Boswellia serrata Roxb. (Salaiguggul)

Family: Burseraceae

Boswellia serrata Roxb. (Salaiguggul): The Anti-inflammatory Resin of Ancient Healing

Boswellia serrata, commonly known as Salaiguggul or Indian Frankincense, is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb recognized for its role in joint health, pain relief, and chronic inflammation management. Used for centuries in Ayurveda and traditional Middle Eastern medicine, the gum-resin of this tree is valued for treating arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel diseases, and more.

What is Salaiguggul?

Boswellia serrata is a medium-sized deciduous tree that yields a fragrant, golden-yellow resin known as Salaiguggul or Shallaki. The gum-resin is collected by making incisions in the bark, and it solidifies into tear-shaped drops.

In Ayurvedic texts, Boswellia is classified under Vedanasthapana (pain-relieving) and Sandhivatahara (joint disorder-relieving) categories. It is especially indicated in Vata-Pitta conditions due to its warming, pungent, and slightly bitter qualities.

Where Does It Grow?

Geographical Distribution

Boswellia is native to:

Parts of Africa and the Americas

India (especially in dry forests of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra)

Pakistan

Northern Africa and parts of the Middle East

Climate

Arid to semi-arid zones with hot summers and low humidity

Altitude

300–1200 meters

Soil

Rocky or sandy soils with good drainage

Rainfall

Tolerant of drought; requires low to moderate annual rainfall

Ideal Growing Conditions

The tree thrives in dry deciduous forests and is often found growing alongside Terminalia and Anogeissus species.

Parts Used and Phytochemical Profile

The oleo-gum-resin extracted from the bark is the primary medicinal component.

Key Active Compounds:

Among these, AKBA is the most potent anti-inflammatory agent, known to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, a key enzyme in the inflammation pathway.

Boswellia is often used in Ayurvedic formulations like Shallaki tablets or in combination with Guggulu, Ashwagandha, and Turmeric for enhanced effect.

Therapeutic Benefits of Boswellia

Boswellia’s powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions make it a trusted remedy for joint, respiratory, and digestive conditions. It is increasingly used in both classical Ayurvedic practice and modern integrative therapies.

Forms and Safe Usage

Boswellia is most effective when used in concentrated extracts, powders, or topical preparations.

Forms Available

Resin Extracts (Standardized to Boswellic Acids)
Powder (Churna): Mixed with honey, ghee, or warm water
Capsules/Tablets: Popular in joint-support supplements
Topical creams or oils: For localized pain relief
Classical Ayurvedic formulations: Often combined with Guggulu or Ashwagandha

Numerous studies validate Boswellia’s effectiveness in managing inflammation and chronic conditions.

Key Research Findings:

Osteoarthritis: Randomized controlled trials show significant improvement in pain and joint function within 4–8 weeks of Boswellia supplementation
Ulcerative Colitis: Clinical studies report comparable efficacy to sulfasalazine in maintaining remission
Asthma: Boswellic acid shown to reduce leukotriene levels and improve pulmonary function

Boswellia is being increasingly studied in clinical integrative protocols for chronic pain, inflammatory disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Boswellia serrata (Salaiguggul) offers an exceptional natural solution for pain, inflammation, and degenerative joint conditions. Its ability to relieve chronic inflammation without the side effects of conventional drugs makes it a cornerstone of both traditional and modern phytotherapy.

When sourced ethically and used responsibly, Boswellia can empower individuals with a sustainable, plant-based path to joint comfort, lung health, and long-term resilience.

Precautions and Contraindications

Boswellia is generally safe when used as directed. However, long-term or high-dose use should be supervised.

References

1. Kimmatkar, N., Thawani, V., Hingorani, L., Khiyani, R. (2003). Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee – a randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial. Phytomedicine, 10(1), 3–7. https://doi.org/10.1078/094471103321648593

2. Gupta, I., et al. (1997). Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis. European Journal of Medical Research, 2(1), 37–43.

3. Sander, O., Herborn, G., Rau, R. (1998). Is H15 (resin extract of Boswellia serrata, incense) a useful supplement to established drug therapy of chronic polyarthritis? Zeitschrift für Rheumatologie, 57(1), 11–16.

4. Ammon, H. P. T. (2006). Boswellic acids in chronic inflammatory diseases. Planta Medica, 72(12), 1100–1116. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-947226

5. Hostanska, K., et al. (2002). Boswellic acids suppress the growth of human leukemia HL-60 cells by inducing apoptosis. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 1(11), 929–936.