Evidence supporting the use of: Boswellic Acid
For the health condition: Congestion (bronchial)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Boswellic acid, a primary active component derived from the resin of Boswellia serrata (frankincense), has a long history of traditional use in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine systems for respiratory issues, including bronchial congestion. Historically, frankincense preparations have been used as expectorants and anti-inflammatory agents for conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. The rationale behind its use is rooted in its observed ability to reduce inflammation and promote the expulsion of mucus from the airways, thus potentially easing congestion.
Scientific studies on boswellic acid have focused mainly on its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in chronic inflammatory diseases like asthma and arthritis. Some small clinical trials and animal studies suggest that boswellic acid may reduce airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction in asthma, but robust evidence for its effectiveness in acute bronchial congestion specifically is lacking. There is limited direct clinical research confirming its efficacy for congestion (bronchial), and most available data are either preclinical or anecdotal.
In summary, while boswellic acid's use for bronchial congestion is primarily traditional, with some mechanistic support from its anti-inflammatory activity, high-quality scientific validation for this particular indication is limited. Therefore, the evidence rating is moderate but not strong.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (bronchial)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
waterhyssop
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
caffeine
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ethanol
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
lovage
mustard seed
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
spruce
ophiopogon root
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
buckthorn
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
siler root
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
soursop
Alcohol
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Adrenergic amines
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black spruce
Bicarbonate
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Bupleurum
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cistus
Curcuma
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Culvers Root
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
European Elder
Eclipta
Echinacea
Elder
Galangal
Mustard
Mallow
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Boswellic Acid
Abdominal PainArthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bronchitis
Bursitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Colitis
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Eczema
Edema
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Fibrosis
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Injuries
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lupus
Pain (general remedies for)
Prostatitis
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Skin (infections)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores