Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Boswellic acids, the active compounds found in the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree, have been investigated for their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Scientific interest in their use alongside chemotherapy primarily focuses on their potential to reduce treatment-related side effects, particularly inflammation, edema, and mucositis. Several small-scale clinical trials and preclinical studies suggest that Boswellic acids may help reduce cerebral edema in patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy for brain tumors. For example, randomized controlled studies have reported that Boswellia supplementation can reduce peritumoral brain edema and steroid dependency in patients with malignant brain tumors.

However, beyond these specific applications, evidence supporting the use of Boswellic acids for general chemotherapy side effects (such as nausea, fatigue, or peripheral neuropathy) is limited and not robustly validated. Most studies are small, not always placebo-controlled, and focus on specific symptoms rather than a broad reduction of chemotherapy side effects. The mechanism is thought to involve the inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes (such as 5-lipoxygenase), which may reduce inflammation-related complications of cancer therapies.

In summary, there is some scientific validation—mostly for reducing cerebral edema in brain cancer patients—but the overall evidence base is relatively weak and does not support broad claims regarding all chemotherapy side effects. More large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are needed to clarify the potential role of Boswellic acids in this context.

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