Boswellia Serrata / Olibanum Indicum

The shrub known as salai, or Boswellia serrata, is the source of Indian frankincense. It is referred to as Shallaki in Sanskrit. It is a well-known herb that is mostly used to alleviate muscular pain and osteoarthritis. It is mostly used as an analgesic. It is a tropical plant from the Burseraceae genus. It is a tree and shrub with a medium-sized flowering plant. Considering that the plant makes fragrant resin that is used to make frankincense. A traditional remedy with a significant place in Ayurvedic treatment is Boswellia.

Habitat

The Punjab region of Pakistan and India is home to this herbal plant. In various parts of Pakistan and the Indian subcontinent, the plant Boswellia serrata is grown. Certain species are indigenous to Africa. Tropical areas are where you can find it most frequently. The largest species has become widespread throughout the world's tropical regions, primarily in India and Africa.

Chemical Composition

Sitosterol and glucosides from bark B. Monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, tetracycline, triterpenes acids, and four primary pentacyclic triterpenic acids, including acetyl-11-keto-boswellic acid, acetyl-boswellic acid, and 11-keto-boswellic acid, are all components of resins.

Variety

Another name for kunduru is Boswellia floribunda.

Classification

Sanskrit Synonyms

• Shallaki, Suvaha, Vallaki, Sara, Kunduruki, Ashwamutri, Maherana.
• Gajabhakshya -  as its leaves are eaten by elephants
• Surabhi -  resin has a good odor
• Susrava, bahusrava - having gum resin
• Kunduruki - appears like kunduru
• Maheruna - beautiful in looks

Other Names

Medicinal Properties

Medicinal Uses

Shallaki is widely used in Ayurveda to treat painful joint illnesses and other inflammatory joint ailments. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it has been included in the creation of pharmaceuticals. Multidimensional anti-inflammatory actions are produced by its resin. The unrestricted mobility of joints is encouraged by the preparation of shallaki. In addition to rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease, boswellia is also beneficial in treating other chronic inflammatory disorders. Additionally, Boswellia serrata functions as an NSAID substitute.

Uses

1. Osteoarthritis - Strong anti-inflammatory effects are present in Boswellia. It stops joint swelling and stops cartilage from breaking down. As a result, it is useful in treating osteoarthritis. Additionally, it reduces joint inflammation.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis - The body's autoimmune system is affected by boswellia. Boswellia aids in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Inflammatory Bowel Disorder - Boswellia is used to alleviate gastrointestinal tract irritation of several kinds. Due to Anti-Boswellia's anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective for chrons disease, ulcerative colitis, and intestinal inflammation.
4. Promotes Natural Healing - Boswellia naturally treats internal wounds, such as those caused by hemorrhage, as well as exterior wounds and bruises on the body.
5. Asthma - Boswellia lessens the amount of leukotrienes, which tighten bronchial muscles and lessen the severity and start of asthma. Other inflammatory bronchial illnesses are treated with it as well. Additionally helpful for coughing and breathing issues.
6. Female Reproductive Health - It is advantageous to the health of female reproduction. It encourages typical uterine congestion, and comfortable menstruation, and improves typical circulation in female reproductive organs.
7. Maintains skin health - When connective tissues are damaged or destroyed, boswellia aids in their repair. This promotes healthy skin maintenance and delays the onset of wrinkles with aging.
8. Acts as Aphrodisiac - It is possible to utilize boswellia as a strong aphrodisiac. It improves sexual activity and sensuous enjoyment.
9. Cancer - Boswellic acid stops cancer cells from developing into malignant tumors. Some enzymes cannot interact with the body's genetic material because of the acid. According to research, Boswellia may be effective in treating breast cancer cells in an advanced stage.  Additionally, it will stop the spread of deadly leukemia. It also works well in cases of pancreatic cancer.

Part Used 

• Bark, Gum

According to Ayurveda

• Shallaki can be utilized in mradhu-style smoke, saman-style doomapaana, and ulcers that have been stitched.
• Shallaki is utilized for pain relief in vrashana and in diabetic patients.
• According to Bhavprakash, it must be used on severe wounds and contains gandmala, granthi, and sandhivata.
• Used to treat asthisham rickets and bad breath
• According to Dhupanartha and Yoni Roga

Indication

• Joints
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Cancer
• Skin care
• Female reproduction system
• Asthma
• Cold &flu
• Osteoarthritis
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Sexual problems

Side-Effects & Allergies

• In many situations, Boswellia may have certain negative side effects.
• It boosts blood flow in the uterus and pelvic areas, therefore misuse could have a negative impact on the menstrual cycle.
• Additionally, it might cause expectant moms to miscarry. Additionally, it may result in skin rashes, diarrhea, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting.
• Side effects can occur when certain medications, such as analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, are used with them.

Boswellia curcumin

Curcumin from Boswellia in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Modern medicine defines rheumatism as an auto-immune condition in which the body's joints are affected by antibodies, causing pain and inflammation. Some individuals' conditions are so bad that they become deformed and experience excruciating discomfort. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment is initially administered, although this has its own disadvantages. However, as the condition progresses and the agony becomes unbearable, it is then necessary to provide immuno-suppressants like Gold, Chloroquine, Salazopyrin, and Methotrexate as well as steroids like Prednisolone and Wysolone.

Each of these medications has benefits and drawbacks of its own. If taken for a long period, this has a variety of negative side effects, including anemia, weakness, bone marrow depression, gastritis, and peptic ulcers. The herbs that have been scientifically examined for their effects on rheumatoid arthritis are boswellia and curcumin. They swiftly reduce pain, edema, and inflammation because they function more like immune-modulators than immunosuppressants and like disease-modifying medicines. The combination of Ayurvedic herbs is safe for long-term usage and has no negative side effects. According to Ayurveda, Rheumatoid arthritis is brought on by the accumulation of endotoxins (Ama), which are toxic substances that have the characteristics of being heavy, oily, and sticky. Ama is primarily to blame for morning aches and stiffness in the joints and back, which typically disappear as the sun rises. The incorrect digestive fire is the root of ama development. The most recent studies in contemporary medicine also come to the conclusion that the inside lining of the small intestines is the primary site of the development of auto-antibodies or the peptides that produce the antibodies that attack our own joints.  Chronic indigestion is the primary culprit.

Uses

Herbs show promise as efficient treatments for spondylitis, sprains, strains, backaches, knee discomfort, muscle pulls, tendonitis, sciatica, cervical spondylitis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and other painful joint ailments. It functions and aids in enhancing movement.

Ayumantra’s Ayurveda Product 

Boswellia Tablets (Boswellia Serrata)