Boswellia serrata is also known as Frankincense.
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2, 10-11, English Standard Version)
Well, it was good enough for baby Jesus and the Egyptians, Hindus, Persians, Israelites, Greek, Romans, and the Europeans of Queen Victoria’s greatly valued this amazing Ayuverdic herb. Boswellia serrata, also known as Frankincense, is a branching tree found in India, North Africa, and the Middle East. A gummy oleoresin is found under the bark, which contains oil, resins, and gum. Extracts of this gummy exudate have been used medicinally and scientifically evaluated. In people, the oleoresin Boswellia serrata has been widely used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicines against various diseases that include arthritis, inflammation, colitis, asthma, psoriasis, hyperlipidaemia, and cancers. In dogs, it is used in natural joint supplements. Boswellia serrata contains Boswellic acids, oils, terpenoids and sugars.
Natural anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory properties of the gum resin are attributed to the presence of the Boswellic acids which inhibit two pro-inflammatory enzymes, 5-lipoxygenase (which generates inflammatory leukotrienes) and Human Leukocyte Elastase (HLE). HLE is a serine protease that initiates injury to the tissue, which in turn triggers the inflammatory process. This dual inhibitory action on the inflammatory process is unique to Boswellic acids. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory (NSAID’S) drugs can damage articular cartilage in joints, cause glycosaminoglycan degradation and stomach irritation but Boswellia serrata supports articular cartilage as well as being a natural anti-inflammatory. It has been proven to be extremely safe for people and animals.
Modern scientifical studies have shown that Boswellia serrata may help in joint disease, asthma, IBS and colitis, liver disease, high blood cholesterol and cancer. The aim of Boswellia Serrata in the Joint Support formulations is to act as a natural anti-inflammatory. A systematic review published in 2008 in the British Medical Journal, concluded that ‘the evidence for effectiveness of Boswellia is encouraging’ and ‘warrants further investigation’. A review of the anti-inflammatory properties of a range of food supplements showed Boswellia performed well in the control of pain and inflammatory conditions. A number of studies have confirmed the safety of Boswellia. A clinical study investigating the early efficacy of Boswellia in subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee concluded it was a ‘safe fast acting and effective alternative intervention in the management of OA’.
Dosage
The dose for people is 30mg to 300mg, one to three times per day, or 400mg twice a day, or 800mg once a day.
The dose for dogs is 80mg per 10kgs once daily for 6 weeks and then halving this dose.
The dose for cats is 40mg per 5kgs once daily for 6 weeks and then halving this dose.
This is why we have added Boswellia serrata to our canine joint supplement with Boswellia and Turmeric and our feline joint supplement with Boswellia and Turmeric. They also contain,
Glucosamine HCl: Required for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). These compounds are found in tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and synovial fluid.
Chondroitin: The GAG found in all joint cartilage.
Turmeric: Contains curcuminoids which act as antioxidants removing damaging free radicals.
Ascorbic acid, Zinc and Manganese: These are natural antioxidants that may mop up free radicals which cause cartilage degeneration and therefore further joint stiffness.
Check out our website to find out more...
Leave a comment (all fields required)