Boswellia

Boswellia extract (AKBA Standardized Extract) comes from the small Boswellia serrata tree, which grows in the dry hills of India. The bark exudes a milky liquid that solidifies into an amber-colored gum resin also known as frankincense. The resin is made into a powder using an extraction process and standardized to acetyl-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA). AKBA is considered a primary active component of the tree resin.

Health Benefits

Boswellia may prevent inflammation by inhibiting synthesis of pro-inflammatory substances.1-4 Boswellia may also reduce pain and improve physical function in individuals with osteoarthritis in the knee.3,4 AKBA may inhibit growth of new blood vessels in the eye (retinal angiogenesis) that may cause blindness.5

References

  1. Siddiqui MZ. Boswellia Serrata, A Potential Anti-inflammatory Agent: An Overview. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2011;73(3):255-261. PubMed PMID: 22457547
  2. Ammon HP. Modulation of the immune system by Boswellia serrata extracts and boswellic acids. Phytomedicine. 2010 Sep;17(11):862-7. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2010.03.003. Epub 2010 Aug 8. Review. Erratum in: Phytomedicine. 2011 Feb 15;18(4):334. PubMed PMID: 20696559
  3. Sengupta K, Alluri KV, Satish AR, Mishra S, Golakoti T, Sarma KV, Dey D, Raychaudhuri SP. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthritis Res Ther. 2008;10(4):R85. PubMed PMID: 18667054
  4. Vishal AA, Mishra A, Raychaudhuri SP. A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled Clinical Study Evaluates the Early Efficacy of Aflapin® in Subjects with Osteoarthritis of Knee. Int J Med Sci. 2011; 8(7): 615–622. PMID: 22022214
  5. Lulli M, Cammalleri M, Fornaciari I, Casini G, Dal Monte M. Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid reduces retinal angiogenesis in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. Exp Eye Res. 2015 Jun;135:67-80. PubMed PMID: 25913458.