Other Common Names: Indian frankincense, salai guggal (guggul), shallaki.

Habitat and Description: Boswellia serrata is a branching tree native to the hilly regions of India. It prefers the dry soil of the hills. It produces a sweet smelling resin that is used for medicinal purposes.

Plant Parts Used: An extract of the resin is used in medicinal applications.

Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of Boswellia Serrata

* Traditional ayurvedic medicine has used the gummy resin from the boswellia tree to treat arthritis, diarrhea, dysentery, lung disease and worms.

* In current herbal medicine circles, boswellia is well known for its use in treating arthritis. The active ingredient, boswellic acid, in the resin is a powerful anti-inflammatory. It has also been said to have analgesic (pain relieving) properties as well. These two properties make it an effective remedy for arthritis.

* Boswellia serrata extract has also shown promise in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood and liver. This makes it an effective agent in lowering overall cholesterol levels.

* The extract also has a mild sedative effect, as well. This effect is a welcome side effect and aids in the pain relief effect on arthritic joints.

* Asthma has been treated successfully using boswellia serrata extract. It helps to relax the bronchial passageways.

* It has also been used to treat Crohn's disease and colitis effectively, as well.

* Some research shows promise in the immunity boosting properties of boswellia extract use.

Potential Side Effects of Boswellia Serrata

Side effects from boswellia use are rare, but occasionally nausea, diarrhea, or skin rash may occur. There are no documented contraindications or drug interactions. Individuals using Boswellia for joint inflammation disorders should continue to work closely with their physician.

Dosage and Administration

Boswellia is available in tablets, capsules, or liquid forms of the extract of the gum resin. The liquid form can be made into an ointment to be applied topically.

Customary daily dosages are usually between 300 and 500 mg of the extract three times daily. The actual recommended dosage of boswellic acid is 150 mg three times per day. Since many herbal remedies are standardized to different percentages of active ingredients (especially boswellic acid) it is important to follow manufacturer recommendations. The topical application can be used as needed to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints, not to exceed 5 applications in a 24 hour period.