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This article first appeared in the by Al Adrian Boswellia
serratta, of the botanical family Burseraceae, is the scientific name
for a tree of moderate height which grows in the dry hilly areas of India.
The therapeutic value of the dried resinous gum (guggul), derived from
tapping the Boswellia tree, has been known since antiquity. Boswellia gum was
first mentioned in the ancient Ayurvedic treatises Sushrita Samhita and the
Charak Samhita. It is also known as "dhup" or Indian frankincense
and has been available as a high quality extract in India for approximately 25
years and marketed under the name Sallaki. Traditionally, Boswellia gum has been
used for the treatment of diabetes, skin and blood diseases, fever,
cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, rheumatism, dysentery, diseases
of the testes, and myriad of other disorders. Today its major use is as an
anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis, low back pain, myositis, fibrositis, and
osteoarthritis. Scientific evidence also suggests Boswellia extract may lower
cholesterol, as does the guggul of Commiphora wightii (guggulipid), and
provide liver protection. Research done in India and Germany has
recently confirmed Boswellia's therapeutic efficacy; it has shown advantages
over other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAID's) and has suggested
a mechanism by which it acts. Much of the research has been conducted at the
Regional Research Laboratory in Jammu, India. Here, investigators have
subjected Boswellia extract, also referred to as alcohol extract of sallaki
guggal (AESG), to many testing procedures. Acute, subacute, and chronic
toxicity tests in three mammalian species, including a species of primate,
revealed no significant changes in blood or tissue biochemistry. Under test
conditions in the laboratory the LD-50 (a dose at which 50% of the test
organisms die) of rats was greater than 2 grams per Kg, apparently making
Boswellia extract safer than ibuprofen, which has an LD-50 of 1.6 grams per
Kg. Boswellia and Arthritis This is good news for those ten million
or so Americans currently taking large doses of conventional NSAID's who may
also be suffering from NSAID induced gastric irritation. Relief can now be spelled
B-o-s-w-e-l-l-i-a. When given to pregnant rats, unlike
aspirin which decreases viable offspring and causes post partum bleeding,
Boswellia extract was free of side effects even at doses of 200 mg per kg.
Boswellia extract has also been reported to be of value in the treatment of
chronic inflammatory conditions, specific to horses, such as stifle, sore
back and bowed tendons. It has even been used with success for the treatment
of post-operative arthritis of the knee in a competitive race horse. Finally,
no side effects on the central nervous system or cardiovascular system were
detected in these extensive animal trials with the use of Boswellia extract
(Sallaki). Mechanism of Action It was found that high doses of
Boswellia extract, given to mice before antigen challenge, almost completely
inhibited primary antibody response. Additionally, secondary antibody
response was partially inhibited. Reduction of pleural (lining membranes of
lung and thoracic cavity) fluid and leucocyte count after intrapleural
injection of carrageenan subsequent to Boswellia extract administration,
suggests interference with production of chemotactic (chemical
attractants-pheromones for lymphocytes) factors. It should be emphasized that
this effect is not mediated by specific cytotoxic activity of boswellic acid,
as incubation of lymphocytes in a media containing high concentrations of
boswellic acid does not cause their death. The mechanism of action of
boswellic acid appears to be more specific. The 1992 reference cited above
confirms that boswellic acid is a potent inhibitor of lipoxygenase (in
contrast most NSAID's inhibit cycloxygenase and shut down prostaglandin
synthesis). This reduces leucotriene production, specifically LTB-4, an
active chemotactic factor. This, most likely, accounts for the finding that
Boswellia extract reduces leucocyte infiltration in carrageenan induced
pleurisy and has enjoyed a reputation as an effective therapeutic agent for
arthritic diseases. In short, with boswellia extract administration, the
white blood cell army communication system is short circuited. The battalions
do not rush to the site of inflammation or trauma, this impressive dampening
of the inflammatory response leads to faster healing. Clearly, Boswellia
extract is a potent, natural, and safe alternative to conventional
NSAID's with a clear track record of use, safety, and success: In Germany,
Boswellia extract has been sold for over 3 years and is currently undergoing
clinical trials. With expectation of acceptance as a Commission E herbal
remedy, there seems little risk in its application for arthritis or perhaps
even speculatively for autoimmune disorders. However, those with compromised
immune function (AIDS or ARC), pregnant women, the very aged (especially
during flu season), or elite athletes who commonly suffer from colds or flu
should refrain from the use of this product for obvious reasons. |