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Boswellic acid (Boswellia)

Boswellia is an herb Boswellia serrata. It has long been known that extracts of the Boswellia family of plants including Boswellia Serrata can produce a soothing effect to irritated skin and that this activity is due to the terpenoid compounds grouped under the general name boswellic acids. The different boswellic acids share the same basic pentacyclic triterpene (steroid-like) structure but differ in their side groupings. The plant Bosswellia serrata has been used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and gout by the practitioners of Ayurvedic medicines in the Indian system of medicine. In particular, various extracts of the gum resin containing acids known as boswellic acids have shown anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity during clinical trials. Boswellic acids, the biologically active ingredients of the gum resin of this herb, are considered to have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic actions. Boswellia has been used for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, diarrhea, dysentery, pulmonary disease and ringworm. Studies have shown that Boswellia has an anti-inflammatory action much like the conventional non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for inflammatory conditions. Boswellia inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators in the body, such as leukotrienes. And as opposed to NSAIDs, long-term use of Boswellia does not lead to irritation or ulceration of the stomach. Boswellia serrata has been used for the treatment of arthritis in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Boswellia is currently one of the most popular alternative medicines for inflammation. Recent research has identified four key ingredients (grouped as boswellic acids) that are responsible for the anti-inflammatory action of Boswellia serrata extracts. Recent research has firmly established that Boswellic acids and their derivatives are specific inhibitors of leukotriene synthesis by their direct interaction with 5-lipoxygenase. Boswellia has been used for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, diarrhea, dysentery, pulmonary disease and ringworm. Studies have shown that Boswellia has an anti-inflammatory action much like the conventional non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for inflammatory conditions. Boswellia inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators in the body, such as leukotrienes. And as opposed to NSAIDs, long-term use of Boswellia does not lead to irritation or ulceration of the stomach. Typical extracts of Boswellia plants are solids or powders with a wide melting range. To allow for easy incorporation into compositions which are suitable for use on the skin or hair, an extract of Boswellia, containing the boswellic acids, or boswellic acids or derivatives thereof themselves, need to be dissolved or dispersed in a suitable carrier.

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