Boswellia serrata – a plant that helps combat joint pain

The origins of natural medicine can be traced back to the dawn of humanity. Since the beginning of time, traditional forms of medicine have benefited from the properties of the Boswellia plant family. Frankincense, which belongs to this family, has been used since ancient times to treat chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and colds. What does frankincense extract contain and what does it help with?

Boswellia serrata – what is it?

Boswellia serrata is the botanical name for Indian frankincense and the resin extracted from it. In addition to the Serrata subspecies, there are also other types of frankincense, such as Boswellia carteri, Boswellia sacra, and Boswellia frereana, whose resin has a different composition depending on its place of origin and the location of the tree itself.

Indian frankincense, as its name suggests, comes from India. It is characterised in particular by its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. The health-promoting effects of the resin are still being subjected to numerous scientific studies, confirming the real health benefits of frankincense. The plant itself was already well known to the ancient Egyptians and Indians, who used frankincense resin as an effective medicine for disinfection, embalming bodies, and treating colds and inflammation.

Indian frankincense – what does it help with?

Boswellia is rich in organic compounds called boswellic acids. Thanks to its active ingredients, Boswellia serrata is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. That is why it has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine, as well as in herbal medicine and pharmacotherapy to relieve pain caused by:

• Rheumatism
• Arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Certain respiratory conditions, such as asthma
• Inflammatory bowel diseases, e.g. Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or coeliac disease caused by gluten intolerance

The anti-inflammatory effect of Boswellia serrata is considered to be much more effective than that of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Boswellia serrata – effects on the human body

We already know that Boswellia is primarily an anti-inflammatory plant. Its properties and benefits are therefore particularly evident in the treatment of joint inflammation, respiratory and intestinal diseases. The resin extracted from the tree is currently one of the most commonly used natural health products in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. So how does Boswellia affect the human body?

• It has anti-inflammatory properties – boswellic acids, which are endemic to this species, have significant anti-inflammatory and non-steroidal properties. The analgesic effect of the resin effectively helps in the treatment of inflammation in the body.
• It combats intestinal inflammation – Boswellia's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it useful in combating intestinal inflammation. Indeed, in the case of intestinal problems, it helps to improve digestive functions and also maintains the integrity of the intestinal walls, protecting the epithelium.
• Treats respiratory inflammation and asthma – studies indicate that taking Boswellia significantly reduces the symptoms associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The resin also helps improve respiratory function.
• Improves the functioning of the immune system – Indian frankincense has immunity-boosting and immunomodulatory properties. This means that it has a positive effect on our immune system. On the one hand, it increases its activity and strengthens its defence mechanisms. On the other hand, it helps to regulate its functioning;
• Promotes diabetes prevention – according to the results of numerous clinical studies, taking Boswellia serrata preparations leads to a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar and triglyceride levels.
• Helps with menstruation – women who suffer from painful and heavy periods can benefit from the advantages of frankincense. The plant helps to shorten the duration of the menstrual cycle and improves quality of life.

Indian frankincense for joints – how does it work?

Boswellia serrata has a proven positive effect on osteoarthritis and arthritis. Osteoarthritis is most often associated with age and the accompanying damage to the joints and their slow degeneration. Arthritis, in turn, leads to pain and weakness of the musculoskeletal system. Frankincense seems to treat the pain associated with both pathologies and minimise the causes of these conditions.

Studies conducted on a large group of patients with osteoarthritis using Indian frankincense have shown that the plant helps to significantly improve joint mobility and reduce the pain associated with the disease.

What is more, this supplement has a major advantage in that it does not cause any side effects. It appears that its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-arthritic effects alleviate inflammation in the body. Recent studies also show that frankincense can trigger a potential positive domino effect by reprogramming inflammatory enzymes into enzymes that resolve joint inflammation.

Boswellia serrata – side effects

Indian frankincense has no serious side effects associated with its use, which is why it is considered a safe remedy. Unlike many other chemical agents, the anti-inflammatory effect of Boswellia does not adversely affect blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory processes or other autonomic reactions. The resin itself also has exceptionally low toxicity.

However, side effects have been observed in isolated cases. These include:

• Mild skin allergies;
• Mild gastrointestinal discomfort.

Indian frankincense – contraindications

Currently, there are no known contraindications for the use of Boswellia serrata resin. However, as always, it is believed that people with allergies and pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution and consider the potential risks of frankincense supplementation.

Furthermore, under no circumstances should the plant be used as a substitute for pharmacological treatment prescribed by a healthcare professional, unless there are significant reasons for doing so.

Boswellia – which is the best?

The Boswellia genus is divided into 25 species. However, only four of them are currently used to obtain frankincense resin for human use. These are:

• Boswellia serrata – Indian frankincense, one of the most thoroughly researched species of frankincense. It is also used in various forms of pharmacotherapy.
• Boswellia carterii – originates from the Arabian Peninsula. In terms of its components, it resembles Indian frankincense.
• Boswellia sacra – found in Yemen and Oman. Arabian frankincense is considered the most aromatic, which is why it is used for fumigation and perfume production.
• Boswellia papyrifera – African frankincense, used primarily in the production of cosmetics.

Of the above varieties of frankincense, Boswellia serrata is currently the best researched. It is also the only species with a multitude of health benefits. However, if you do not want to use frankincense for medicinal purposes, varieties such as Boswellia sacra or papyrifera are particularly recommended for those looking for pleasant and aromatic scents.

Bibliography

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Boswellia serrata, a potential anti-inflammatory agent: an overview – M. Z. Siddiqui, Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Indian Pharmaceutical Assn., 2011.

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‘Immunomodulatory Activity of Boswellic Acids (Pentacyclic Triterpene Acids) from Boswellia serrata’ – M. L. Sharma, A. Kaul, A. Khajuria, S. Singh, G. B. Singh, Phytotherapy Research scientific journal, John Wiley & Sons, 1996.

‘Micropropagation and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic agent boswellic acid production in callus cultures of Boswellia serrata Roxb.’ – T. Nikam et al., scientific journal Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants, Springer, 2012.

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