Boswellia - NutraPedia

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Boswellia Overview

1) Conditions Studied

Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, has been studied for various conditions, including:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
  • Certain types of cancers
  • Chronic pain

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

Research suggests that Boswellia may be effective in treating certain conditions. For example:

  • In osteoarthritis, some studies have shown reduced pain and improved mobility.
  • It may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.
  • Some evidence suggests potential benefits in inflammatory bowel diseases.

However, more research is needed to conclusively determine its efficacy for these and other conditions.

3) Health Benefits

Boswellia is believed to have several health benefits, largely due to its anti-inflammatory properties. These may include:

  • Reduction in joint pain and inflammation
  • Improvement in respiratory function in people with asthma
  • Support for digestive health
  • Potential to slow down or prevent the spread of certain cancers

4) Downsides

While Boswellia is generally considered safe, it can have downsides, including:

  • Possible side effects such as stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea
  • Potential interactions with other medications
  • Not regulated as strictly as pharmaceutical drugs, so quality can vary

5) Genetic Variations and Boswellia

There is limited research on the relationship between genetic variations and the effects of Boswellia. Some genetic variations may influence how an individual metabolizes or responds to herbal supplements, including Boswellia. However, specific interactions with genetic variations are not well-documented and would require further scientific exploration.

Note: The information provided here is not medical advice. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Research Summary on Boswellia

Boswellia, commonly known as frankincense, has been the subject of various research studies focusing on its medicinal properties, particularly its potential applications in treating inflammation and cancer.

Antimicrobial Effects

Essential oils from different types of frankincense (Boswellia rivae, Boswellia neglecta, and Boswellia papyrifera) and myrrh (Commiphora guidotti and Commiphora myrrha) have shown antimicrobial effects against various microorganisms, notably Cryptococcus neoformans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Boswellia extracts have been demonstrated to reduce inflammation in cartilage tissue, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for osteoarthritis. Key components like 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (KBA) and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) have been identified as potent inhibitors of pro-inflammatory enzymes.

Clinical Trials and Safety

Clinical trials have evaluated Boswellia extracts for various conditions. For instance, a trial involving brain tumor patients showed promising outcomes with Boswellia serrata gum resin extracts in reducing peritumoral edema. Additionally, safety evaluations of Boswellia extracts have indicated no significant adverse effects at certain dosages.

Psychoactive Effects

Incensole acetate, a component of Boswellia resin incense, produces psychoactive effects by activating TRPV3 channels in the brain, which may explain the traditional use of incense for spiritual enhancement.

Chemical Composition and Analysis

Studies have analyzed the chemical composition of Boswellia oils, identifying a variety of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, with some research focusing on developing methods to measure boswellic acids in Boswellia serrata and human plasma using HPLC techniques.

Conclusion

Overall, research suggests that Boswellia has significant potential as a treatment for inflammation, microbial infections, and even certain types of cancer. However, further studies are necessary to fully understand the mechanisms of action and to develop standardized treatments.

References:


  1. Development of a high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid in human plasma
  2. Chemical differentiation of Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carterii essential oils by gas chromatography and chiral gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
  3. The additive and synergistic antimicrobial effects of select frankincense and myrrh oils--a combination from the pharaonic pharmacopoeia
  4. Boswellia frereana (frankincense) suppresses cytokine-induced matrix metalloproteinase expression and production of pro-inflammatory molecules in articular cartilage
  5. Safety Evaluation of Alcoholic Extract of Boswellia ovalifoliolata Stem-bark in Rats
  6. Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview
  7. Determination of major boswellic acids in plasma by high-pressure liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
  8. Incensole acetate, an incense component, elicits psychoactivity by activating TRPV3 channels in the brain
  9. Phytochemical analysis of the essential oil from botanically certified oleogum resin of Boswellia sacra (Omani Luban)
  10. [Determination of five boswellic acids in Boswellia serrata]
  11. Analysis of 12 different pentacyclic triterpenic acids from frankincense in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography and photodiode array detection
  12. Incensole acetate reduces depressive-like behavior and modulates hippocampal BDNF and CRF expression of submissive animals
  13. Efficient preparation of incensole and incensole acetate, and quantification of these bioactive diterpenes in Boswellia papyrifera by a RP-DAD-HPLC method
  14. A triterpenediol from Boswellia serrata induces apoptosis through both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways in human leukemia HL-60 cells
  15. Activation of p53/p21/PUMA alliance and disruption of PI-3/Akt in multimodal targeting of apoptotic signaling cascades in cervical cancer cells by a pentacyclic triterpenediol from Boswellia serrata
  16. Complete structural assignment of serratol, a cembrane-type diterpene from Boswellia serrata, and evaluation of its antiprotozoal activity
  17. [Determination of alpha-pinene and octyl acetate contents in Boswellia serrata]
  18. Immunomodulatory activity of biopolymeric fraction BOS 2000 from Boswellia serrata
  19. Regulation of vascular responses to inflammation: inducible matrix metalloproteinase-3 expression in human microvascular endothelial cells is sensitive to antiinflammatory Boswellia
  20. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory effect of Aflapin: a novel Boswellia serrata extract
  21. Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid potentiates apoptosis, inhibits invasion, and abolishes osteoclastogenesis by suppressing NF-kappa B and NF-kappa B-regulated gene expression
  22. Nuclear factor-kappaB: its role in health and disease
  23. NF-kappaB activation by tumour necrosis factor requires the Akt serine-threonine kinase
  24. Missing pieces in the NF-kappaB puzzle
  25. Involvement of microtubule integrity in memory impairment caused by colchicine
  26. Microtubule-stabilising drugs for therapy of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders with axonal transport impairments
  27. Microtubule-stabilising drugs may be therapeutic in AD
  28. Role of tau protein in both physiological and pathological conditions
  29. An in vitro study of the role of β-boswellic acid in the microtubule assembly dynamics
  30. The enhancement effect of beta-boswellic acid on hippocampal neurites outgrowth and branching (an in vitro study)
  31. Permeation of Boswellia extract in the Caco-2 model and possible interactions of its constituents KBA and AKBA with OATP1B3 and MRP2
  32. Permeability of lipophilic compounds in drug discovery using in-vitro human absorption model, Caco-2
  33. In vitro metabolism, permeation, and brain availability of six major boswellic acids from Boswellia serrata gum resins
  34. Enhanced absorption of boswellic acids by a lecithin delivery form (Phytosome(®)) of Boswellia extract
  35. Effect of phospholipid-based formulations of Boswellia serrata extract on the solubility, permeability, and absorption of the individual boswellic acid constituents present
  36. Complexation with phosphatidyl choline as a strategy for absorption enhancement of boswellic acid
  37. Determination of boswellic acids in brain and plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
  38. Identification of human cathepsin G as a functional target of boswellic acids from the anti-inflammatory remedy frankincense
  39. Effect of food intake on the bioavailability of boswellic acids from a herbal preparation in healthy volunteers
  40. Increased bioavailability of 11-keto-β-boswellic acid following single oral dose frankincense extract administration after a standardized meal in healthy male volunteers: modeling and simulation considerations for evaluating drug exposures
  41. On the interference of boswellic acids with 5-lipoxygenase: mechanistic studies in vitro and pharmacological relevance
  42. Metabolism of boswellic acids in vitro and in vivo
  43. Modulation of Pgp function by boswellic acids
  44. TRPV3 and TRPV4 mediate warmth-evoked currents in primary mouse keratinocytes
  45. TRPV3 is a calcium-permeable temperature-sensitive cation channel
  46. TRPV3 is a temperature-sensitive vanilloid receptor-like protein
  47. Anticholinesterase activity of endemic plant extracts from Soqotra
  48. Protective effects of incensole acetate on cerebral ischemic injury
  49. Response of radiochemotherapy-associated cerebral edema to a phytotherapeutic agent, H15
  50. Boswellic acids inhibit glioma growth: a new treatment option?
  51. Long-term efficacy of Boswellia serrata in four patients with chronic cluster headache
  52. Cluster headache
  53. Evaluation of systemic administration of Boswellia papyrifera extracts on spatial memory retention in male rats
  54. Human genome screen to identify the genetic basis of the anti-inflammatory effects of Boswellia in microvascular endothelial cells
  55. Antiinflammatory and antiatherogenic effects of the NF-kappaB inhibitor acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid in LPS-challenged ApoE-/- mice
  56. Comparative efficacy and tolerability of 5-Loxin and AflapinAgainst osteoarthritis of the knee: a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical study
  57. NF-kappaB and bone: the breaking point
  58. Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study
  59. Randomized double blind trial of an ayurvedic plant derived formulation for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
  60. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical study evaluates the early efficacy of aflapin in subjects with osteoarthritis of knee
  61. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee
  62. Clinical evaluation of Boswellia serrata (Shallaki) resin in the management of Sandhivata (osteoarthritis)
  63. Evidence of effectiveness of herbal antiinflammatory drugs in the treatment of painful osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain
  64. Complementary therapies, herbs, and other OTC agents: Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)
  65. The 5-lipoxygenase/leukotriene pathway in obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease
  66. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis
  67. Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA): structure requirements for binding and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity
  68. Boswellic acids: novel, specific, nonredox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase
  69. Mechanism of 5-lipoxygenase inhibition by acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid
  70. Mechanism of antiinflammatory actions of curcumine and boswellic acids
  71. Identification and functional analysis of cyclooxygenase-1 as a molecular target of boswellic acids
  72. Modulation of the immune system by Boswellia serrata extracts and boswellic acids
  73. Boswellic acids: biological actions and molecular targets
  74. Boswellic acids from frankincense inhibit lipopolysaccharide functionality through direct molecular interference
  75. Binding of polymyxin B to the lipid A portion of bacterial lipopolysaccharides
  76. Incensole acetate, a novel anti-inflammatory compound isolated from Boswellia resin, inhibits nuclear factor-kappa B activation
  77. Neutrophil serine proteases: specific regulators of inflammation
  78. Inhibition of microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 as a molecular basis for the anti-inflammatory actions of boswellic acids from frankincense
  79. Membrane prostaglandin E synthase-1: a novel therapeutic target
  80. A novel C(28)-hydroxylated lupeolic acid suppresses the biosynthesis of eicosanoids through inhibition of cytosolic phospholipase A(2)
  81. Inhibition by boswellic acids of human leukocyte elastase
  82. Anticomplementary activity of boswellic acids--an inhibitor of C3-convertase of the classical complement pathway
  83. A new vaccine adjuvant (BOS 2000) a potent enhancer mixed Th1/Th2 immune responses in mice immunized with HBsAg
  84. Prevention of multiple low-dose streptozotocin (MLD-STZ) diabetes in mice by an extract from gum resin of Boswellia serrata (BE)
  85. Inhibitory effect of acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid on androgen receptor by interference of Sp1 binding activity in prostate cancer cells
  86. 11beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 inhibiting constituents from Eriobotrya japonica revealed by bioactivity-guided isolation and computational approaches
  87. Effect of Boswellia serrata on intestinal motility in rodents: inhibition of diarrhoea without constipation
  88. Prevention of colonic fibrosis by Boswellia and Scutellaria extracts in rats with colitis induced by 2,4,5-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid
  89. Herbal medicine in the treatment of ulcerative colitis
  90. Effect of Boswellia serrata on antioxidant status in an experimental model of colitis rats induced by acetic acid
  91. Mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory actions of boswellic acid derivatives in experimental colitis
  92. Serum inhibitors of leukocyte chemotaxis in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
  93. Interventions for treating collagenous colitis
  94. Boswellia serrata extract for the treatment of collagenous colitis. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial
  95. Effect of exclusion diet with nutraceutical therapy in juvenile Crohn's disease
  96. Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of Boswellia serrata in maintaining remission of Crohn's disease: good safety profile but lack of efficacy
  97. Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA); targeting oral cavity pathogens
  98. In vitro anti-biofilm activity of Boswellia spp. oleogum resin essential oils
  99. Evaluation of the efficacy of ginger, Arabic gum, and Boswellia in acute and chronic renal failure
  100. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study
  101. Herbal interventions for chronic asthma in adults and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  102. Natural anti-inflammatory products and leukotriene inhibitors as complementary therapy for bronchial asthma
  103. Isolation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) inhibitors from frankincense using a molecularly imprinted polymer
  104. Cellular adaptation to hypoxia: O2-sensing protein hydroxylases, hypoxia-inducible transcription factors, and O2-regulated gene expression
  105. Hypoxia inducible factor-1: a novel target for cancer therapy
  106. Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid inhibits prostate tumor growth by suppressing vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2-mediated angiogenesis
  107. Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid induces apoptosis in HL-60 and CCRF-CEM cells and inhibits topoisomerase I
  108. Interaction between natural compounds and human topoisomerase I
  109. Boswellic acids and malignant glioma: induction of apoptosis but no modulation of drug sensitivity
  110. A lipoxygenase inhibitor in breast cancer brain metastases
  111. Boswellic acid induces epigenetic alterations by modulating DNA methylation in colorectal cancer cells
  112. Boswellic acid exerts antitumor effects in colorectal cancer cells by modulating expression of the let-7 and miR-200 microRNA family
  113. LY294002 enhances boswellic acid-induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells
  114. Chemoprevention of intestinal adenomatous polyposis by acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid in APC(Min/+) mice
  115. Inhibitory effect of acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid on androgen receptor by interference of Sp1 binding activity in prostate cancer cells
  116. Mechanisms of constitutive NF-kappaB activation in human prostate cancer cells
  117. Characterization of 3alpha-acetyl-11-keto-alpha-boswellic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid inducing apoptosis in vitro and in vivo
  118. Acetyl-keto-beta-boswellic acid induces apoptosis through a death receptor 5-mediated pathway in prostate cancer cells
  119. Bosellia serrata-induced apoptosis is related with ER stress and calcium release
  120. A cyano analogue of boswellic acid induces crosstalk between p53/PUMA/Bax and telomerase that stages the human papillomavirus type 18 positive HeLa cells to apoptotic death
  121. A comparative study of proapoptotic potential of cyano analogues of boswellic acid and 11-keto-boswellic acid
  122. Targeting signal-transducer-and-activator-of-transcription-3 for prevention and therapy of cancer: modern target but ancient solution
  123. Boswellic acid blocks signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 signaling, proliferation, and survival of multiple myeloma via the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1
  124. Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid suppresses invasion of pancreatic cancer cells through the downregulation of CXCR4 chemokine receptor expression
  125. Boswellia sacra essential oil induces tumor cell-specific apoptosis and suppresses tumor aggressiveness in cultured human breast cancer cells
  126. Studies of the in vitro anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials of selected Yemeni medicinal plants from the island Soqotra
  127. Expression of stromal cell-derived factor 1 and CXCR4 ligand receptor system in pancreatic cancer: a possible role for tumor progression
  128. Boswellic acid suppresses growth and metastasis of human pancreatic tumors in an orthotopic nude mouse model through modulation of multiple targets
  129. Frankincense essential oil prepared from hydrodistillation of Boswellia sacra gum resins induces human pancreatic cancer cell death in cultures and in a xenograft murine model
  130. Anti-inflammatory actions of pentacyclic triterpenes
  131. Effects of topical boswellic acid on photo and age-damaged skin: clinical, biophysical, and echographic evaluations in a double-blind, randomized, split-face study
  132. Topical Boswellic acids for treatment of photoaged skin
  133. Safety and toxicological evaluation of Aflapin: a novel Boswellia-derived anti-inflammatory product
  134. BHUx: a patented polyherbal formulation to prevent hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis
  135. Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of individual and combined extracts from Commiphora myrrha, and Boswellia carterii
  136. Boswellia serrata and Salvia miltiorrhiza extracts reduce DMN-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice by TGF-beta1 downregulation
  137. Safety and Toxicological Evaluation of a Novel, Standardized 3-O-Acetyl-11-keto-beta-Boswellic Acid (AKBA)-Enriched Boswellia serrata Extract (5-Loxin(R))
  138. Mutagenicity evaluation with Ames test of hydro-alcoholic solution of terpenes
  139. In vivo genotoxicity evaluation of a plant based antiarthritic and anticancer therapeutic agent Boswelic acids in rodents
  140. Allergic contact dermatitis from Boswellia serrata extract in a naturopathic cream


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