Boswellia serrata (Sallaki)
Boswellia serrata (Sallaki)
Boswellia serrata belongs to the family Burseraceae. It is a moderate to large sized branching tree that grows in Southern Arabia, South Africa, and India 1. Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian Olibanum or Indian Frankincense, is one of the ancient and most valued herbs in Ayurveda 1. The gum resin exudates from the bark and is white to yellow in colour with a balsamic odour and bitter taste. In Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, the gum of Boswellia serrata is effective in treatment for arthritis, diarrhoea, ringworm, boils, fevers, sore throat, asthma, and haemorrhoids 1,2.
Nutritional Facts
The gum resin of Boswellia serrata contains monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, essential oil, sterols, tannins and pentacyclic acids (boswellic acid). The resin of Boswellia serrata is mainly made up of boswellic acid, which is responsible for its pharmacological benefits 1,2.
Published Health Benefits
1. Arthritis
Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or multiple joints. Boswellia serrata extract has been shown to reduce inflammation and swelling of the joints in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It also improves pain and physical functions 2.
2. Asthma
Boswellic acid could suppress the inflammation in the airways and block off the allergic response and hyperresponsiveness, which then improves the signs and symptoms of asthma 2,3.
3. Cholesterol
Boswellia serrata extract decreases total cholesterol and triglycerides levels, and increases the HDL cholesterol levels 2.
4. Blood Sugar Control
The gum resin of Boswellia serrata improves glycaemic control and lowers blood sugar level and HbA1c in Type 2 diabetes 2,3.
5. Cancer
Boswellia serrata showed anticancer properties in various types of cancer cells including prostate, colon, leukocytes, brain, and liver. It inhibits the growth of cancer cells and reduces angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumours), thereby potentiated cell apoptosis 2.
References:
1. Siddiqui, M. Z. (2011). Boswellia serrata, a potential anti-inflammatory agent: an overview. Indian J Pharm Sci, 73(3), 255-261. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22457547/
2. Dhaneshwar, S. S. (2019). An update on pharmacological profile of boswellia serrata. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, 49-56. doi: 10.22159/ajpcr.2019.v12i5.31260
3. Upaganlawar, A. & Ghule, B. (2009). Pharmacological activities of Boswellia serrata Roxb. – mini review. Ethnobotanical Leaflets, 766-774. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/200126782_Pharmacological_Activities_of_Boswellia_serrata_Rox
