Boswellia

Boswellia serrata is an herb, moderate to large sized branching tree belongs to family Burseraceae, grown in dry mountainous regions of India, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. It is commonly known as Salai guggal and Indian Frankincense. The gum resin extract from trees, most usage in Ayurvedic medicine.  The oleo gum resins contain 30-60% resin, 5-10% essential oils and rest are made up of polysaccharides. Boswellic acid (β- boswellic acid, acetyl-β-bowellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acids, and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid) is the major bioactive constituents of gum resin of Boswellia serrata, responsible for inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes. The acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid is the most potent inhibitor of 5- lipoxygenase (LOX), an enzyme responsible for inflammation and diseases. Boswellia works by inhibiting lipoxygenase enzyme (LOX), by inhibiting LOX enzymes, Boswellia effectively blocks leukotriene synthesis. Leukotrienes play a major role in promoting a whole host of age-associated, inflammation-related diseases including joint problems, intestinal cancer, and lung-related diseases. Boswellia helps to inhibit the breakdown of connective tissues caused by tumor necrosis factor- alpha and it shows that Boswellia has the ability to modulate the immune system and inhibit inflammatory activity and due to this helps in various autoimmune conditions.