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Asthma is a serious global health problem characterised by airway inflammation, airway epithelial wall shedding, enhanced mucus production, increased IgE levels and airway hyperresponsiveness.
Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is a herbal extract taken from the Boswellia serrata tree. Boswellic acid, the active component of Boswellia, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory qualities. Boswellia from these plants has been used for centuries for its healing properties. People who suffer from headaches, arthritis, muscle pain, inflammatory bowel disease, fibromyalgia, cold and flu symptoms, and other conditions may buy it as a dietary supplement to help relieve their symptoms.
Boswellia can play a role in reducing leukotrienes, which causes bronchial muscles to contract. A 1998 study of the herb’s effect on bronchial asthma found that people who took Boswellia experienced decreased asthma symptoms and indicators. This shows the herb could play an important role in treating bronchial asthma. Research continues and has shown the positive immune-balancing properties of Boswellia can help the overreaction to environmental allergens that happen in asthma.
In one clinical trial performed at the University Tubingen in Germany, the gum resin of Boswellia was used in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Eighty patients (both males and females) between the ages of 18 and 75 years old suffering from chronic asthma participated in the study. Half the patients were given a preparation of gum resin three times daily for a period of six weeks.
The other half of the patients acted as the control group and received lactose three times a day for the six-week period. The researchers discovered that the group receiving the Boswellia gum resin had a 70% improvement in their asthma condition. Only 27% showed improvement in the control group.
With the ongoing corona pandemic, communities worldwide have started placing a greater emphasis on respiratory health.