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Boswellia (Boswellia serrata), or Indian frankincense, is an Ayurvedic herb that is derived from the resin of the boswellia tree. Traditionally boswellia has been used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and asthma, as well as coughs and snakebites. Research studies show boswellia has anti-inflammatory abilities that may be helpful in treating chronic inflammatory conditions (Ammon 2006), which may include BPH and prostatitis. Boswellia gets its anti-inflammatory properties from more than a dozen components (Banno 2006). The most commonly known component is called boswellic acid, which has also been credited with anticancer properties.
Boswellia may also offer some anticancer benefits. A recent study published in Cancer Research reported that boswellic acid inhibited human prostate tumor growth by interfering with angiogenesis (development of blood vessels that nourish tumors). (Pang 2009)
Boswellia supplements are available as tablets and capsules standardized to 65 percent boswellic acids. Side effects are rare but may include diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, and rash. Consult a healthcare professional before taking boswellia.
References
Ammon HP. Boswellic acids in chronic inflammatory diseases. Planta Med 2006 Oct; 72(12): 1100-16
Banno N et al. Anti-inflammatory activities of the triterpene acids from the resin of Boswellia carteri. J Ethnopharmacol 2006 Sep 19; 107(2): 249-53
Pang X et al. Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid inhibits prostate tumor growth by suppressing vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2-mediated angiogenesis. Cancer Res 2009 Jul 15; 69(14): 5893-900
