Boswellia extract offers a number of benefits, although its best known is its effect on inflammation. Boswellia contains anti-inflammatory pentacyclic triterpene acids, of which boswellic acid is the most effective. It reduces inflammation in the joints of those suffering rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, and in doing so reduces the swelling and pain of the condition.

The results have been confirmed by testing, and this is one of those natural remedies where theoretical science has supported the traditional usage, which has then been confirmed by controlled testing. The anti-inflammatory properties of boswellia extract also appear to extend to reducing the symptoms of other inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease. It also helps to smooth out the fine wrinkles caused by over-exposure to the UV radiation in the sun.

Boswellia extract is an extract of the resin obtained from the boswellia serrata tree, otherwise known as Indian frankincense. The resin is used in incense, and has been used prominently in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for many centuries. Like most other traditional remedies of ancient cultures, modern science supports its use in treating many disorders that can be classified together as being inflammatory.

It is not a coincidence that the many apparently unconnected conditions that the resin was used to treat in traditional Indian medicine are now understood to be related to the reaction of the immune system known as inflammation. Once that was recognized, the use of boswellia extract because logical and it can now be used to treat targeted inflammatory conditions.

Among these are asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel conditions and even the inflammation of the skin caused by excessive exposure to strong sunlight that leads to premature aging.

If you are suffer from any inflammatory condition, then Boswellia extract should be of benefit, and since there are very few side effects it will not harm you to try.

In 2010, the journal 'Dermatology Therapy' published a study carried out on 15 women with rough and finely wrinkled skin on their face. A cream containing boswellia extract was provided to each woman who applied it to one side of her face each day for 30 days.

Significant reduction in surface roughness of the skin on the treated side of the face was reported in each case, together with a reduction in the fine wrinkling present prior to the trial. The elasticity of the skin was also improved, and this was taken as significant evidence of the effect of boswellia extract on aging skin and its ability to make it appear younger.

There might be a number of explanations for this, although the most likely is that boswellia contains triterpene acids that are highly anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and are therefore able to neutralize the free radicals that lead to the destruction of the membranes of skin cells. By preventing this from happening, the skin would be able to regenerate properly and heal, reducing wrinkles and regaining its natural elasticity.

The triterpene acids, known as boswellic acids, are also anti-inflammatory, and help reduce the effects of the inflammatory response to the effect of UV radiation on the skin. Sunburn is an inflammatory condition that can be treated using anti-inflammatories such as boswellia extract. The science is sound, although more tests are needed to prove the mechanism beyond doubt.

Meantime, if your skin is rough, red and wrinkled from too much exposure to the sun, boswellia extract should help to ease the inflammation and help your skin to regain its youthful appearance and natural elasticity.

The Effect of Boswellia on Inflammatory Conditions Boswellia is a tree, the fragrant resin of which has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions now known to be associated with inflammation. Boswellia resin is also believed to be the frankincense of the Bible that was often used to sweeten the homes of Greeks and Romans, and is today used as at least one of the resins in incense and frequently used in churches. However, Boswellia has a more practical use for which many suffering from inflammatory conditions offer thanks. The terpenes in boswellia extract are strongly anti-inflammatory, and can be used to lessen the pain of arthritis and discomfort of colitis. It is also effective in treating a number of other inflammatory conditions. It does so in part by inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins and LOX-5 that are instrumental in promoting the inflammatory response of your immune system, and also promotes immune responses that are anti-inflammatory in nature. Boswellia extract is as effective as NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and aspirin in treating such inflammatory conditions.

Active Constituents of Boswellia

Boswellia is a tree, and the gum oleoresin extracted from it contains a rich combination of natural substances that can be used for a number of purposes. The essential oils and resin are very aromatic, and boswellia is better known to most people as frankincense, used as a perfume both in early Jewish cave burials and in the homes of early Romans and Greeks to improve the smell in their homes. These were periods when sanitation was basic, burials often open and flowers and resins were used as we use air sprays today.

Among the constituents of boswellia resin are chemicals known as terpenoids, known today for their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These triterpenes can be used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, colitis and even asthma, and those that use it claim it to be as effective as the more common NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. It does so without causing the stomach irritation that these synthetic drugs can cause, and can help to reduce pain and stiffness without the side effects of prescribed anti-inflammatories.

Boswellia, Extract
  

Latin Name
Boswellia 
serrata

Description
Clinically dosed gum resin extract of 
the Boswellia tree standardized to 65 % Boswellic 
Acids.

Usage
Boswellia Extract has been the focus of much 
research associated with supporting joint health and mobility. 
*

Recommended Daily Dosage
Take one tablet three times daily 
with water at mealtimes.

 

    

The following list is 
for serving size of 1 tablet

Primary Ingredients Amount 
USRDA  
Boswellia, dried extract  307 mg  0%  


Other 
Ingredients
Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Modified Cellulose Gum, 
Silica, Stearic Acid