Boswellia, also known as Indian Frankincense, is an herbal extract taken from the Boswellia serrata tree. Boswellia is an Ayurvedic plant that contains anti-inflammatory triterpenoids called boswellic acids. Boswellic acid and its derivatives have anti-carcinogenic, anti-tumor, and blood lipid lowering activities. Dried extracts of the resin of the boswellia serrata tree have been used since antiquity in India to treat inflammatory conditions and joint aches.

Boswellia may interact with and decrease the effects of anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and other medications. Talk to your doctor before using boswellia products, especially if you’re taking other medications to treat inflammation. Interestingly, its medicinal use might be attributable to elephants, as it’s said that ancient Ayurvedic healers discovered its benefits by watching elephants eat boswellia. Since elephants are known for their long life and health, it is thought that the healers wanted to bring the health benefits of the tree to their patients.

Boswellia works through entirely different mechanisms than anti-inflammatory drugs. Whereas most drugs function as Cox enzyme inhibitors, boswellia works by inhibiting lipoxygenase enzymes (LOX), which are powerful contributors to inflammation and disease. By inhibiting LOX enzymes, boswellia effectively blocks leukotriene synthesis. Leukotrienes play a major role in promoting a whole host of age-associated, inflammation-related diseases including joint problems, intestinal disorders, cancer, and lung related disease.

Health Benefits of Boswellia Extract

Inflammatory Conditions

Inflammation is right at the heart of the majority of illnesses including severe and life threatening ailments like heart disease, liver disease and cancer. Fortunately, boswellia has exhibited impressive anti-inflammatory actions owing to natural compounds like boswellic acids and terpenes.

Arthritis and Joint Pain

Boswellia has received a fair bit of attention for its ability to reduce pain, inflammation and difficulties with movement in people suffering from arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Respiration

Boswellia has been used for centuries to help treat respiratory complaints ans infections of the sinuses helping people to breathe more comfortably and overcome other symptoms such as coughs and sore throats

Inflammatory Bowel Disorders

Boswellia helps to normalize antibody production helping the body’s immune system fight off threats from viruses, bacteria and other toxins.

May Help Fight Cancer

Frankincense oil, which is formed by purifying resin from the boswellia tree, and Frankincense and AKBA have been linked to protection against cancer.

Speeds Up Healing From Infections

Boswellia is capable of lowering severity of infections of the respiratory or sinus tracts, which mean you can experience relief from coughing, colds, the flu or a sore throat faster.