Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian frankincense, has a history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for inflammatory conditions, including those affecting the gut. In recent decades, its potential for treating inflammatory bowel diseases such as colitis has been scientifically investigated. The resin of Boswellia contains boswellic acids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase and reducing leukotriene synthesis, both of which are involved in the inflammatory process in colitis.

Several clinical studies have examined Boswellia serrata in the management of ulcerative colitis. For example, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the journal European Journal of Medical Research (1997) found that 82% of patients with chronic colitis showed improvement with Boswellia compared to 75% with sulfasalazine, a standard therapy. Another study in Phytomedicine (2001) reported significant improvement in disease activity index and histopathology scores in patients treated with Boswellia extract.

While these studies suggest a beneficial effect, the sample sizes have been small and methodologies variable. Systematic reviews highlight the need for larger, high-quality randomized controlled trials to confirm efficacy and safety. Nevertheless, current evidence supports the anti-inflammatory action of Boswellia serrata and its potential as an adjunctive treatment for colitis, justifying its use to a moderate extent based on available scientific data.

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