Boswellia serrata, or frankincense, has been used for thousands of years for its ability to manage inflammatory disorders and is considered a staple of Ayurvedic medicine. It is procured from the sap of the Boswellia tree, a native Indian plant. It has also been used to treat arthritis, diarrhea, and pulmonary disease. Also, when used as an incense, boswellia resin is reported to relieve depression and anxiety.
Interestingly, its medicinal use might be attributable to elephants, as it’s said that ancient Ayurvedic healers discovered its benefits by watching elephants eat boswellia. Since elephants are known for their long life and health, it is thought that the healers wanted to bring the health benefits of the tree to their patients.
Over the last few years, boswellia has attracted much attention in the world medical community because it possesses anti-inflammatory properties that are equal to prescription medications without the unpleasant/dangerous side effects. For example, research conducted in India found that an extract of boswellia dramatically relieved rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Even better, boswellia was less toxic and more potent than the standard drug of choice at the time, benzoyl hydrotropic acid.
How Boswellia Works
Boswellia works through entirely different mechanisms than anti-inflammatory drugs. Whereas most drugs function as Cox enzyme inhibitors, boswellia works by inhibiting lipoxygenase enzymes (LOX), which are powerful contributors to inflammation and disease. By inhibiting LOX enzymes, boswellia effectively blocks leukotriene synthesis. Leukotrienes play a major role in promoting a whole host of age-associated, inflammation-related diseases including joint problems, intestinal disorders, cancer, and lung related disease.
In addition, it appears that boswellia can inhibit the breakdown of connective tissues caused by tumor necrosis factor-alpha, a potent inflammatory agent in the body.
And finally, it appears that boswellia has the ability to modulate the immune system and inhibit inflammatory activity, thereby helping with a number of autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Or to put it in simpler terms, the boswellic acids in boswellia seem to have the ability to suppress the proliferating tissue found in inflamed areas of the body and prevent the concomitant breakdown of connective tissue. Proliferative inflammation is an inflammatory reaction in which the distinguishing feature is an actual increase in the number of reticuloendothelial macrophages—thus continuing the inflammatory response and the breakdown of healthy tissue.
In addition, boswellia has been found to improve blood supply to the joints and restore the integrity of weakened blood vessels, again with no side effects as seen with the traditional drugs of choice.
These are some of the reasons you’ll find boswellia as an ingredient in Jon Barron’s cartilage regeneration & joint health Supplement, Triple Jointed.
What It Means
Boswellia benefits joint health and relieves inflammation related conditions — with two caveats.
- Quality can be erratic.
- Even with standardized extracts, it takes a lot (1-3 grams per day) to get the desired effect.
Why Use Boswellin® PS In Supplements
Until recently, research on boswellia has focused almost exclusively on the boswellic acids, particularly AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid) as the most active component in boswellia, and most supplements have looked to maximize that component. However, more current research has indicated that some of the water soluble polysaccharides in boswellia are also essential components in that they initiate and support the anti-inflammatory activity, whereas the lipid-soluble boswellic acids help to provide a sustained action. In fact, a particular boswellin polysaccharide extract known as Polysal has demonstrated a dose dependent anti-inflammatory potential, similar to the boswellic acids.
For this reason, Boswellin® PS now stands out as the boswellin ingredient of choice.
- It’s 100% natural.
- It has enhanced AKBA content VS regular boswellin extracts.
- In addition to the active boswellic acids, Boswellin® PS contains Polysal, the exclusive water soluble polysaccharide components which contribute to an immediate anti-inflammatory action – perfectly complementing the more sustained action of AKBA. Polysal primarily consists of galactose, arabinose, D-glucuronic acid, and 4-o-methyl-glucuronoarabino-galactan.
Learn more about natural joint pain remedies and natural anti-aging.
Good day! This is my first
Good day! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!
I used to be recommended this
I was recommended this website through my cousin. You are amazing! Thanks!
Migraines
I began this product as a last solution to my grandson’s migraines. He has suffered these since the age of 7. Now 26 using Boswellin 2-3 per day he reports NO MIGRAINES for the past month. This product was suggested from my cousin who also suffered migraines to the point of disability. She too has no migraines for a year.
It’s worth a try and a message to be passed on.
Migraines
You may want to have your grandson tested for Lyme. My daughter, now 18, started having migraines in pre-school and was diagnosed with chronic Lyme 3 years ago. I was recently reading Lyme material that specifically stated headaches as a symptom of the infection/disease.
gbm
anyboday knows how much can be taken of boswellia for gbm patient
seeds
Do you know how to buy the seeds. I need for my imunity. Thanks
Biofilm
Hi. Can this product help get rid of biofilm in the lungs?
While boswellia has
While boswellia has demonstrated antibacterial activity in test tubes, there is no evidence as yet that it work on bacteria in the lungs. That doesn’t mean it wouldn’t—just that there is no evidence that it does.
RA
I have RA amongst other autoimmune illnesses.
Can Boswellia be taken while using methotrexate, as it modulates the immune system, I wonder if it may antagonise?
Be careful of any pharmaceutical medication
There is no evidence that boswellia presents a problem while taking methotrexate. But as always, whenever you are taking pharmaceutical medications you should talk with your doctor before taking any supplements. Only your doctor can make the final determination.
Boswella and RA meds
Can Boswellia be taken while using methotrexate, as it modulates the immune system, I wonder if it may antagonise?
Please advice
Thank you
MAria
asking doctor
They know nothing about natural cures, whatever it was they would say don’t take it
IBS
Is Boswellia helpful in treating Irritable Bowel Sydrome?
There are several studies
There are several studies that indicate it may be helpful—primarily through its ability to protect the intestinal epithelial barrier from oxidative and inflammatory damage. For example: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425476/
swollen finger joints
How many Boswellia capsules should I take for severe inflammation in finger joints
We are not sure which
We are not sure which capsules you are talking about, but you should work with your doctor and ask the manufacturer of the product for specific dosage recommendations. Hope that helps.
BoswillinPS
Attempted to Google to find out where to purchase and nothing came up. With Drugs or Suppliments, if I am not familiar with the Company, I also prefer a “Contact Us!”
Hi Kristin,
Hi Kristin,
We don’t sell products at the Baseline of Health Foundation, merely provide free health information. That said, in the article we state, “…you’ll find boswellia as an ingredient in Jon Barron’s cartilage regeneration & joint health Supplement, Triple Jointed.” So, you can click on that and contact the company directly for any product related questions.
Boswellia for neuropathy
Diagnosed with neuropathy with no known cause. Also diagnosed with osteoarthritis and CTS. Is boswellia appropriate for these disorders? At what dosage? Can it be taken in conjunction with Vitamin B Complex? And is this more than likely going to be taken for the remainder of my life? I’m 60 years of age and not diabetic nor Vitamin B12 deficient. Thank you for your response.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy I’ve got Nueropathy too, take alpha lipolic acid, or take vitamin b12 methyl cobalamin I bought the b complex on line The name ” Nerve support formula
headaches go away?
how long before headaches go away?
PANDAS “
does anyone have any information available on PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) ? Looking for answers.