Authored by: Arthur Ghochikyan, M.D.
Functions
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-fungal
Firming
Soothing
Barrier enhancer
Oral Care
INCI nameBoswellia Serrata Extract
Boswellia Serrata Extract is a lipophilic extract of Boswellia gum, which is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat chronic inflammatory diseases and osteoarthritis. It is rich in triterpenoids, including acetylketo-Boswellic and keto-Boswellic acids, and is recommended for anti-aging products and sensitive skin.
Modern studies showed that Boswellia serrata extract potently inhibits leukotriene production by blocking 5-lipoxygenase, making it useful for soothing acute and chronic irritations. Another study suggested that it can be used as an antibiofilm agent against Candida species.
Combined with Curcumin, Boswellia Serrata Extract showed promising results in oral care applications for the treatment of stomatitis of different origins. Thanks to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, it was also used to treat erythema and other skin symptoms after radiotherapy, thereby reducing the need for the corticosteroids traditionally used to alleviate those adverse effects.
Boswellia Serrata Extract can also be used for firming (by inhibiting elastase), regulating desquamation, and improving the skin barrier (by inhibiting Cathepsin D). The usage level is 0.1-0.2%. Safety and toxicological tests showed that this ingredient is non-toxic, non-mutagenic, and non-clastogenic. It is safe for skin, scalp, and oral care preparations in recommended concentrations.
Synonyms
Indian Frankincense Gum Extract
References
Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview
DOI:
10.4103/0250-474X.93507
Boswellia serrata Extract as an Antibiofilm Agent against Candida spp
Author(s):
Jaroš P, Vrublevskaya M, Lokočová K, Michailidu J, Kolouchová I, Demnerová K
DOI:
10.3390/microorganisms10010171
Boswellia serrata: an overall assessment of in vitro, preclinical, pharmacokinetic and clinical data
Author(s):
Abdel-Tawab M, Werz O, Schubert-Zsilavecz M
DOI:
10.2165/11586800-000000000-00000
Development and characterization of bacterial nanocellulose loaded with Boswellia serrata extract containing nanoemulsions as natural dressing for skin diseases
Author(s):
Karl B, Alkhatib Y, Beekmann U, Bellmann T, Blume G, Steiniger F, Thamm J, Werz O, Kralisch D, Fischer D
DOI:
10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119635
Toxicological Assessment of a Standardized Boswellia serrata Gum Resin Extract
Author(s):
Alluri VK, Dodda S, Kilari EK, Golakoti T, Sengupta K
DOI:
10.1177/1091581819858069
Curcumin and Boswellia serrata gum resin extract inhibit chikungunya and vesicular stomatitis virus infections in vitro
Author(s):
von Rhein C, Weidner T, Henß L, Martin J, Weber C, Sliva K, Schnierle BS
DOI:
10.1016/j.antiviral.2015.11.007
Safety and Toxicological Evaluation of a Novel, Standardized 3-O-Acetyl-11-keto-beta-Boswellic Acid (AKBA)-Enriched Boswellia serrata Extract (5-Loxin(R))
Author(s):
Lalithakumari K, Krishnaraju AV, Sengupta K, Subbaraju GV, Chatterjee A
DOI:
10.1080/15376520600620232
Clinical evaluation of safety and efficacy of Boswellia-based cream for prevention of adjuvant radiotherapy skin damage in mammary carcinoma: a randomized placebo controlled trial
Author(s):
Togni S, Maramaldi G, Bonetta A, Giacomelli L, Di Pierro F
