Pharmacological Insights into Boswellia serrata: A Comprehensive Review of Its Therapeutic Potential

Abstract

Shallaki is the Ayurvedic name for Boswellia serrata Roxb., a plant of the Burseraceae family. The central
peninsular Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Assam, and Orissa
are home to the plant. Its resin was primarily used for embalming and as incense during cultural occasions by
the ancient Babylonian, Egyptian, Roman, Chinese, Greek, and Indian civilizations. This herb is listed in the
traditional Ayurvedic pharmacopeia as a remedy for several ailments. Jvara (fever), Svasa (dyspnea), Sarkarameha
(glycosuria), Mukharoga (mouth disease), Sula (pain), Pradara (excessive vaginal discharge), and Pittabhisyanda
(conjunctivitis caused by pitta dosa). The qualitative phytochemical analysis of B. serrata extract reveals the
presence of various bioactive constituents, including α-phellandrene. The key active compounds among the
boswellic acids are β-boswellic acid, 3-O-acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid, and 3-O-acetyl
11-keto-β-boswellic acid. In addition, the extract contains a range of terpenoids such as limonene, camphene,
myrcene, β-terpene, p-cymene, thujene, β-phellandrene, and β-terpineol. Four tetracyclic triterpene acids have
also been identified: 3-β-gunahydroxytirucall-8, 3-ketotirucall-8, 24-dien-21-oic acid, and 3-β-acetoxytirucall-8.
Furthermore, the diterpene alcohol serratol is also present, contributing to the plant’s pharmacological properties.
This article provides a comprehensive evaluation of B. serrata, highlighting the convergence between its traditional
applications and contemporary pharmacological evidence, while also discussing novel therapeutic potentials not
previously described in classical texts