Boswellin

Boswellin® (Boswellia Serrata Extract) – 300 mg 

What is Boswellia Serrata Extract?

Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is extracted from the resin of Boswellia species and has been used as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies and in medicines since time immemorial. Boswellia serrata is an extract from the Boswellia serrata tree that is found in parts of Asia and Africa. 

Gum-resin extracts of Boswellia serrata have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, similar to Turmeric, to treat various chronic inflammatory diseases. Boswellia is rich in boswellic acids that are thought to have anti-inflammatory effects. The herbal extract is made with the Boswellia resin from inside the tree, which contains boswellic acid.

There are four boswellic acids, and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid is the most potent inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme responsible for inflammation.

Boswellin®, a registered trademark by Sabinsa Corporation, introduced to the US and European markets in 1991. Products containing boswellic acids range from 150-250 mg/capsule, and are taken orally two to three times a day. 

What does it help with in the body? 

Boswellia has been linked to helping conditions that are associated with inflammation, including osteoarthritis, asthma, and gastrointestinal disease. Its medicinal properties are also widely recognized, mainly for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, as well as in some cancerous diseases, wound healing and its antimicrobial activity.

What have the studies shown?

Boswellia has shown some promise in treating the effects of osteoarthritis. A meta-analysis from 2020 looked at various trials that studied the effect of Boswellia on osteoarthritis. In total, 545 study participants were included in the meta-analysis. From these participants, researchers were able to conclude that Boswellia could be both effective and safe in treating osteoarthritis. Boswellia simultaneously relieves pain while also improving the function of the affected joints. In these studies, the dose used was at least 100 to 250 mg daily for 4+ weeks.

Boswellia has the potential to help with the symptoms of asthma. A small study from 2015 showed promise using Boswellia as a complementary treatment for asthma. Study participants had mild to severe asthma, and were randomized to use either an asthma inhaler plus an oral formulation of Boswellia extract or the inhaler alone. After 4 weeks, those who had the added Boswellia extract needed to use their inhalers about half as often as those who did not. The mechanism of action for Boswellia is thought to suppress inflammation thereby opening up a pathway for normal breathing. 

Boswellia can potentially help with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but the research is limited. One clinical study found that the gum resin from Boswellia serrata tree to be an effective treatment option for chronic colitis. For 6 weeks, study participants with colitis took 300 mg 3x a day. Out of 20 participants, 90% saw improvements in their colitis, with 70% went into remission. 

What is the safety profile of Boswellia?

Boswellia is generally considered safe to use. However, it is possible to experience side effects when using Boswellia.

One review suggested a recommended dose of Boswellia be 250 to 500 mg two to three times per day. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea and constipation. You may not experience any side effects at all. When they do occur, side effects are often mild and temporary.

On rare occasions, allergic reactions can occur when taking Boswellia. This may be more likely when using topical Boswellia.

What are some contraindications?

It is best to avoid Boswellia while pregnant, as it has been reported that taking high doses of Boswellia while pregnant may cause a miscarriage. Boswellia is thought to increase blood flow to the uterus, and this increased blood flow could potentially lead to pregnancy complications, including miscarriage.9 However, valid evidence supporting this claim is not available.

Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-health-benefits-of-boswellia-89549 

For more information about Boswellia:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3309643/ 

Compare to: Pure Encapsulations – Boswellia AKBA ($30)