Boswellia serrata
Boswellia serrata is an ancient and one of the valued herbs in Ayurveda. The antirheumatic activity of gugguls-the gum-resins of trees is described in Ayurveda. Along with their use in arthritis, these resins are also mentioned as an effective remedy for diarrhea, dysentery & skin diseases, etc. in Ayurveda and Unani texts. Modern medicine and pharmacology have shown its use as an antiarthritic, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic (controls blood lipids), anti-atherosclerotic (anti-coronary plaque), analgesic (pain-reliever), and hepatoprotective (protects the liver) (1).
Description
Boswellia serrata has traditional medicinal uses addressing a variety of medical conditions. It has been researched widely for its anti-inflammatory properties and is found to have a positive impact on inflamed joints.
The resinous part of Boswellia serrata contains monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, tetracyclic triterpenic acids and also has 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. They are responsible for the inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes. Out of the four boswellic acids, acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid is the most potent inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme responsible for inflammation (1).
- Gum resin extracts of Bowellia serrata possesses good anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and analgesic activities (2).
- Unlike the NSAIDs which target the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, Boswellia serrata inhibits the activity of 5-LOX[1]. The latter is the first enzyme in the metabolic pathway responsible for facilitating the biosynthesis of inflammation.
- Boswellia serrata can also prevent the degradation of articular cartilage, which can be significant in arresting the progression of osteoarthritis (3).
- Comparative evidence of Boswellia serrata and a popular NSAID indicates that Boswellia serrata significantly reduces the degradation of glycosaominoglycans, whereas the drug causes a reduction in total tissue glycosaminoglycan content (4). This is an important advantage over the NSAIDs which can cause a disruption of glycosaminoglycan synthesis accelerating the articular damage in arthritic conditions.
- Boswellic acids also block the overproduction of cytokinetic activity in damaged tissues while enhancing the blood flow to your joints (1). This combined action of Boswellia serrata eases stiff joints and increases joint mobility. Modern medicine and pharmacology strongly point out to its use as an antiarthritic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and hepatoprotective (protects the liver) agent (2).
The Unived difference
Boswellia serrate extract is standardized to 65% total Boswellic acid. It contains acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) & 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA) which are potent anti-inflammatory agents.
It is a plant-based, Non-GMO, and vegan ingredient. It doesn’t contain any impurities or unnecessary fillers. It is a standardized and highly absorbable extract.
Evidence-Based or Bust
We use ingredients backed by a significant body of research that is growing each day.
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Studies on Boswellia serrata and Counting
Clinical studies have shown that Boswellia serrata extract has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis properties, therefore reduces pain and inflammation.