AKA: Indian frankincense, Boswellin...

AKA: Indian frankincense, Boswellin or Boswellia serrata

BIRTHPLACE: A tree--it's the gum resin from the bark of Salai guggal

WHAT IT DOES BEST: Works as an anti-inflammatory against osteoarthritis

THE BACKGROUND: Ancient Hindu physicians used boswellia for centuries to help treat their patients for a wide range of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, bursitis, ulcerative colitis, pulmonary disease, ringworm, diarrhea and dysentery

novel FINDINGS:

* Boswellia serrata extract (BSE) may significantly curtail pain and swelling, and enhance joint flexibility in populace with osteoarthritis of the knee accoMing to a 2003 subject of attention reported in Phytomedicine.

* BSE is best absorbed when taken with provisionss containing fat, according to a 2004 contemplation in Planta Medica.

* BSE is considered safe and effective for osteoarthritis in dogs, according to German veterinary studies published in a 2004 issue of the journal Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: They're rare however include rashes, diarrhea and nausea.

ARE THERE ANY remedy INTERACTIONS? None are known.

IS IT SAFE TO TAKE WHILE PREGNANT? This has not been established yet

WHAT'S THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT? Boswellic acids (BAs), which help inhibit the chemical agents that cause inflammation.

WHICH protoplast AND HOW MUCH? For rub-on tread on the heels of directions. BSE supplements are available in a range of concentrations (375-65 percent BAs). For a standardized production with 37.5 percent BAs, it's reasonable to take 400 mg three times daily with bread or beverages that contain more [i]or[/i] less fat.

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