# Shallaki

> Shallaki (Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Burseraceae family. Included in Indian Pharmacopoeia and Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; WHO traditional medicine resources acknowledge its anti-inflammatory applications; widely studied in WHO-supported research networks.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr.
- **Family:** Burseraceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Included in Indian Pharmacopoeia and Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; WHO traditional medicine resources acknowledge its anti-inflammatory applications; widely studied in WHO-supported research networks

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Shallaki |
| Latin/Botanical | *Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- 3-Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA)
- 11-Keto-beta-boswellic acid (KBA)
- Beta-boswellic acid
- 3-Acetyl-beta-boswellic acid
- Alpha-boswellic acid
- Incensole acetate
- Lupeolic acid
- Tirucallic acids

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory: AKBA is a potent direct inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), blocking leukotriene synthesis; also inhibits NF-kB, COX-2, MAPK, and NLRP3 inflammasome
- Anti-arthritic: Boswellic acids inhibit MMP-3 and MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinases), protecting cartilage from enzymatic degradation in osteoarthritis
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/): Modulates T-cell and B-cell function, shifts Th1/Th2 balance, and reduces autoimmune inflammatory cascades

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-arthritic use (Sandhivata) extensively validated through multiple RCTs showing significant improvement in knee OA symptoms comparable to NSAIDs
- Anti-inflammatory use confirmed through 5-LOX inhibition, NF-kB suppression, and clinical improvement in inflammatory bowel disease trials
- Anti-asthmatic use (Shwasahara) supported by clinical trials showing improvement in FEV1 and reduction in eosinophil count in bronchial asthma patients

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Peng C, Yang Y, Wang Y and others 2025. [From bench to bedside, boswellic acids in anti-inflammatory therapy - mechanistic insights, bioavailability challenges, and optimization approaches](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41341032/). *Frontiers in pharmacology*. PMID [41341032](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41341032/) · [doi:10.3389/fphar.2025.1692443](https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1692443)  
  Comprehensive review of boswellic acid mechanisms spanning NF-kB, MAPK, 5-LOX, COX-2, and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways; addressed bioavailability challenges and novel delivery strategies.
- Salter D, Yalamanchi H, Yalamanchi A and others 2025. [Ten days of supplementation with a standardized Boswellia serrata extract attenuates soreness and accelerates recovery after repeated bouts of downhill running in recreationally active men](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39917273/). *Frontiers in sports and active living*. PMID [39917273](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39917273/) · [doi:10.3389/fspor.2025.1488821](https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1488821)  
  Standardized extract attenuated exercise-induced muscle soreness and accelerated recovery in recreationally active men after repeated bouts of downhill running.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Well-tolerated in clinical trials with only mild adverse effects (nausea, acid reflux, mild GI upset); no serious or irreversible adverse effects reported
- No convincing evidence of hepatotoxicity; may interact with NSAIDs (synergistic anti-inflammatory effect); limited data in pregnancy and lactation

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Beta-boswellic acid
- 3-Acetyl-beta-boswellic acid
- Alpha-boswellic acid
- Incensole acetate
- Lupeolic acid
- Tirucallic acids

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Capsule, Tablet, Cream/Gel (topical), Churna (powder), [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/)-based formulation, Vati (tablet), Soft gelatin capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 400-1200 mg standardized extract per day (typically 300-400 mg three times daily); 3-6 g crude resin powder per day; topical gel 5-10% applied 2-3 times daily

**Bioavailability:** Boswellic acids have poor oral bioavailability (5-10%) due to low aqueous solubility and extensive first-pass metabolism. AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid) is the most potent but least bioavailable constituent. Bioavailability enhanced 3-5x by: (1) phospholipid complexation (Phytosome/Bospure), (2) lecithin-based formulations, (3) co-administration with high-fat meal, (4) nano-emulsion formulations, (5) [piperine](/reference/piperine/) co-administration (1.5-2x enhancement). Casperome (lecithin-based delivery) achieves 52% higher plasma levels.

**Optimal Timing:** With meals (high-fat meal preferred) for optimal boswellic acid absorption; three divided doses for sustained anti-inflammatory effect

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized Boswellia serrata extract: NLT 65% total organic acids, NLT 30% total boswellic acids (sum of KBA + AKBA + alpha-BA + beta-BA), NLT 3% AKBA by HPLC. Premium extracts: ApresFlex (NLT 20% AKBA), Casperome (lecithin delivery), 5-Loxin (NLT 30% AKBA).

**Shelf Life:** 36 months for standardized extract capsules; 24 months for topical gel; 24 months for crude resin powder

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C, protected from light and heat. Resin tends to soften above 30 deg C — critical for tropical storage. Capsules in HDPE bottles with desiccant or aluminum blisters. Topical products in aluminum tubes or airless pump dispensers.

**Marker Compounds:** 11-Keto-beta-boswellic acid (KBA), Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), Alpha-boswellic acid, Beta-boswellic acid, Acetyl-alpha-boswellic acid, Acetyl-beta-boswellic acid, Incensole acetate

### Extraction Methods

- Solvent extraction of oleo-gum resin (ethyl acetate or ethanol)
- Supercritical CO2 extraction for AKBA enrichment
- Sequential extraction (hexane for essential oil, then ethanol for boswellic acids)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70-80% ethanol)

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Curcumin](/herb/curcumin/)/[Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (potent anti-inflammatory synergy — clinically validated for osteoarthritis)
- [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) (joint health formulations)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) (musculoskeletal support)
- [Nirgundi](/herb/nirgundi/) (pain management formulations)
- Glucosamine + Chondroitin (comprehensive joint support nutraceutical)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/shallaki/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.