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)
Northern Africa and parts of the Middle East
Pakistan
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.
Boswellic acids (α-boswellic acid, β-boswellic acid, acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid or AKBA)
Essential oils (pinene, terpenoids)
Polysaccharides and tannins
- Reduces inflammation in conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Improves joint mobility and reduces stiffness
- Helps repair cartilage damage
Boswellia is often used in Ayurvedic formulations like Shallaki tablets or in combination with Guggulu, Ashwagandha, and Turmeric for enhanced effect.
- Reduces symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
- Decreases gut inflammation and promotes mucosal healing
- Acts as a safer alternative to corticosteroids in long-term use
- Useful in asthma and bronchitis by reducing airway inflammation
- Inhibits leukotriene activity, improving breathing and reducing allergic responses
- Eases back pain, tendonitis, and sports injuries
- Reduces pain without gastrointestinal side effects common to NSAIDs
- Early studies suggest neuroprotective effects, helpful in Alzheimer’s models
- Boswellic acids exhibit anti-proliferative effects on some cancer cell lines (e.g., glioma, leukemia)
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
- Pregnancy and lactation: Limited data; avoid or use under strict guidance
- Autoimmune diseases: May stimulate immune function
- Surgery or bleeding disorders: Mild anticoagulant effect, pause before surgery
- Mild gastric discomfort
- Skin rash (with topical use)
- Rare headache or nausea
Modern pharmacology and clinical trials have extensively studied Brahmi’s neurocognitive effects.
Key Research Highlights:
- Cognition: Double-blind placebo-controlled trials show Brahmi improves memory acquisition and retention in adults and elderly individuals
- Stress & Anxiety: Reduces anxiety scores and cortisol levels in clinical studies
- Neuroprotection: Protects against beta-amyloid-induced neuronal damage, relevant in Alzheimer’s disease models
- ADHD: Improved learning and behavioral control in children with attention disorders
Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) is a timeless herbal ally for enhancing memory, learning, and emotional balance. Whether used by students seeking better concentration, professionals under stress, or elders preserving mental clarity, Brahmi supports the mind’s resilience and vitality.
Rooted in Ayurveda and backed by modern science, Brahmi offers a safe, sustainable, and holistic solution for today’s cognitive health challenges, when used responsibly and under expert guidance.
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.
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