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'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boswellia_serrata Boswellia serrata Roxb.]''', popularly known as '''Shallaki''', is a moderate-to-large branching tree native to dry deciduous forests of India, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. It is widely revered in [[Ayurveda]] for its oleo-gum resin, which is prized as a premier anti-inflammatory and joint-supportive therapeutic agent.
'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boswellia_serrata Boswellia serrata Roxb.]''', popularly known as '''Shallaki''', is a moderate-to-large branching tree of the family Burseraceae, found in the dry mountainous regions of India, Northern Africa and the Middle East. It is regarded as one of the ancient and most valued herbs of [[Ayurveda]], and its oleo-gum resin is used as an anti-inflammatory and joint-supportive therapeutic agent.<ref name="Siddiqui2011">{{cite journal |last1=Siddiqui |first1=M. Z. |year=2011 |title=Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview |journal=Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences |volume=73 |issue=3 |pages=255–261 |doi=10.4103/0250-474X.93507}}</ref>


== English name ==
== English name ==
Line 98: Line 98:


== Phytochemical Composition ==
== Phytochemical Composition ==
The therapeutic potential of *Boswellia serrata* is primarily concentrated in its oleo-gum resin:
The therapeutic potential of ''Boswellia serrata'' is concentrated in its oleo-gum resin. The resin contains monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, tetracyclic triterpenic acids and four major pentacyclic triterpenic acids.<ref name="Siddiqui2011"/>
* '''Boswellic Acids:''' Includes beta-boswellic acid, acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), and 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (KBA).
* '''Boswellic acids (pentacyclic triterpenic acids):''' β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA) and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA).
* '''Essential Oils:''' Monoterpenes and diterpenes imparting characteristic aromatic properties.
* '''Terpenes:''' Monoterpenes and diterpenes.
* '''Polysaccharides:''' Comprising pentoses and hexoses aiding systemic absorption.
* '''Tetracyclic triterpenic acids.'''


== Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy ==
== Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy ==
=== Anti-Arthritic and Anti-Inflammatory Actions ===
=== Anti-inflammatory Mechanism ===
* '''Mechanism:''' Boswellic acids act as specific, non-redox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), preventing the formation of leukotrienes responsible for inflammation, tissue degradation, and joint destruction.
* '''Mechanism:''' Boswellic acids, isolated from the gum resin, decrease the formation of leukotriene B4 by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). In vitro, acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) was the most potent (IC50 1.5 µM); boswellic acids did not impair cyclooxygenase or 12-lipoxygenase, indicating a specific, non-redox type of 5-LO inhibition.<ref name="Safayhi1992">{{cite journal |last1=Safayhi |first1=H. |last2=Mack |first2=T. |last3=Sabieraj |first3=J. |last4=Anazodo |first4=M. I. |last5=Subramanian |first5=L. R. |last6=Ammon |first6=H. P. |year=1992 |title=Boswellic acids: novel, specific, nonredox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase |journal=Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics |volume=261 |issue=3 |pages=1143–1146 |pmid=1602379}}</ref>
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Clinical and pre-clinical trials demonstrate significant reduction in joint swelling, pain, and cartilage degradation in patients suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.<ref name="Kimmatkar2003">{{cite journal |last1=Kimmatkar |first1=N. |last2=Thawani |first2=V. |last3=Hingorani |first3=L. |last4=Khiyani |first4=R. |year=2003 |title=Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee--a randomized double blind placebo controlled crossover study |journal=Phytomedicine |volume=10 |issue=1 |pages=3–7}}</ref>


=== Gastrointestinal Protection and Anti-Colitic Effects ===
=== Osteoarthritis of the Knee ===
* '''Mechanism:''' By suppressing inflammatory pathways in the intestinal mucosa, resin extracts protect against mucosal injury and hypermotility states.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, 30 patients with knee osteoarthritis (15 per group) received ''Boswellia serrata'' extract or placebo for eight weeks each, with a washout period before crossover. Drug treatment was associated with decreased knee pain, increased knee flexion, increased walking distance and reduced frequency of knee swelling; there was no radiological change.<ref name="Kimmatkar2003">{{cite journal |last1=Kimmatkar |first1=N. |last2=Thawani |first2=V. |last3=Hingorani |first3=L. |last4=Khiyani |first4=R. |year=2003 |title=Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee – a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial |journal=Phytomedicine |volume=10 |issue=1 |pages=3–7}}</ref>
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Laboratory evaluations validate its efficacy in managing chronic inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.<ref name="Gupta2001">{{cite journal |last1=Gupta |first1=I. |last2=Paranjpe |first2=V. |last3=Kalia |first3=P. |last4=Etzel |first4=R. |year=2001 |title=Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis |journal=European Journal of Medical Research |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=37–42}}</ref>


== Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage ==
=== Ulcerative Colitis ===
* '''Acute Toxicity:* *Boswellia serrata* extracts possess a high safety profile with minimal gastrointestinal side effects reported during long-term trials.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' In a controlled clinical trial in patients with ulcerative colitis (grade II and III), ''Boswellia serrata'' gum resin (350 mg thrice daily for 6 weeks) was compared with sulfasalazine (1 g thrice daily). Stool properties, rectal histopathology and blood parameters improved; 82% of the treated patients went into remission against 75% with sulfasalazine.<ref name="Gupta1997">{{cite journal |last1=Gupta |first1=I. |last2=Parihar |first2=A. |last3=Malhotra |first3=P. |last4=Singh |first4=G. B. |last5=Lüdtke |first5=R. |last6=Safayhi |first6=H. |last7=Ammon |first7=H. P. |year=1997 |title=Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis |journal=European Journal of Medical Research |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=37–43 |pmid=9049593}}</ref>
* '''Precautions:''' Use cautiously during early pregnancy or in individuals with known hypersensitivity to tree resins.


=== Bronchial Asthma (Swasa) ===
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, six-week clinical study of 80 adults with bronchial asthma (40 per group; 300 mg ''Boswellia serrata'' gum resin thrice daily), improvement was greater in the ''Boswellia'' group than in the placebo group.<ref name="Gupta1998">{{cite journal |last1=Gupta |first1=I. |last2=Gupta |first2=V. |last3=Parihar |first3=A. |last4=Gupta |first4=S. |last5=Lüdtke |first5=R. |last6=Safayhi |first6=H. |last7=Ammon |first7=H. P. |year=1998 |title=Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study |journal=European Journal of Medical Research |volume=3 |issue=11 |pages=511–514}}</ref>
== Safety and Tolerability ==
* '''Tolerability:''' In the knee osteoarthritis trial, the extract was well tolerated apart from minor gastrointestinal adverse drug reactions.<ref name="Kimmatkar2003"/>


== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;"
|+ Therapeutic Applications of *Boswellia serrata*
|+ Therapeutic Applications of ''Boswellia serrata''
! Indication
! Indication
! Active Biomolecules
! Active Biomolecules
! Primary Pharmacological Action
! Primary Pharmacological Action
|-
|-
| '''Osteoarthritis & Joint Pain'''
| '''Osteoarthritis of the knee'''
| AKBA, Beta-boswellic acid
| Boswellic acids (AKBA, KBA)
| 5-Lipoxygenase inhibition, Anti-inflammatory
| 5-Lipoxygenase inhibition; reduced pain and swelling, improved flexion
|-
|-
| '''Inflammatory Bowel Conditions'''
| '''Ulcerative colitis'''
| Boswellic acid fractions
| Boswellic acids
| Mucosal cytoprotection, Anti-colitic
| Clinical and histological improvement; remission comparable to sulfasalazine
|-
|-
| '''Respiratory Inflammation (Swasa)'''
| '''Bronchial asthma (Swasa)'''
| Oleo-gum resin extracts
| Boswellic acids
| Bronchodilatory, Anti-asthmatic
| Greater clinical improvement than placebo
|}
|}


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="Siddiqui2011">{{cite journal |last1=Siddiqui |first1=M. Z. |year=2011 |title=Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview |journal=Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences |volume=73 |issue=3 |pages=255–261 |doi=10.4103/0250-474X.93507}}</ref>
<ref name="API1986">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 4:24</ref>
<ref name="API1986">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 4:24</ref>
<ref name="Chunekar2020">Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Vatadi Varga, Verse no. 22, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020</ref>
<ref name="Chunekar2020">Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Vatadi Varga, Verse no. 22, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020</ref>
<ref name="Kimmatkar2003">{{cite journal |last1=Kimmatkar |first1=N. |last2=Thawani |first2=V. |last3=Hingorani |first3=L. |last4=Khiyani |first4=R. |year=2003 |title=Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee--a randomized double blind placebo controlled crossover study |journal=Phytomedicine |volume=10 |issue=1 |pages=3–7}}</ref>
<ref name="Safayhi1992">{{cite journal |last1=Safayhi |first1=H. |last2=Mack |first2=T. |last3=Sabieraj |first3=J. |last4=Anazodo |first4=M. I. |last5=Subramanian |first5=L. R. |last6=Ammon |first6=H. P. |year=1992 |title=Boswellic acids: novel, specific, nonredox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase |journal=Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics |volume=261 |issue=3 |pages=1143–1146 |pmid=1602379}}</ref>
<ref name="Gupta2001">{{cite journal |last1=Gupta |first1=I. |last2=Paranjpe |first2=V. |last3=Kalia |first3=P. |last4=Etzel |first4=R. |year=2001 |title=Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis |journal=European Journal of Medical Research |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=37–42}}</ref>
<ref name="Kimmatkar2003">{{cite journal |last1=Kimmatkar |first1=N. |last2=Thawani |first2=V. |last3=Hingorani |first3=L. |last4=Khiyani |first4=R. |year=2003 |title=Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee – a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial |journal=Phytomedicine |volume=10 |issue=1 |pages=3–7}}</ref>
<ref name="Gupta1997">{{cite journal |last1=Gupta |first1=I. |last2=Parihar |first2=A. |last3=Malhotra |first3=P. |last4=Singh |first4=G. B. |last5=Lüdtke |first5=R. |last6=Safayhi |first6=H. |last7=Ammon |first7=H. P. |year=1997 |title=Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis |journal=European Journal of Medical Research |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=37–43 |pmid=9049593}}</ref>
<ref name="Gupta1998">{{cite journal |last1=Gupta |first1=I. |last2=Gupta |first2=V. |last3=Parihar |first3=A. |last4=Gupta |first4=S. |last5=Lüdtke |first5=R. |last6=Safayhi |first6=H. |last7=Ammon |first7=H. P. |year=1998 |title=Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study |journal=European Journal of Medical Research |volume=3 |issue=11 |pages=511–514}}</ref>
}}
}}


[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]

Latest revision as of 12:00, 18 October 2026


Shallaki
Section/Chapter Herb database/Shallaki
Botanical name(s) Boswellia serrata Roxb.
Family Burseraceae
Availability Available
Contributors Team Dravyaguna
Year of publication 2026
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre
DOI Awaited

Boswellia serrata Roxb., popularly known as Shallaki, is a moderate-to-large branching tree of the family Burseraceae, found in the dry mountainous regions of India, Northern Africa and the Middle East. It is regarded as one of the ancient and most valued herbs of Ayurveda, and its oleo-gum resin is used as an anti-inflammatory and joint-supportive therapeutic agent.[1]

English name

Indian olibanum

Therapeutic Uses

Jwara (fever), Pradara (discharge), Swasa (dyspnea), Pittabhishyanda, Sarkarameha, Vrushna shoola (pain in scrotum).[2]

Synonyms in Charak Samhita

Shallaki, Gajabhakshya, Suvaha, Surabhi, Rasa, Maheruna, Kunduru.

Additional Synonyms in Bhavprakasha Nighantu

Vallaki, Bahushrava (releases profuse quantity of exudates).[3]

Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties

Properties
Sr.no. Pharmacological criteria Properties
1 Taste (rasa) Astringent (kashaya), Bitter (tikta), Sweet (madhura)
2 Potency (veerya) Cold (sheeta)
3 Post digestion effect (vipaka) Pungent (katu)
4 Qualities (guna) Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha)
5 Actions (karma) Pacify Kapha and Pitta

Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions

Herbs and their activities
Sr.no. Reference in Charak Samhita Activity
1 Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/9(32) Purishvirajaniya mahakashaya (faecal depigmentors)
2 Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 5/23 Dhuma varti dravya (therapeutic inhalation for prevention of disease)
3 Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/144 Kashaya-skandha (group of astringent drugs)
4 Cha.Sa. Kalpa Sthana 1/8 Deshavichara
5 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 3/267 As an ingredient of Agurvadi taila
6 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 28/153 As an ingredient of Bala taila
7 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 28/161 As an ingredient of Amrutadi taila
8 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 30/108 Used in the treatment of Vipluta

Dose

  • 1–3 g (Gum resin powder)[2]

Important Formulations

As per A.P.I.[2]

  • Karpuradyarka
  • Jirakadi modaka
  • Bala taila
  • Bala guduchyadi taila

Current Availability

Available

  • In India: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, South India.

Phytochemical Composition

The therapeutic potential of Boswellia serrata is concentrated in its oleo-gum resin. The resin contains monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, tetracyclic triterpenic acids and four major pentacyclic triterpenic acids.[1]

  • Boswellic acids (pentacyclic triterpenic acids): β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA) and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA).
  • Terpenes: Monoterpenes and diterpenes.
  • Tetracyclic triterpenic acids.

Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy

Anti-inflammatory Mechanism

  • Mechanism: Boswellic acids, isolated from the gum resin, decrease the formation of leukotriene B4 by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). In vitro, acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) was the most potent (IC50 1.5 µM); boswellic acids did not impair cyclooxygenase or 12-lipoxygenase, indicating a specific, non-redox type of 5-LO inhibition.[4]

Osteoarthritis of the Knee

  • Scientific Evidence: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, 30 patients with knee osteoarthritis (15 per group) received Boswellia serrata extract or placebo for eight weeks each, with a washout period before crossover. Drug treatment was associated with decreased knee pain, increased knee flexion, increased walking distance and reduced frequency of knee swelling; there was no radiological change.[5]

Ulcerative Colitis

  • Scientific Evidence: In a controlled clinical trial in patients with ulcerative colitis (grade II and III), Boswellia serrata gum resin (350 mg thrice daily for 6 weeks) was compared with sulfasalazine (1 g thrice daily). Stool properties, rectal histopathology and blood parameters improved; 82% of the treated patients went into remission against 75% with sulfasalazine.[6]

Bronchial Asthma (Swasa)

  • Scientific Evidence: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, six-week clinical study of 80 adults with bronchial asthma (40 per group; 300 mg Boswellia serrata gum resin thrice daily), improvement was greater in the Boswellia group than in the placebo group.[7]

Safety and Tolerability

  • Tolerability: In the knee osteoarthritis trial, the extract was well tolerated apart from minor gastrointestinal adverse drug reactions.[5]

Summary of Therapeutic Profile

Therapeutic Applications of Boswellia serrata
Indication Active Biomolecules Primary Pharmacological Action
Osteoarthritis of the knee Boswellic acids (AKBA, KBA) 5-Lipoxygenase inhibition; reduced pain and swelling, improved flexion
Ulcerative colitis Boswellic acids Clinical and histological improvement; remission comparable to sulfasalazine
Bronchial asthma (Swasa) Boswellic acids Greater clinical improvement than placebo

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Siddiqui, M. Z. (2011). "Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview". Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 73 (3): 255–261. doi:10.4103/0250-474X.93507. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 4:24
  3. ↑ Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Vatadi Varga, Verse no. 22, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020
  4. ↑ Safayhi, H.; Mack, T.; Sabieraj, J.; Anazodo, M. I.; Subramanian, L. R.; Ammon, H. P. (1992). "Boswellic acids: novel, specific, nonredox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase". Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 261 (3): 1143–1146. PMID 1602379. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Kimmatkar, N.; Thawani, V.; Hingorani, L.; Khiyani, R. (2003). "Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee – a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial". Phytomedicine. 10 (1): 3–7. 
  6. ↑ Gupta, I.; Parihar, A.; Malhotra, P.; Singh, G. B.; Lüdtke, R.; Safayhi, H.; Ammon, H. P. (1997). "Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis". European Journal of Medical Research. 2 (1): 37–43. PMID 9049593. 
  7. ↑ Gupta, I.; Gupta, V.; Parihar, A.; Gupta, S.; Lüdtke, R.; Safayhi, H.; Ammon, H. P. (1998). "Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study". European Journal of Medical Research. 3 (11): 511–514.