The Boswellia tree also known as Indian Frankincense, not only grows in India, but also in Northern Africa and the Middle East. Boswellic acids (ie: the bioactive constituents of boswellia) are obtained from the gum resin of B. serrata tree which is tapped in order to obtain it. The B. serrata is a large, branching, deciduous tree which grows abundantly in the dry, hilly parts of India. It is known as “Dhup”, Indian Frankincense or Indian Olibanum. The gum resin exudate of B. serrata, known in the vernacular as “Salai fugal”, has been in use in Ayurvedic system of medicine for the management of rheumatism, respiratory diseases, and liver disorders. Boswellia is a long used and highly valued Ayurvedic herb for centuries. [1] †
Today, Boswellia is sought out all over the world for its support of healthy joints and the GI tract. Boswellia may promote a healthy inflammatory response by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes. Hence, the major use of B. serrata in contemporary medicine is as an anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory pharmacological agent. [1] †
Boswellic acids are anti-inflammatory phytonutrients.
Specifically, Boswellic acids were found to inhibit two pro-inflammatory enzymes. 5-Lipoxygenase (which generates inflammatory leukotrienes) and Human Leukocyte Elastase (HLE). HLE is a serine protease which initiates injury to the tissues, which inturn triggers the inflammatory process. This dual inhibitory action on the inflammatory process is unique to boswellic acids. [1] †
***Learn more about phytonutrients & inflammation under Dr. Kenawy’s products section here “InflamMove”. ***
The prospective of BAs in managing various chronic diseases is well evidenced by a number of preclinical studies through their ability to modulate multiple mediators involved in the pathogenesis of diverse diseases. Below is a figure showing Biological activities of Boswellic Acids against diverse chronic diseases. [2]†
***The list below is intended for those interested in such information however, for the purpose of keeping information as simple as possible, the full list is not listed here.*** Otherwise, you may skip this list***
Biological activity of boswellic acid against different diseases. [2]†
|
Diseases |
Mechanism/Outcome |
References |
|
Arthritis |
↓ Infiltration of leucocytes |
[105] |
|
↓ Knee diameter |
[106] |
|
|
↓ IL-1β and TLR4, ↑ Synovial activation |
[107] |
|
|
RA-derived bone loss disease |
↓TNF-α and NF-κB activity |
[108] |
|
Alzheimer’s disease |
↑ Reeling expression, ↓ ROS generation |
[109] |
|
Asthma |
↓ Expression of pSTAT6 and GATA3 |
[110] |
|
↓ Expression of pSTAT6 and GATA3 |
[111] |
|
|
Atherosclerosis |
↓ NF-κB activity |
[86] |
|
Breast cancer |
↑ ER/UPR response |
[112] |
|
Bladder cancer |
↑ Tumor cell specific cytotoxicity |
[113] |
|
Brain cancer |
↓ Phosphorylation of Erk-1 and Erk-2 |
[84] |
|
↑ Apoptosis |
[114] |
|
|
Cervical cancer |
↑ PARP cleavage |
[115] |
|
Colon cancer |
↑ let-7, CDK6, vimentin, and E-cadherin |
[34] |
|
↓ 4E and cyclin D1, ↓ G2/M cell cycle |
[42] |
|
|
↓ Intestinal tumorigenesis |
[91] |
|
|
↓ Cyclin D1 and E, CDK 2 and 4 |
[87] |
|
|
↑ PARP cleavage |
[115] |
|
|
↓ Caspase-3 or caspase-8 |
[116] |
|
|
↑ Expression of SAMD14 and SMPD3 |
[117] |
|
|
↑ Apoptosis |
[118] |
|
|
Diabetes |
↑ Synthesis of secretory granules |
[144] |
|
↓ Islet destruction and consequent hyperglycemia |
[145] |
|
|
↑ Blood glucose and HbA1c |
[146] |
|
|
↓ Cytokine burst, and blood glucose |
[147] |
|
|
↓ Infiltration of lymphocytes into pancreatic islets |
[148] |
|
|
Ischemia-reperfusion |
↑ Antioxidant capacity, ↓ inflammatory cascades |
[149] |
|
↑ Nrf2 and HO-1 |
[150] |
|
|
↑ Nrf2 and HO-1 |
[151] |
|
|
↓ Brain infarction, neuronal cell loss, and apoptosis |
[152] |
|
|
Gastric injury |
↑ Nrf2 and HO-1 |
[153] |
|
Gastric ulcer |
↓ Biosynthesis of leukotrienes |
[154] |
|
Hepatic injury |
↓ Glutathione, and ROS |
[155] |
|
Hepatotoxicity |
↑ Nrf2 and HO-1 |
[156] |
|
Abbreviations: IL-1β= interleukin 1beta; TLR4= toll-like receptor 4; RA= rheumatoid arthritis; TNF-α=tumor necrosis factor α; NF-κB= nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells; ROS= reactive oxygen species;pSTAT6= phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 6; ER/UPR= endoplasmic reticulum/unfolded protein response; Erk= extracellular-signal-regulated kinase; PARP= poly-ADP ribose polymerase; let-7= lethal-7; CDK6=cyclin-dependent kinase 6; FOXM1= the forkhead box m1; Bcl-2= B-cell lymphoma2; PI3K= phosphoinositide 3-kinase; Hsp-90= heat shock protein90; AOM= acute otitis media; JNK= c-Jun N-terminal kinase; MMPs= matrix metalloproteinase; Erk= extracellular signal-regulated kinase; CK-MB= creatine kinase-muscle/brain; LDH= lactate dehydrogenase; COX-2= cyclooxygenase-2; CXCR4= C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4; VEGF= vascular endothelial growth factor; Mtor = mammalian target ofrapamycin; p70S6K= P70 S6 kinase; IRF= impulse response function; SAM= S-adenosylmethionine; CHIKV= chikungunyavirus; HbA1c= hemoglobin A1c; Nrf2= nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2; HO-1= heme oxygenase-1; MAPK= mitogen-activated protein kinase; Rh123= rhodamine 123; P-gp=P-glycoprotein1; MDR= multidrug-resistant; TGFβ-R= transforming growth factor beta receptor. |
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Dr. Kenawy’s Boswellia extract formula is derived from Boswellin® introduced by Sabinsa. It’s mission is to provide alternative and complementary natural products for human nutrition and well-being. Over the past 20 years, Sabinsa has brought to market more than 100 standardized botanical extracts and privately funded several clinical studies in conjunction with prestigious institutions in support of these products. With more than 100 full time scientists conducting ongoing research in India and the United States, Sabinsa continues to develop and patent phytonutrients for the world market.†
† Features:
- boswellia serrata gum resin extract (standardized to 70% [280 mg] total boswellic acids)
- Boswellin® brand boswellia extract, the market-leading, standardized extract. It is meticulously extracted to produce the finest quality boswellia extract available
† Benefits:
- long used Ayurvedic herb
- Promotes inflammatory balance
- supports cartilage and joint function
- support normal intestinal motility
- relieves occasional gastrointestinal upset
- Boswellic acids have been shown in scientific studies to affect key enzymes involved in the maintenance of healthy tissues. Through these mechanisms, Boswellia may help to naturally support the immune system's balanced response to normal internal metabolic stress as well as to the typical wear and tear of everyday life.
†These statements have not been evaluated by The Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your General Practitioner. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
References:
[1] Boswellin® - The anti-inflammatory phytonutrient. (2009). ResearchGate GmbH. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286932739_BoswellinR_-_The_anti-inflammatory_phytonutrient
[2] An Update on Pharmacological Potential of Boswellic Acids against Chronic Diseases. (2019, August 22). National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6747466/