Shallaki
Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr.
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.
| Botanical name | Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. |
|---|---|
| Family | Burseraceae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| 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 |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 5421354 · Wikidata Q2367334 · NCBI Taxonomy 613112 |
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: 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. Frontiers in pharmacology. PMID 41341032 · doi: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. Frontiers in sports and active living. PMID 39917273 · doi: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-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 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/Haridra (potent anti-inflammatory synergy — clinically validated for osteoarthritis)
- Guggulu (joint health formulations)
- Ashwagandha (musculoskeletal support)
- Nirgundi (pain management formulations)
- Glucosamine + Chondroitin (comprehensive joint support nutraceutical)
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses4
- 2020. Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysisBMC complementary medicine and therapies. PMID 32680575 · doi:10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6
- 2018. Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysisBritish journal of sports medicine. PMID 29018060 · doi:10.1136/bjsports-2016-097333
- 2015. Systematic review of complementary and alternative medicine treatments in inflammatory bowel diseasesJournal of Crohn's & colitis. PMID 25518050 · doi:10.1093/ecco-jcc/jju007
- 2008. Frankincense: systematic reviewBMJ (Clinical research ed.). PMID 19091760 · doi:10.1136/bmj.a2813
Randomised controlled trials3
- 2023. Efficacy and Safety of Aflapin®, a Novel Boswellia Serrata Extract, in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Short-Term 30-Day Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical StudyJournal of the American Nutrition Association. PMID 35512759 · doi:10.1080/07315724.2021.2014370
- 2019. A pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel Boswellia serrata extract in the management of osteoarthritis of the kneePhytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 30838706 · doi:10.1002/ptr.6338
- 2011. Boswellia serrata acts on cerebral edema in patients irradiated for brain tumors: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot trialCancer. PMID 21287538 · doi:10.1002/cncr.25945
Other clinical studies and reviews5
- 2025. From bench to bedside, boswellic acids in anti-inflammatory therapy - mechanistic insights, bioavailability challenges, and optimization approachesFrontiers in pharmacology. PMID 41341032 · doi:10.3389/fphar.2025.1692443
- 2024. Bioactive Compounds in Osteoarthritis: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic RolesInternational journal of molecular sciences. PMID 39519204 · doi:10.3390/ijms252111656
- 2024. Mitigating Traumatic Brain Injury: A Narrative Review of Supplementation and Dietary ProtocolsNutrients. PMID 39125311 · doi:10.3390/nu16152430
- 2021. Boswellic acids/Boswellia serrata extract as a potential COVID-19 therapeutic agent in the elderlyInflammopharmacology. PMID 34224069 · doi:10.1007/s10787-021-00841-8
- 2016. Frankincense--therapeutic propertiesPostepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej (Online). PMID 27117114 · doi:10.5604/17322693.1200553
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