Boswellin Boswellia Serrata Extract
Also known as: Frankincense, Indian frankincense, Salai guggul, *Boswellia serrata* L., Boswellia serrata
Overview
Boswellia serrata is a tree indigenous to India and the Middle East, known for its resin that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The resin is rich in bioactive compounds, particularly boswellic acids, which are primarily responsible for its therapeutic effects. Boswellia serrata extract is commonly utilized for its anti-inflammatory properties aimed at treating conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Research on this extract is well-established with numerous clinical trials and systematic reviews indicating its efficacy, particularly in managing inflammatory conditions. The extract is available in various forms, including resin and powders, making it accessible for therapeutic use.
Benefits
The primary evidence-backed benefit of Boswellia serrata is pain relief and improved physical function in patients suffering from osteoarthritis, with a systematic review indicating significant reductions in pain scores and functional improvements. For example, enriched extracts have shown a mean pain reduction of 17 points on a 100-point visual analog scale over 90 days. Secondary benefits include positive effects on lipid profiles and glycemic markers in type 2 diabetes patients, although the evidence for this is not as robust. Osteoarthritis patients stand to benefit the most, experiencing clinically significant improvements in both pain and function as early as five days into treatment.
How it works
Boswellia serrata extracts, particularly containing boswellic acids, primarily exhibit their anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme, a key player in leukotriene synthesis. This inhibition leads to a reduction in inflammatory mediators such as TNFα, hs-CRP, and IL-6, contributing to its therapeutic effects in various inflammatory conditions. The extract's action is systemic, impacting multiple inflammatory pathways and conditions.
Side effects
Overall, Boswellia serrata is considered safe with few reported serious adverse effects. Common side effects that may occur in over 5% of users include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea. Less commonly reported side effects occur in less than 5% of individuals, and there is no robust evidence of rare serious side effects. There is limited knowledge on drug interactions; caution is advised when combining it with other anti-inflammatory medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as those with bleeding disorders or upcoming surgeries, should avoid using this supplement due to potential anti-inflammatory effects.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for *Boswellia serrata* appears to be around 100 mg per day, with an optimal range of 300 mg to 600 mg per day noted for significant benefits in osteoarthritis management. The maximum safe dose is not well established but has reached up to 1200 mg per day in studies without major adverse effects reported. Improvements can be seen as early as five days after starting supplementation, with benefits continuing over a 90-day period. Both resin and powdered forms are available; however, resin is more commonly studied.
FAQs
Is *Boswellia serrata* safe to use?
*Boswellia serrata* is generally safe but should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with bleeding disorders.
How quickly can I expect results?
Most users experience noticeable improvements in pain and function within 5 days of consistent use.
Can it cure my condition?
It is not a cure but a complementary therapy that may significantly reduce symptoms, particularly in osteoarthritis.
Research Sources
- https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD002947.pub2/full – A systematic review addressing *Boswellia serrata*'s efficacy in osteoarthritis, noting significant pain and function improvements based on 49 studies involving 5980 participants.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/clinical-diabetes-and-healthcare/articles/10.3389/fcdhc.2024.1466408/full – A systematic review investigating *Boswellia serrata* in type 2 diabetes, reporting positive effects on lipid profiles, though with variability across studies.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1428440/full – This randomized controlled trial demonstrated significant improvements in pain and function in 98 subjects with osteoarthritis, affirming the extract's effectiveness.