Salai Guggul

HABITAT

Boswellia serrata (Salai/Salai guggul), is a moderate to large sized branching tree of family Burseraceae (Genus Boswellia), grows in dry mountainous regions of India, Northern Africa, and Middle East.

INTRODUCTION

Boswellia serrata is one of the ancient and most valued herbs in Ayurveda. “Gajabhakshya”, a Sanskrit name sometimes used for Boswellia, suggests that elephants enjoy this herb as a part of their diet.

The first two pillars of Ayurveda describe the antirheumatic (anti-arthritis) activity of gugguls-the gum-resins of trees. The resin type extract obtained from this herb has been used since ages for obtaining relief from various inflammatory issues. Various traditional systems of medication, especially Ayurveda, have been vouching for its therapeutic potential. It has shown excellent anti-inflammatory properties, especially among patients of arthritis, IBD, asthma, etc.

BENEFITS

Relieves Joint Pain and Inflammation: Salai Guggul is not only offers relief from the pain and swelling associated with joints, but also improves the joint function. It also supports an increase in the physical ability of our joints, and prevents the loss of cartilage, thus preventing our bones from premature degradation.

Ayurvedic View: According to Ayurveda, osteoarthritis occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha and is known as Sandhivata. It causes pain, swelling and joint immobility. Shallaki has Vata balancing property and gives relief from pain and swelling in the joints, associated with osteoarthritis. It also gives relief from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis-like pain and swelling in the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is known as Aamavata in Ayurveda. Amavata is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) takes place in the joints. Amavata starts with a weak digestive fire that leads to accumulation of Ama. This Ama is carried to different locations through Vata but instead of being absorbed, it gets accumulated in the joints. Salai Guggul has Vata balancing property and also helps to reduce Ama.

Prevents Asthma: Salai Guggul helps to control the symptoms of asthma such as ‘rhonchi’, the rattling respiratory sounds that characterise asthma attacks. Boswellic acids are thought to have an effect on leukotrienes, substances present in the bronchi of asthmatic individuals and gives relief in case of breathlessness.

Ayurvedic View: According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Shallaki helps to remove excess mucus from the lungs and gives relief from the symptoms of asthma. This is because of its Vata and Kapha balancing properties.

Manages Ulcerative Colitis: Salai Guggul is useful to manage the symptoms of Ulcerative colitis.

Ayurvedic View: According to Ayurveda, the symptom of Ulcerative colitis is similar to Grahni (IBD). It is caused by an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Salai Guggul helps to correct the symptoms of Ulcerative colitis because of its Grahi (absorbent) and Sita (cold) properties. This helps to thicken the stool and also stops bleeding in the stool.

Immune-Modulatory Potential: In addition to their natural anti-inflammatory action, Boswellic acids may also have an effect on the immune system. Some studies suggest that the active principles in Boswellia serrata resin could offer benefits by acting on the body’s defence mechanisms, influencing in particular the production of antibodies and the proliferation of lymphocytes. In this way, Boswellia resin may help protect the body and prevent the development of certain diseases.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Boswellia owes most of its popularity to the presence of Boswellic acid, an extremely effective anti-inflammatory agent. Boswellic acids are potent natural anti-inflammatories. They inhibit the synthesis, release and activation of certain inflammatory mediators including several interleukins (IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6), NF-κB, leukotrienes and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). There are various Boswellic acids found in Boswellia extract, but Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is believed to be the most active one. In fact, the aim of Boswellic acids is to inhibit the enzyme called 5-LO from producing the leukotrienes in the first place.

CLINICAL STUDIES & REFERENCES

Prabhavathi K., Chandra U. S., Soanker R., Rani P. U. (2014). A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, cross over study to evaluate the analgesic activity of Boswellia serrata in healthy volunteers using mechanical pain model. Indian J. Pharmacol. 46, 475–479. 10.4103/0253-7613.140570
Gupta I., Gupta V., Parihar A., Gupta S., Lüdtke R., Safayhi H., et al. (1998). Effects of B. serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study. Eur. J. Med. Res. 3, 511–514.
Gupta I., Parihar A., Malhotra P., Singh G. B., Lüdtke R., Safayhi H., et al. (1997). Effects of B. serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis. Eur. J. Med. Res. 2, 37–43.
Kimmatkar N., Thawani V., Hingorani L., Khiyani R. (2003). Efficacy and tolerability of B. serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee–a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine 10, 3–7. 10.1078/094471103321648593.
Kirste S., Treier M., Wehrle S. J., Becker G., Abdel-Tawab M., Gerbeth K., et al. (2011). Boswellia serrata acts on cerebral edema in patients irradiated for brain tumors: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot trial. Cancer 117, 3788–3795. 10.1002/cncr.25945.