Boswellia extract (Boswellia serrata)

Boswellia is derived from the resin of the Luban tree from India and is known in Ayurvedic medicine as Salai gugga. It is most commonly available as a tincture or powder. The tincture is prepared by alcoholic extraction of the boswellic acids (boswellin) which are mainly responsible for the medicinal properties of Boswellia. The powder (used in pills) is simply the dried resin which has been finely ground.

Boswellia is an anti-inflammatory and is widely used for arthritis because it helps reduce joint swelling, assists blood flow to inflamed joints and maintains mobility, as well as reducing pain resulting from stiffness in the joints. The herb is widely used by dog owners to reduce the distress caused by arthritis, which is very common on older dogs.

Boswellia extract has also been found to be anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, analgesic and sedative. It has traditionally been used to reduce the severity of bronchitis, asthma, cough, laryngitis, and fever. Some preliminary studies indicate that boswellia extract inhibits the formation of compounds called leukotrienes, which are involved in asthma and cause narrowing of airways.

Recommended dose (human) is 150mg three times a day initially, but users often find that they can then reduce the dosage progressively without loss of the benefits.