What are the properties of Boswellia Serrata in supplements?

Boswellia serrata (common name is Indian Olibanum in English, کندر  in Persian and الـلُّبَّـان  in Arabic) is an oleo gum resin of Boswellia tree, which is native in India⁽¹¹⁰⁰⁾.

Boswellia serrata contains boswellic acid (β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid).

Extracts of Boswellia serrata have been clinically studied for osteoarthritis and joint function, with the research showing trends of benefit (slight improvement) in pain and function. It has been used in Indian traditional medicine for diabetes.

Efficacy of Boswellia serrata extract in patients with osteoarthritis has been substantiated; dramatic alleviation in the frequency of joint swelling and pain and augmentation in joint flexibility and walking distance have been observed at the end of treatment period⁽¹¹⁰⁰⁾. Likewise, a significant reduction in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), morning stiffness, and NSAID administration requirement during therapy has occurred in rheumatoid arthritis patients within another clinical trial⁽¹¹⁰¹⁾. In one pilot study which has been carried out on patients with chronic polyarthritis, no significant remission has been observed in patient's manifestations after 12 weeks of therapy with extract of B. serrata; just minor attenuation in NSAIDs requirement has been recorded⁽¹⁰⁷¹⁾. Collagenous colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and B. serrata has been clinically effective in the process of ameliorating this disease in target therapy group compared to the placebo group⁽¹¹⁰²⁾. The combination of B. serrata with C. longa and Glycyrrhiza glabra has been effective on improvement of asthmatic patient's symptoms; also, in this study, treatment group has demonstrated significant diminishing in plasma level of leukotriene C4 (LTC4), NO, and malondialdehyde after 4 weeks⁽¹¹⁰³⁾. Modulating in inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, and PGE2) by B. serrata extract has been proved in in vivo and in vitro studies⁽¹¹⁰⁴⁾, ⁽¹¹⁰⁵⁾. Boswellic acid is the main component of this gum which can inhibit C3 convertase and suppressed classic pathway of complement system⁽¹¹⁰⁶⁾, ⁽¹¹⁰⁷⁾. Likewise, it has had topical anti-inflammatory impress as well as systemic effects⁽¹¹⁰⁸⁾.⁽¹⁰⁶⁹⁾