Boswellia, boswellic acid, anti-inflammatory effects and analgesic effect

Description :   Boswellia also known as olibanum or frankincense is an important herb obtained from Boswellia

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Boswellia also known as olibanum or frankincense is an important herb obtained from Boswellia serrata tree. Boswellia extract is derived from the gum resin, which is made by the Boswellia serrata. It is significantly rich in boswellic acid that helps to treat any kind of inflammation and swelling of the body.

Main components of Boswellia

• Boswellic acid is recognized as the main component of boswellia, which offers numerous health benefits
• Four imperative boswellic acids are found in boswellia, which include, β-boswellic acid (BA), 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA), acetyl-β-boswellic acid (ABA) and 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA)
• AKBA is very helpful for preventing various inflammatory diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, bronchial asthma and arthritis

Mechanism of action

The main four boswellic acids found in boswellia are responsible for exhibiting anti-inflammatory activities. Among all of these boswellic acids, Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is considered as the most powerful anti-inflammatory substance. Boswellic acids generally prevent inflammation by inhibiting the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, which helps in the production of leukotriene. Decreased formation of leukotriene is associated with inhibiting inflammation.

Health benefits

Anti-inflammatory activities

• It is very popular due to its anti-inflammatory properties and has been traditionally used for treating inflammation
• It has seen that the four boswellic acids of boswellia (mentioned above) play significant role in reducing the concentration of pro-inflammatory enzymes within body that significantly reduces inflammation
• It also helps to regulate the concentration of cytokines and leukotrienes that results in decreasing inflammation, swelling and pain

Anti-carcinogenic activities

• It is extremely toxic for cancerous cells hence plays significant role in destroying them
• It also helps to prevent the growth of tumor cells as boswellic acid has potent antitumor effects
• It plays vital role in protecting the DNA from damages by inhibiting the action of those enzymes, which provide negative impact on DNA and reduces the risk of developing cancer
• It shows potent anti-carcinogenic effects against breast cancer, leukemia, pancreatic cancer and brain tumor cells

Role on skeletal system

• It is awfully useful for treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and collagenous arthritis
• Consumption of boswellia extract significantly reduces joint swelling as well as pain and also helps to improve joint functions
• It has seen that arthritic patient (especially osteoarthritis) who consume boswellia significantly improves their knee functions
• It also plays significant role in promoting the growth of cartilage as it is associated with reducing the concentration of cartilage-degrading enzymes within body
• It helps to improve the symptoms of arthritis especially rheumatoid arthritis. Boswellia can also interfere with the autoimmune responses of the body. These immune balancing and anti-inflammatory properties of boswellia make it an imperative therapeutic substance for treating rheumatoid arthritis

Role on skin

• It helps to promote skin health
• Boswellic acids play significant role in improving photoaging and also helps to prevent tactile roughness
• It helps to protect the skin from inflammatory damages and reduces the risk of developing dermal disorders
• It also helps to increase the elasticity of skin
• Utilization of boswellia extract is extremely beneficial for inhibiting the skin redness and irritation caused by radio therapy
• It is also very helpful for reducing the prevalence of psoriasis, wrinkles and acne
• It helps to prevent ageing as well

Role on nervous system

• Consumption of boswellia is associated with improving the activity of brain as it helps to protect every nerve cell from oxidative and inflammatory damages
• It helps to improve motor functions
• It also helps to improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
• It is very effective for preventing radio therapy related brain swelling
• It is better for malignant glioma patient to consume boswellia extract at least seven days prior to surgery as it helps to inhibit fluid accumulation around the tumor and makes the surgery effective

Role on respiratory health

• It plays vital role in preventing respiratory disorders as it helps to prevent the inflammation within the airway by reducing the secretion of cytokines
• Boswellic acid plays significant role in preventing asthma
• It also helps to treat breathing troubles

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