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5.
BOSWELOLIA SERRATE
Eng.
= Indian olibanum ; Ind. = Sallai
Guggal
Habitat
and Description
Boswellia
Serrata is a medium – sized tree with leaves variable in shape.
It is closely related to Frankincense ( Boswellia glabra).
It is found throughout western and central India.
The purified compound obtained from the trees ‘ gummy resin ( a
type of Guggul) is used in India
for the treatment of chronic inflammatory Arthritis.
Its strips of bark peeled away yielding gummy oleoresin, contains
essential oils, terpenoids and gum. The
terpenoid portion contains boswellia acids.
The boswellia acids have anti-inflammatory actions, comparable to
NSAIDs.
Parts
used : Bark
, gum.
Actions : Analgesic,
emmenagogue, stimulant, expectorant.
Therapeutic
uses
·
In
Arthritis and related disorders
Boswellia
has attracted a lot of attention in the world of medical community because
it possesses anti-inflammatory action that is just as effective as
conventional non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) . But unlike NSAIDs, long-term use of Boswellia is generally
considered safe and does not lead to irritation or ulceration of the
stomach. Research conducted
in Indiafound that an extract of Boswellia was more beneficial, less
toxic, and more potent than the standard drug of choice for rheumatic
disorders, Ketoprofen. Boswellia
was found to improve blood supply to the joints and is highly useful in
case of rheumatoid Arthritis and osteoarthritis.
It is more effective when combines with turmeric and zinc.
·
Other
uses
It
is useful in case of anorexia ( loss of appetite) and a s a tonic for
general weakness. It is also
useful for patients suffering from chronic diarrhoea.
The extract of bark is also used in cough and piles.
The gum is applied on syphilis and is also useful in skin and
nervous diseases.
Mode
of Administration and Dosage
The
extract of the gum Oleoresin of Boswellia can be taken in a dose of 150
mg. thrice daily for 2 to 3 months. For
example, if an extract contains 30% boswellic acids, patients should take
500 mg of the extract thrice daily.
Precaution
It
is generally safe when taken in recommended doses. Some persons may have heart burn, diarrhoea, nausea and skin
rash.
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