Scientific Name: Boswellia serrata
Family Name: Burseraceae
Boswellia serrata is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that grows in the dry and hilly regions of India and other parts of Asia.
The tree’s bark is often used for medicinal purposes, and it yields a resin that contains the active compounds of interest.
Chemical Constituents:
Boswellia serrata resin contains several bioactive compounds, with the boswellic acids being the most notable. These boswellic acids, such as acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), are responsible for many of its potential health benefits.
Ayurvedic Properties: In Ayurveda, Boswellia serrata is associated with the following properties:
Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter)
Guna (Quality): Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry)
Virya (Potency): Ushna (Hot)
Vipaka (Post-digestive Taste): Katu (Pungent)
Dosha Affinity: It is considered effective in pacifying Vata dosha and Kapha dosha imbalances.
Benefits:
Sallaki and Boswellia serrata extract are used in Ayurveda for various purposes, including:
Joint Health: One of the primary uses of Sallaki is to support joint health and manage conditions associated with joint inflammation, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The boswellic acids in Boswellia serrata are believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help reduce joint pain and improve joint mobility.
Anti-Inflammatory: Boswellia serrata extract is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which can extend beyond joint health to address inflammatory conditions in other parts of the body.
Respiratory Health: It is sometimes used to support respiratory health, particularly in conditions like asthma and bronchitis, where inflammation plays a role in airway constriction.
Digestive Health: Boswellia serrata extract may have applications in addressing gastrointestinal conditions characterized by inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Skin Health: Some topical formulations containing Boswellia serrata extract are used for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties