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Question:
What are boswellic acids? I have seen them listed as ingredients in several products designed to support joint function, but I am not sure what they are and if they are safe.
Answer:
Boswellic acids are the active ingredients derived from Boswellia serrata, a large branching tree native to India. Boswellia yields an exudative gum resin known as salai guggul. Although salai guggul has been used for centuries, newer preparations concentrated for boswellic acids are giving better results. Boswellic acid extracts have demonstrated anti-arthritic effects in a variety of animal models. There are several mechanisms of action including inhibition of inflammatory mediators, prevention of decreased glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and improved blood supply to joint tissues.
The primary uses of boswellic acids are in asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) where there is some evidence of clinical effect. Dosage should be based upon the level of boswellic acids in the resin or extract, 200-400 mg per day two to three times daily. The gum resin of Boswellia typically contains approximately 30% boswellic acids while ethanol extracts of the gum resin typically contain 43% boswellic acids. Some commercial sources contain up to 65% boswellic acids. No significant side effects have been reported.
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