Boswellia serrataÂ
Shallaki,  Arbre à Encens, Arbre à Oliban Indien, Boswella, Boswellia, Boswellia serrata, Boswellie, Boswellin, Boswellin Serrata Resin, Encens Indien, Franquincienso, Gajabhakshya, Indian Olibanum, Oliban Indien, Resina Boswelliae, Ru Xiang,
“is a plant that produces Indian frankincense. It is also known as Indian oli-banum, Salai guggul, and Sallaki in Sanskrit. The plant is native to much of India and the Punjab region that extends into Pakistan.
The resin of Boswellia species has been used as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies and in medicines since time immemorial. Boswellia serrata (Salai/Salai guggul), is a moderate to large sized branching tree of family Burseraceae (Genus Boswellia), grows in dry mountainous regions of India, Northern Africa and Middle East. Oleo gum-resin is tapped from the incision made on the trunk of the tree and is then stored in specially made bamboo basket for removal of oil content and getting the resin solidified.Â
After processing, the gum-resin is then graded according to its flavour, colour, shape and size. In India, the States of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh are the main source of Boswellia serrata. Regionally, it is also known by different names. The oleo gum-resins contain 30-60% resin, 5-10% essential oils, which are soluble in the organic solvents, and the rest is made up of polysaccharides. *22457547
Extracts of Boswellia serrata have been clinically studied for osteoarthritis and joint function, with the research showing trends of benefit (slight improvement) in pain and function, warranting further investigation. Positive effects of Boswellia in some chronic inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease have been reported. It has been used in Indian traditional medicine for diabetes.
Gum-resin extracts of Boswellia serrata have been traditionally used in folk medicine for centuries to treat various chronic inflammatory diseases. The resinous part of Boswellia serrata possesses monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, tetracyclic triterpenic acids and four major pentacyclic triterpenic acids i.e. β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, responsible for inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
Out of these four boswellic acids, acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid is the most potent inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme responsible for inflammation.”
Hs= Human study Hc= Human cells
Analgesic properties (excerpt from research: “The mean pain tolerance force and time were significantly increased from baseline at 1 hr, 2 hrs and 3 hrs of drug “)  *see research link PMC4175880/ Hs
Potent anti-inflammatory *see research link  17321470  Hc , PMC5133128/  Hs,  20487208 , 17321470, 0125375
Contains boswellic acid, not in the steam or hydro distilled frankincense essential oil form,  see wiki * see research link  22457547
Safe for topical use, however it could be an irritant  *see research link 18304763
Cancer suppressant and adjuvant against pancreatic cancer & liver cancer (excerpt from research:” In addition, AKBA inhibited the metastasis of the PaCa to spleen, liver, and lung “) *see research link PMC3204996/   Hc  , PMC4142179/ , PMC4142179/
Improves skin texture, reduces damage from UVA & UVB rays (excerpt from research:” an increase of elasticity, a decrease of sebum excretion “)*see research link 19918712,  /29157812 , /20136919 Hs
Improves erythematous eczema and psoriasis, redness and itch  *see research link PMC4235203/  Hs
Reduces pain in combination with Curcumin in patients with Osteoarthritis (excerpt from research:” The time required to ascend and descend a flight of stairs significantly decreased by week 12 “)  *see research link PMC5761198/  HsÂ
Reduces knee-arthritis , works better combined with MSM compaired to Glucosamine sulfate  *see research link 26684635  Hs , PMC5806735/ Hs , 18667054/ Hs
Could improve Crohn’s Disease symptoms , and IBD *see research link 11215357/  Hs, .0125375 (Plos link)
Safely used by type2 diabetics on medications to reduce LDLÂ *always consult your physician/GPÂ * see research from PMC3929136/ Hs
Could help with recovery of ankle sprains  *see research link 29131239 Hs
Could improve sciatic nerve damage *see research link  PMC5900512/
Antimicrobial against Propionibacterium acnes, Candida Albicans, Trichophyton spp. which can cause toenail infection & Malassezia which causes dandruff * see research link 27730658
Could reduce cluster headaches *see research link PMC3620238/ Hs
Research links :
