Boswellia is available as a supplement and is taken for its purported beneficial impact on health. It is available in the form of a capsule, and it can also be found as an essential oil. According to the research, Boswellia can improve health, relieve pain and inflammation, and treat a variety of conditions.

Boswellia and Cancer

Boswellia could be beneficial in cases of cancer. A 2017 study in the journal Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators assessed the effects of Boswellia extract on human colon cancer cells. Study results indicated that the Boswellia prevented the spread of the cancer cells. Researchers affiliated with the Hamadan University of Medical Science in Iran authored this study. A second study, published in 2011 in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, found that Boswellia essential oil caused cell death of breast cancer cells. This study’s authors were from a variety of organizations, including the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Young Living Essential Oils, the University of Southern California, and the Al Afia Medical Complex in Oman.

Boswellia for Asthma Treatment

The research has identified Boswellia as a remedy for asthma. A 2018 study in Phytotherapy Research, led by a researcher from the ASR Academy of Medical Sciences in India, analyzed the effect of a supplement containing a combination of Boswellia and a fruit extract on patients with asthma. Results found that compared to those taking a placebo, participants receiving the Boswellia and fruit extract experienced a significant improvement in asthma symptoms after as few as 14 days.

Boswellia and Inflammation Relief

Boswellia has emerged as a successful agent for the relief of inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. A 2014 study in Phytomedicine analyzed the impact of a Boswellia extract on rats with arthritis; researchers led by a scientist from the university Jamia Hamdard in India conducted the study. They found that the extract resulted in reduced inflammation and decreased levels of arthritis among the rats.

Boswellia Treatment for Pain in Athletes

As seen in rats with arthritis, Boswellia is effective for reducing inflammation, which can also be beneficial for athletes experiencing pain. A 2016 study in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, conducted by researchers from both the Chiti-Pescara University and Genova University in Italy, evaluated the effectiveness of a Boswellia extract for rugby athletes who were afflicted with both knee pain and inflammation. The athletes either underwent standard treatment for joint pain, or they received a combination of standard treatment and a Boswellia extract supplement. Results found that Boswellia was more effective than standard treatment on its own for reducing pain, inflammation, and damage. It also elevated the distance that the rugby players could walk without experiencing pain.

Boswellia Associated with Osteoarthritis Relief

Research with patients experiencing osteoarthritis has shown benefits associated with Boswellia. A 2007 study led by researchers from the Government Medical College in India and published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology compared the effects of Boswellia to those of the prescription medication valdecoxib on patients with osteoarthritis. Study results showed that after two months, patients taking Boswellia experienced a significant amelioration of osteoarthritis symptoms, including stiffness, pain, and struggles with completing activities of daily living. These improvements were sustained after Boswellia supplementation ceased. Individuals taking valdecoxib enjoyed symptom relief after only one month, but symptoms returned upon discontinuation of the medication treatment.

Boswellia and Colitis

Boswellia supplementation can also confer benefits upon individuals suffering from colon inflammation.  In a 2007 study published in the International Journal of Colorectal Disease and authored by researchers primarily affiliated with the Technical University Hospital in Germany, patients experiencing ongoing diarrhea and colitis, also referred to as colon inflammation, received either a placebo or a Boswellia extract. After six weeks of treatment, a larger percentage of patients receiving the Boswellia extract had achieved a state of remission when compared to patients taking the placebo.

Boswellia appears to be useful for the treatment of colon inflammation, but its benefits extend far beyond this condition. Its anti-inflammatory properties have also shown effectiveness for alleviating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and sports-related pain. Also, Boswellia can provide relief to patients experiencing osteoarthritis and asthma, and it is so powerful that it could even stop the spread of cancer. Boswellia demonstrates usefulness for treating a variety of health-related conditions, especially those associated with pain and inflammation. Because it serves a number of purposes, most people can benefit from taking a daily Boswellia supplement.

References:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1098882316301253
2. https://bmccomplementalternmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-11-129
3. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.5963
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711314000750
5. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/2586/001be24dab7aaafa8e3eebc153fb0fd6cdc9.pdf
6. http://www.ijp-online.com/article.asp?issn=0253 7613;year=2007;volume=39;issue=1;spage=27;epage=29;aulast=Sontakke
7. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00384-007-0364-1

Summary

Article Name

Boswellia for Relief from Pain, Inflammation, and Other Conditions

Description

Boswellia is available as a supplement and is taken for its purported beneficial impact on health. It is available in the form of a capsule, and it can also be found as an essential oil. According to the research, Boswellia can improve health, relieve pain and inflammation, and treat a variety of conditions.

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Nutrients Solutions®

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Nutrients Solutions®

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