Pain is a complicated symptom no one else can understand but the person experiencing the pain. While most synthetic medications for severe pain are associated with one or more adverse effects, a very important finding provides that Boswellia serrata, a native Indian plant, may provide severe pain relief without side effects. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Boswellia extract has long been recorded in ancient scrolls and writings retrieved from the Indian subcontinent. After careful scientific studies, several other health benefits are discovered with regular Boswellia extract supplementation.
What is Boswellia extract?
Boswellia extract is taken from Boswellia serrata, an essential component of Ayurvedic medicine which is also referred to as Indian frankincense. History reveals that the initial use of Boswellia extract began after Ayurvedic medicine practitioners noticed that elephants eating Boswellia serrata develop effective defense mechanisms against pathogens and live for longer periods of time. Boswellia extract then became popular not only across the India but also in other Asian and Western regions.
What are the benefits of taking Boswellia extract?
Preliminary evidences show that Boswellia extract is essentially useful in controlling inflammations. Phytochemical studies show that the extract contains several compounds contributing to its anti-inflammatory effects. The active components of Boswellia extract are also useful in providing the following health effects:
- It may control osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are inflammatory diseases of the joints characterized by severe pain in the knees and toes. While these disorders are typically managed with Non –steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, the use of these synthetic drugs for long periods of time can cause damage to the liver. In order to prevent liver damage and treat the inflammatory disorders, experts say that the use of Boswellia extract may be very helpful. There is, however, no concrete proof to establish this claim.
- It may help prevent Asthma
Asthma among children usually develops after exposure to dust or other allergic-reaction activating substances. Studies show that Boswellia extract may help prevent the development of Asthma symptoms by reducing production of leukotriene, an enzyme produced by the body in response to exposure to allergens which stimulate asthma symptoms manifestation. A certain study in Germany also provides that the extract may help treat bronchial Asthma among adults.
- It controls cancer cell growth
A lot of studies have also provided positive findings on the effect of Boswellia extract in controlling cancer cell growth by interfering with the DNA replication. The extract is said to be primarily effective against pancreatic cancer as it supresses cancer cell proliferation and invasion. It is also suggested to prevent spread of malignant breast cancer cells among mice subjects.
Conclusion
As a potent anti-inflammatory agent, Boswellia extract is being groomed to be the best replacement for most hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic pain relievers. Since it is an all-natural extract, it is completely safe and effective for health supplement formulations.
