Boswellia
Boswellia [Salai guggal, Boswellia serrata] has been used in Indian or
Ayurvedic medicine for thousand years. Its gummy exudate, containing
boswellic acids, has been believed to benefit various conditions including
diarrhea, dysentery, pulmonary disease, ringworm, osteoarthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis. [1] Some studies do show benefits of boswellic acids
on inflammation including arthritis and colitis. [2-6].
A typical extract contains 37.5-65% ob boswellic acids.
Biswellia may benefit inflammatory conditions.
Researchers demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of ethanolic
extracts of the gum resin exudate of Boswellia serrata in rat peritoneal
neutrophils. [8] And also, other researchers found mixed acetylboswellic
acids, pentacyclic triterpenes extracted from the gum resin of Boswellia
serrata significantly inhibited the ionophore-stimulated release of the
leukotrienes B4 and C4 from intact human polymorphonuclear neutrophil
leukocytes. [14]
In other experiments, researchers isolated isomers of boswellic acids
(BAs), 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid and acetyl derivatives from the gum
resin of Boswellia serrata. They found that boswellic acids and derivatives
decreased the formation of leukotriene B4 in rat peritoneal neutrophils.
[9] This experiment together with other experiments showed that
boswellic acids are specific, non-reducing-type inhibitors of the leukotriene
synthesis either interacting directly with the 5-lipoxygenase or blocking its
translocation. [9,11]
A study of sheep erythrocytes showed the anti-complementary activity of
boswellic acid. It inhibits the in vitro immunohaemolysis of antibody-
coated sheep erythrocytes by pooled guinea-pig serum via inhibition of
C3-convertase of the classical complement pathway. Boswellic acid also
exhibited weak inhibitory effects on individual components of the
complement system. [10]
Arthritis
Indian researchers evaluated a formula containing Boswellia serrata,
Withania somnifera, Curcuma longa and zinc complex in a study of
patients with osteoarthritis. They found that treatment with this formula
produced a significant drop in severity of pain and disability score.
However, they also observed side effects during the treatments. [7]
Asthma
The gum resin of Boswellia serrata, known in Indian Ayurvedic system of
medicine as Salai guggal, contains boswellic acids, which have been shown
to inhibit leukotriene biosynthesis. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled
study forty patients, 23 males and 17 females in the age range of 18 - 75
years having mean duration of illness, bronchial asthma, of 9.58 +/- 6.07
years were treated with a preparation of gum resin of 300 mg thrice daily
for a period of 6 weeks. 70% of patients showed improvement of disease
as evident by disappearance of physical symptoms and signs such as
dyspnoea, number of attacks as well as decrease in eosinophilic count and
ESR. [15]
Ulcerative Colitis
In patients suffering from ulcerative colitis grade II and III the effect of
Boswellia serrata gum resin preparation (350 mg thrice daily for 6 weeks)
on stool properties, histolopathology and scan microscopy of rectal
biopsies, blood parameters including Hb, serum iron, calcium,
phosphorus, proteins, total leukocytes and eosinophils was studied.
Patients receiving sulfasalazine (1 g thrice daily) served as controls. All
parameters tested improved after treatment with Boswellia serrata gum
resin, the results being similar compared to controls: 82% out of treated
patients went into remission; in case of sulfasalazine remission rate was
75%. [12]
Liver Protection
With very limited studies, Indian researchers proposed that hexane
extract of oleo-gum-resin of Boswellia serrata might benefit liver injury
induced by carbon tetrachloride, paracetamol or thioacetamide. [17]
Boswellia may have benefits of cutting cancer risks
Researchers found four major triterpene acids from the gum resin of
Boswellia serrata inhibited the synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein in
human leukemia HL-60 cells in a dose dependent manner. Among them, 3-
O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid significantly inhibited the cellular
growth of HL-60 cells. [13]
On the other hand, boswellic acid acetate, a compound isolated from the
herb Boswellia carterii Birdw, can also induce differentiation and apoptosis
of leukemia cells. In one study, boswellic acid acetate failed to induce
erythroid leukemia DS-19 and K562 cells differentiation. However, only 20
microg/ml of boswellic acid acetate decreased viable cell number of myeloid
leukemia HL-60 cells by 60% within 24 h. Morphologic and DNA
fragmentation analysis proved that boswellic acid acetate induced cell
apoptosis. [16]
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects of Boswellia are mild, including diarrhea, dysentery, pulmonary
disease, and ringworm.
THIS ARICLE CAN BE USED AS REFERENCE ONLY. YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR SHOULD BE
CONSULTED FOR ALL QUESTIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ZHION 2006.
References 1. Safayhi H, Sailer ER, Amnon HPT. 5-lipoxygenase inhibition by acetyl-11-keto-
b-boswellic acid. Phytomed 1996;3:71–2. 2. Safayhi H, Mack T, Saieraj J, et al. Boswellic
acids: Novel, specific, nonredox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1992;261:
1143–6. 3. Singh GB, Atal CK. Pharmacology of an extract of salai guggal ex-Boswellia
serrata, a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Agents Actions 1986;18:407–12. 4.
Gupta I, Parihar A, Malhotra P, et al. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with
ulcerative colitis. Eur J Med Res 1997;2:37–43. 5. Etzel R. Special extract of Boswellia serrata
(H15) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Phytomed 1996;3:91–4. [6] Reddy GK, et al,
Studies on the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans under the influence of new herbal anti-
inflammatory agents. Biochem Pharmacol. 1989 Oct 15;38(20):3527-34. [7] Kulkarni RR, et
al, Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-
controlled, cross-over study. J Ethnopharmacol. 1991 May-Jun;33(1-2):91-5. [8] Ammon HP,
et al, Inhibition of leukotriene B4 formation in rat peritoneal neutrophils by an ethanolic
extract of the gum resin exudate of Boswellia serrata. Planta Med. 1991 Jun;57(3):203-7. [9]
Safayhi H, et al, Boswellic acids: novel, specific, nonredox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase. J
Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1992 Jun;261(3):1143-6. [10] Kapil A, Moza N. Anticomplementary
activity of boswellic acids--an inhibitor of C3-convertase of the classical complement pathway.
Int J Immunopharmacol. 1992 Oct;14(7):1139-43. [11] Ammon HP, et al, Mechanism of
antiinflammatory actions of curcumine and boswellic acids. J Ethnopharmacol. 1993 Mar;38(2-
3):113-9. [12] Gupta I, et al, Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative
colitis. Eur J Med Res. 1997 Jan;2(1):37-43. [13] Shao Y, et al, Inhibitory activity of boswellic
acids from Boswellia serrata against human leukemia HL-60 cells in culture. Planta Med. 1998
May;64(4):328-31. [14] Wildfeuer A, et al, Effects of boswellic acids extracted from a herbal
medicine on the biosynthesis of leukotrienes and the course of experimental autoimmune
encephalomyelitis. Arzneimittelforschung. 1998 Jun;48(6):668-74. [15] Gupta I, et al, Effects
of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind,
placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study. Eur J Med Res. 1998 Nov 17;3(11):511-4. [16] Jing
Y, et al, Boswellic acid acetate induces differentiation and apoptosis in leukemia cell lines.
Leuk Res. 1999 Jan;23(1):43-50. [17] Y J, et al Effect of hexane extract of Boswellia serrata
oleo-gum resin on chemically induced liver damage. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2006 Apr;19(2):129-33.
Boswellia [Salai guggal, Boswellia serrata] has been used in Indian or
Ayurvedic medicine for thousand years. Its gummy exudate, containing
boswellic acids, has been believed to benefit various conditions including
diarrhea, dysentery, pulmonary disease, ringworm, osteoarthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis. [1] Some studies do show benefits of boswellic acids
on inflammation including arthritis and colitis. [2-6].
A typical extract contains 37.5-65% ob boswellic acids.
Biswellia may benefit inflammatory conditions.
Researchers demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of ethanolic
extracts of the gum resin exudate of Boswellia serrata in rat peritoneal
neutrophils. [8] And also, other researchers found mixed acetylboswellic
acids, pentacyclic triterpenes extracted from the gum resin of Boswellia
serrata significantly inhibited the ionophore-stimulated release of the
leukotrienes B4 and C4 from intact human polymorphonuclear neutrophil
leukocytes. [14]
In other experiments, researchers isolated isomers of boswellic acids
(BAs), 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid and acetyl derivatives from the gum
resin of Boswellia serrata. They found that boswellic acids and derivatives
decreased the formation of leukotriene B4 in rat peritoneal neutrophils.
[9] This experiment together with other experiments showed that
boswellic acids are specific, non-reducing-type inhibitors of the leukotriene
synthesis either interacting directly with the 5-lipoxygenase or blocking its
translocation. [9,11]
A study of sheep erythrocytes showed the anti-complementary activity of
boswellic acid. It inhibits the in vitro immunohaemolysis of antibody-
coated sheep erythrocytes by pooled guinea-pig serum via inhibition of
C3-convertase of the classical complement pathway. Boswellic acid also
exhibited weak inhibitory effects on individual components of the
complement system. [10]
Arthritis
Indian researchers evaluated a formula containing Boswellia serrata,
Withania somnifera, Curcuma longa and zinc complex in a study of
patients with osteoarthritis. They found that treatment with this formula
produced a significant drop in severity of pain and disability score.
However, they also observed side effects during the treatments. [7]
Asthma
The gum resin of Boswellia serrata, known in Indian Ayurvedic system of
medicine as Salai guggal, contains boswellic acids, which have been shown
to inhibit leukotriene biosynthesis. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled
study forty patients, 23 males and 17 females in the age range of 18 - 75
years having mean duration of illness, bronchial asthma, of 9.58 +/- 6.07
years were treated with a preparation of gum resin of 300 mg thrice daily
for a period of 6 weeks. 70% of patients showed improvement of disease
as evident by disappearance of physical symptoms and signs such as
dyspnoea, number of attacks as well as decrease in eosinophilic count and
ESR. [15]
Ulcerative Colitis
In patients suffering from ulcerative colitis grade II and III the effect of
Boswellia serrata gum resin preparation (350 mg thrice daily for 6 weeks)
on stool properties, histolopathology and scan microscopy of rectal
biopsies, blood parameters including Hb, serum iron, calcium,
phosphorus, proteins, total leukocytes and eosinophils was studied.
Patients receiving sulfasalazine (1 g thrice daily) served as controls. All
parameters tested improved after treatment with Boswellia serrata gum
resin, the results being similar compared to controls: 82% out of treated
patients went into remission; in case of sulfasalazine remission rate was
75%. [12]
Liver Protection
With very limited studies, Indian researchers proposed that hexane
extract of oleo-gum-resin of Boswellia serrata might benefit liver injury
induced by carbon tetrachloride, paracetamol or thioacetamide. [17]
Boswellia may have benefits of cutting cancer risks
Researchers found four major triterpene acids from the gum resin of
Boswellia serrata inhibited the synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein in
human leukemia HL-60 cells in a dose dependent manner. Among them, 3-
O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid significantly inhibited the cellular
growth of HL-60 cells. [13]
On the other hand, boswellic acid acetate, a compound isolated from the
herb Boswellia carterii Birdw, can also induce differentiation and apoptosis
of leukemia cells. In one study, boswellic acid acetate failed to induce
erythroid leukemia DS-19 and K562 cells differentiation. However, only 20
microg/ml of boswellic acid acetate decreased viable cell number of myeloid
leukemia HL-60 cells by 60% within 24 h. Morphologic and DNA
fragmentation analysis proved that boswellic acid acetate induced cell
apoptosis. [16]
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects of Boswellia are mild, including diarrhea, dysentery, pulmonary
disease, and ringworm.
THIS ARICLE CAN BE USED AS REFERENCE ONLY. YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR SHOULD BE
CONSULTED FOR ALL QUESTIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ZHION 2006.
References 1. Safayhi H, Sailer ER, Amnon HPT. 5-lipoxygenase inhibition by acetyl-11-keto-
b-boswellic acid. Phytomed 1996;3:71–2. 2. Safayhi H, Mack T, Saieraj J, et al. Boswellic
acids: Novel, specific, nonredox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1992;261:
1143–6. 3. Singh GB, Atal CK. Pharmacology of an extract of salai guggal ex-Boswellia
serrata, a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Agents Actions 1986;18:407–12. 4.
Gupta I, Parihar A, Malhotra P, et al. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with
ulcerative colitis. Eur J Med Res 1997;2:37–43. 5. Etzel R. Special extract of Boswellia serrata
(H15) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Phytomed 1996;3:91–4. [6] Reddy GK, et al,
Studies on the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans under the influence of new herbal anti-
inflammatory agents. Biochem Pharmacol. 1989 Oct 15;38(20):3527-34. [7] Kulkarni RR, et
al, Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-
controlled, cross-over study. J Ethnopharmacol. 1991 May-Jun;33(1-2):91-5. [8] Ammon HP,
et al, Inhibition of leukotriene B4 formation in rat peritoneal neutrophils by an ethanolic
extract of the gum resin exudate of Boswellia serrata. Planta Med. 1991 Jun;57(3):203-7. [9]
Safayhi H, et al, Boswellic acids: novel, specific, nonredox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase. J
Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1992 Jun;261(3):1143-6. [10] Kapil A, Moza N. Anticomplementary
activity of boswellic acids--an inhibitor of C3-convertase of the classical complement pathway.
Int J Immunopharmacol. 1992 Oct;14(7):1139-43. [11] Ammon HP, et al, Mechanism of
antiinflammatory actions of curcumine and boswellic acids. J Ethnopharmacol. 1993 Mar;38(2-
3):113-9. [12] Gupta I, et al, Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative
colitis. Eur J Med Res. 1997 Jan;2(1):37-43. [13] Shao Y, et al, Inhibitory activity of boswellic
acids from Boswellia serrata against human leukemia HL-60 cells in culture. Planta Med. 1998
May;64(4):328-31. [14] Wildfeuer A, et al, Effects of boswellic acids extracted from a herbal
medicine on the biosynthesis of leukotrienes and the course of experimental autoimmune
encephalomyelitis. Arzneimittelforschung. 1998 Jun;48(6):668-74. [15] Gupta I, et al, Effects
of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind,
placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study. Eur J Med Res. 1998 Nov 17;3(11):511-4. [16] Jing
Y, et al, Boswellic acid acetate induces differentiation and apoptosis in leukemia cell lines.
Leuk Res. 1999 Jan;23(1):43-50. [17] Y J, et al Effect of hexane extract of Boswellia serrata
oleo-gum resin on chemically induced liver damage. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2006 Apr;19(2):129-33.
MAJOR NUTRIENT
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DIET.
SUPPLEMENT
PhytoChemicals
Antioxidants
A-Z Health Foods,
Products
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Alfalfa
Almond
Aloe vera
Andrographis
Aniseed
Apple
Arnica
Ashwagandha
Asian Pears
Asparagus
Astaxanthin,
Astragulus
Artichoke
Avena sativa
Avocados
Barley
Banana
Basil
Beet
black cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blackberry
Black Currant
Bloodroot
Blueberry
Bilberry
Bitter Melon
Borage Seed Oil
Boswellia
Black Soya Bean
Broccoli
Bromelain
Brown Seaweed
Brussels Sprout
Butein
Butterbur
Burdock
Cabbage
Cactus
Caffeine
Calcium
Calendula
Canola oil
Cauliflower
Cat's Claw
Cayenne
Celadrin
Celery
Chamomile
Chaparral
Cherry
Chokeberry
Chondroitin
Chitosan
Chlorella
Chlorophyll
Chromium
Cinnamon
CLA
Cocoa
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Coffee
Comfrey
Conj. Linoleic Acid
Colostrum
Colloidal Silver
Cordyceps
Corn
Cranberry
Creatine
Curcumin
Damiana
Dandelion
Danggui_Buxue
Devil's Claw
DHEA
Dill
Dong Quai
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eucalyptus G.
Eve. Primrose Oil
Falcarinol
Fennel
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Folate
Fish Oil
Flaxseed Meal
Flaxseed /Linseed
Garcinia C.
Garlic
Galangal
Ghrelin
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginseng/Ginkgo
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Goldenseal
Gotu Kola
GRAPE SEED
EXTRACT
Green Coffee Bean
Green Tea
Growth Hormone
Stimulants
Goldenseal
Guar Gum
Guggul
Gymnema
Hawthorn
Hoodia
Hop
Horse Chestnut
Horsetail
Huperzine A
Hyaluronic acid
Isothiocyanates
Kava Kava
Kelp
L-arginine
Lavender
Lecithin
Lemon balm
Licorice
Lingonberry
Lutein
Lycopene
Maca
Maitake
Mango
Mangosteen
Marshmallow
Melatonin
Milk Thistle
Mistletoe
N-Acetylcysteine
Nattokinase
Nectarines
Octacosanol
Olive Oil
Omegic Fatty
Acids
Onion
Orange
Oregon Grape
Pantethine
Papaya
Passion Flower
PEANUT
Peach
Peony
Pepper
Peppermint
Persimmons
Phellinus linteus
Phosphatidyl
serine
Phyllanthus
Potato
Plum
Pomegranate
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Propolis
Pumpkin
Pycnogenol
Pyruvate
Quercetin
Quince
Radish
Red Clover
Red Yeast Rice
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Rhubarb
Rice Bran Oil
Rosemary
Royal Jelly
Rutin
S-adenosyl-L-
methionine
Saffron
Saw Palmetto
Schisandra
Selenium
Spinach
Spirulina
Squash
Stinging Nettle
St John Wort
Strawberry
Sweet Potatoes
Taxifolin
Tea Tree Oil
Turmeric [Curry]
Tyrosine
Shark Cartilage
Soy
Stevia
Valerian
Vitamin D
Vitex
Walnuts
Watermelon
Wheat Grass
Whey
Wild Yam
Witch Hazel
Wormwood
Xylitol
Yarrow
Yohimbe
Yucca
5-Hydroxytrpto
phan
Food Industry
Organic Label
HOME
Herb Side Effect
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Cholesterol
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Parkinson's
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