Boswellia Serrata: Shallaki

Boswellia, which is also known, as boswellin or Indian frankincense is from the Boswellia serrata tree that is mostly grown on the dry hills of India. It is found as a standardized powder extract of the gum of the tree, and contains a mixture of Boswellic acids. The anti-flammatory properties of this gummy resin have been made use of for centuries by traditional Indian healers. Nowadays, a purified extract of this resin is packaged in pill or cream form to help reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Research on Boswellia Serrata has proven that it has a specific active anti-inflammatory ingredient in its’ Boswellic acids. They help reduce inflammation in several ways. Boswellic acids has pentacyclic triterpenes that help deter the elastase in inflammatory white cells from infiltrating the damaged tissue. In this way, they help the blood flow to the joints. They also help in blocking the chemical reactions that set the stage for inflammation in cases of chronic intestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Boswellia greatly helps in reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

It can be either taken internally or applied topically to affected joints. This helps in reduction of inflammation that is associated with joint disorders. They also help in lessening morning stiffness and thus increase the mobility of joints. Unlike other NSAIDS (Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen, Boswellia does not cause stomach irritation. It is also effective in the treatment of back pain.

Boswellia serrata, better known as Shallaki, is also known to help combat cancer, digestion and asthma. It combats cancer in a dose-dependent manner and through topical application. It is due to the Boswellic acid’s anti-inflammatory mechanism that it combats antiproliferative and apoptotic effects in the colon cancer cells. An extract of Boswellia is better than mesalamine, a prescription medication that is derived from salicylic acid for treating ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Boswellia serrata is also known to reduce disability sores and pains and the aching and stiffness associated with low back pain.

Another medical benefit of Boswellia is that it helps in improving symptoms of ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory bowel disease), which includes the eradication of abdominal pains, loose stools and the presence of mucus and blood in the stools. It has been proven that prolonged use of Boswellia has none of the side effects on blood pressure, ulcers and the heart rate of gastric irritation that are associated with the prolonged use of the many anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic drugs.

Due to its fragrant properties, it was traditionally used as incense. Boswellia is also proven to be effective in reducing hypertension as it has many cholesterol and triglyceride lowering properties. The nonphenolic fraction of Boswellia also has marked sedative and analgesic action. It is also a well-known household fumigant. One of the wonder benefits of Boswellia is that it also helps in reducing body weight! One more reason for using Boswellia! Most of the NSAIDs that are used for arthritis may help to relieve arthritis pain and inflammation, but in the process, they accelerate cartilage degeneration. In the case of Boswellia, nothing of the sort happens.

In fact, it reduces the breakdown of cartilage building blocks that are known as glycosaminoglycans1. Shallaki also helps in boosting tonic and immune effects of the body. Besides being antiarthritic, Shallaki is proven to also have expectorant effects.

Like most medications, Boswellia hasn’t been tested for safety in pregnant and nursing women. So if there is need of taking Boswellia, it is better to consult your practitioner before taking it. Other than pregnant and nursing women, anyone can take Shallaki, regardless of age and gender.

There are rare cases of side effects in the prolonged use of Shallaki, like skin rash, diarrhea and nausea. Like all herbal medicines, Shallaki too has to be taken for at least 3-4 weeks before its actual benefit can be experienced. To experience the full benefits of Boswellia, take it continuously for 3 to 6 months. Of course, individual results may also vary.