used in the preparation of an ointment for sores and is used with butter in syphilis.
A commercial product, Boswellin, is now also being marketed in the West as a natural alternative to NSAIDs.
It has also demonstrated benefit in ulcerative colitis. (Gupta, 1997)
In one recent study patients reported reduced pain and disability but radiological assessment showed no change. (Kulkarni, 1991)
Method of Action
Predominantly resins (60%) e.g. boswellic acids.
Boswellic acid is now known to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of leukotrienes that maintain inflammation.
The gum-resin is reported to possess, sedative and analgesic activity. The extract of the gum exudate (oleo-gum-resin) is thought to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
There are no known interactions.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
Frankincense can cause mild irritation of the skin, while internally it is a mild carminative.
Otherwise no major hazards, or side effects, are reported with proper administration.
Preparation & Administration
The resin is collected after it hardens (3 months) on the trunk.
Patients received 350 mg t.i.d. for 6 weeks.
A typical herbal supplement in the US may comprise:
One 200 mg standardized capsule (65% Boswellic acids) daily.
References:
Gruenwald, J, Brendler, T & Jaenicke, C (Eds.): PDR for Herbal Medicines. Medical Economics, NJ. 1998.
Gupta, I et al., Eur. J. Med. Res. 1997, 2(1):37-43.
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
References:
Facts and Comparisons. The Lawrence Review of Natural Products. Jun, 1998.
Gruenwald, J, Brendler, T & Jaenicke, C (Eds.): PDR for Herbal Medicines. Medical Economics, NJ. 1998.
Gupta, I et al., Eur. J. Med. Res. 1997, 2(1):37-43.
Pachnanda et al., Ind. J. Pharmacol., 1981;13: 63.
Safayhi H. et al., J. Pharm. Expt. Ther., 1992; 261:1143.
R.S. Pardhy and S. Bhattacharya, ß-Boswellic acid, acetyl-ß-Boswellic acid, Acetyl-II-keto-ß-boswellic acid andII-keto-ß-boswellic acid, Indian J. Chemistry, 1978 ; 16B : 176-178. The Wealth of Asia, P.I.D.,C.S.I.R., 1996, New Delhi.
| Signup Free Applied Health Journal |
||||
|
FREE Sample Issue Your email address is all we need to start you on a better path to health. We respect your privacy.
|
