Boswellia serrata (frankincense)

The incense tree (Boswellia serata) is a tree that may not be distinguished by its appearance, but under its bark hides a valuable resin called frankincense. Frankincense (olibanum or frankincense) is a fragrant resin. It is used in combination with myrrh and balsam and gives off a spicy scent when burnt. It is often used in various religious ceremonies and meditations.

Frankincense resin had its inherent place in ancient times when it was used for embalming and in ceremonies.

Nowadays, frankincense and incense are considered as a nutritional supplement that helps in a number of diseases of civilization. The extract of frankincense resin contains many active substances such as terpenes, but especially boswellic acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties. Boswellic acids have a comparable effect to acetylsalicylic acid in aspirin, but do not irritate the digestive tract and do not thin the blood.

The most important active ingredient in frankincense is the 11-keto boswellic acid KBA and AKBA, which inhibits the enzyme 5-lipooxygenase and thus prevents heart disease, stroke, cancer and even Alzheimer's disease.

Many scientific studies have focused on the possibility of treating arthritis and osteoarthritis with boswellic acid. The latter acts in the body in a similar way to non-steroidal antirheumatic drugs, but because it does not inhibit the production of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), it does not have the irritating and damaging effects on the mucous membranes that long-term use of non-steroidal antirheumatic drugs causes.

The anti-inflammatory effect of boswellic acid is epigenetic, meaning that boswellic acid affects the activation of genes that cause inflammatory processes.

Juniperus saw palmetto is used to treat arthrosis, arthritis and joint swelling. It suppresses inflammatory bowel diseases and is excellent for chronic diarrhea. It helps for inflammation of teeth, roots and gums.

Lowers blood cholesterol levels and prevents lipid deposition on artery walls, thus protecting the cardiovascular system. Boswellia is also beneficial for asthma. It has also been shown to protect brain cells from destruction.

Boswellic acid stimulates the lymphatic system, which is appreciated by women who suffer from cellulite.

From a cosmetic point of view, the positive effect of Boswellia extract on the skin is very important. It smoothes fine wrinkles, restores elasticity to the skin and reduces sebum production.

Sources:

• Simla B. 2005. Phytochemical investigations on Boswellia species. Dissertation. University of Hamburg, Germany. Pp.256
• Paul M. 2012. Chemotaxonomic investigations on resin of the frankiscense of Boswellia serrata. Dissertation. Saarland University, Germany. Pp. 245
• Tucker AO. 1986. Frankincense and Myrrh. Economic Botany 40(4):425-433
• Safayhi H, Mack T, Sabieraj J, Anazodo MI, Subramanian LR, Ammon HP. 1992. Boswellic acids: novel, specific, nonredox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 261(3):1143- 1146.
• Ernst E. 2008. Frankincense: systematic review. BMJ 337:a2813
• Ammon HP. 2006. Boswellic acids in chronic inflammatory diseases. Planta Med 72(12):1100-1116.
• Shah BA, Qazi GN, Taneja SC. 2009. Boswellic acids: a group of medicinally important compounds. Nat Prod Rep 26(1):72-89.