Talk:Shallaki
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Shallaki |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Boswellia serrata Roxb. |
| Family | Burseraceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
Boswellia serrata Roxb., popularly known as Shallaki, is a moderate-to-large branching tree native to dry deciduous forests of India, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. It is widely revered in Ayurveda for its oleo-gum resin, which is prized as a premier anti-inflammatory and joint-supportive therapeutic agent.
English name
Indian olibanum
Therapeutic Uses
Jwara (fever), Pradara (discharge), Swasa (dyspnea), Pittabhishyanda, Sarkarameha, Vrushna shoola (pain in scrotum).[1]
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Shallaki, Gajabhakshya, Suvaha, Surabhi, Rasa, Maheruna, Kunduru.
Additional Synonyms in Bhavprakasha Nighantu
Vallaki, Bahushrava (releases profuse quantity of exudates).[2]
Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties
| Sr.no. | Pharmacological criteria | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (rasa) | Astringent (kashaya), Bitter (tikta), Sweet (madhura) |
| 2 | Potency (veerya) | Cold (sheeta) |
| 3 | Post digestion effect (vipaka) | Pungent (katu) |
| 4 | Qualities (guna) | Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha) |
| 5 | Actions (karma) | Pacify Kapha and Pitta |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
| Sr.no. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/9(32) | Purishvirajaniya mahakashaya (faecal depigmentors) |
| 2 | Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 5/23 | Dhuma varti dravya (therapeutic inhalation for prevention of disease) |
| 3 | Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/144 | Kashaya-skandha (group of astringent drugs) |
| 4 | Cha.Sa. Kalpa Sthana 1/8 | Deshavichara |
| 5 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 3/267 | As an ingredient of Agurvadi taila |
| 6 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 28/153 | As an ingredient of Bala taila |
| 7 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 28/161 | As an ingredient of Amrutadi taila |
| 8 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 30/108 | Used in the treatment of Vipluta |
Dose
- 1–3 g (Gum resin powder)[1]
Important Formulations
As per A.P.I.[1]
- Karpuradyarka
- Jirakadi modaka
- Bala taila
- Bala guduchyadi taila
Current Availability
Available
- In India: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, South India.
Phytochemical Composition
The therapeutic potential of *Boswellia serrata* is primarily concentrated in its oleo-gum resin:
- Boswellic Acids: Includes beta-boswellic acid, acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), and 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (KBA).
- Essential Oils: Monoterpenes and diterpenes imparting characteristic aromatic properties.
- Polysaccharides: Comprising pentoses and hexoses aiding systemic absorption.
Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy
Anti-Arthritic and Anti-Inflammatory Actions
- Mechanism: Boswellic acids act as specific, non-redox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), preventing the formation of leukotrienes responsible for inflammation, tissue degradation, and joint destruction.
- Scientific Evidence: Clinical and pre-clinical trials demonstrate significant reduction in joint swelling, pain, and cartilage degradation in patients suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.[3]
Gastrointestinal Protection and Anti-Colitic Effects
- Mechanism: By suppressing inflammatory pathways in the intestinal mucosa, resin extracts protect against mucosal injury and hypermotility states.
- Scientific Evidence: Laboratory evaluations validate its efficacy in managing chronic inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.[4]
Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage
- Acute Toxicity:* *Boswellia serrata* extracts possess a high safety profile with minimal gastrointestinal side effects reported during long-term trials.
- Precautions: Use cautiously during early pregnancy or in individuals with known hypersensitivity to tree resins.
Summary of Therapeutic Profile
| Indication | Active Biomolecules | Primary Pharmacological Action |
|---|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis & Joint Pain | AKBA, Beta-boswellic acid | 5-Lipoxygenase inhibition, Anti-inflammatory |
| Inflammatory Bowel Conditions | Boswellic acid fractions | Mucosal cytoprotection, Anti-colitic |
| Respiratory Inflammation (Swasa) | Oleo-gum resin extracts | Bronchodilatory, Anti-asthmatic |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 4:24
- ↑ Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Vatadi Varga, Verse no. 22, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020
- ↑ Kimmatkar, N.; Thawani, V.; Hingorani, L.; Khiyani, R. (2003). "Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee--a randomized double blind placebo controlled crossover study". Phytomedicine. 10 (1): 3–7.
- ↑ Gupta, I.; Paranjpe, V.; Kalia, P.; Etzel, R. (2001). "Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis". European Journal of Medical Research. 6 (1): 37–42.