Boswellia serrata Roxb.

Indian frankincense comes from the sabal tree (Boswellia serrata), see frankincense tree. The greenish-pale bark of this large tree peels off in smooth, papery strips.

If the bark is damaged, a yellowish-brownish gum resin solidifies into lumps. Harvesting takes place in March and June, the injuries are set months in advance. Approximately kg resin/year can be obtained per tree.

The air-dried gum resin (Indian frankincense - Olibanum indicum), which is excreted when the trunk and branches are injured, is used phytotherapeutically.

Quality is defined in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) - H 15.

Commission E: not processed.

Not yet processed by the HMPC.

ESCOP monograph: for painful joint arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease.

Ayurvedic medicine: Supportive treatment for chronic polyarthritis, remission treatment for inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease.

Efficacy confirmed in clinical studies for inflammatory bowel diseases. No final assessment and approval in Germany yet. Standardized preparations approved abroad can be used in individual prescriptions.

Aromatherapy: The essential oil obtained is used for anxiety and tension.

Cosmetics industry: see under Boswellia serrata extract (INCI).

Anti-inflammatory by inhibiting phospholipase A and the formation of leukotrienes and prostaglandins. Inhibition of cartilage-destroying enzymes, 5-lipoxygenase and topoisomerases. Analgesic, antitumoral, immunosuppressive, antimicrobial and inhibition of complement activation.

Due to the anti-inflammatory effects resulting from the inhibition of the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, which in turn induces leukotriene synthesis, it can be used in diseases with elevated leukotriene levels (without approval): Asthma, allergic rhinitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis

For inflammatory bowel disease: 900-3600 mg / day divided into 3 doses.

For osteoarthritis: 600-2400 mg / day, divided into 3 doses.

No sufficient data in pregnancy and lactation, also not for children and adolescents under 18 years.

Caution in case of latex allergy.

Boswellia serrata® Kps Frankincense Indian® Capsules

1. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/weihrauch.php
2. Wenigmann M.(2017) Phytotherapie Arzneidrogen Phytopharmaka Anwendung. Urban & Fischer: 5.115 Tormentilla rootstock (Tormentillae rhizoma) p 211-212
3. https://www.awl.ch/heilpflanzen/boswellia_sacra/weihrauch.htm
4. Blaschek W (2015) Wichtl tea drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. A handbook for practitioners. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Munich. S 457-458