Author: ALENKA BROZINA, M.D, SPECIJALIST INTERNE MEDICINE, SUBSPECIJALIST KARDIOLOG, SAVJETNIK U DIJETOTERAPIJI I NUTRICIONIZMU

Have you ever heard of the plant Indian frankincense? Even if you haven’t, we believe most people are familiar with frankincense—the resin used during various religious ceremonies globally. Christianity mentions it as one of the gifts given to the newborn Jesus, and it’s nearly impossible to imagine a religious service without the distinctive scent of frankincense. However, the benefits of frankincense are recognized not only in a religious context but also concerning human health. Indian frankincense is the most well-known variety due to its numerous medicinal properties.

Origin and Use of Frankincense

When we talk about frankincense, we’re actually referring to the frankincense trees—a highly complex botanical group known by the Latin name Boswellia sp. One of the key species is Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata). This particular type is one of the most studied frankincenses in clinical trials. For instance, research has investigated the effects of standardized resin extracts containing boswellic acids. Results from studies conducted on Japanese adults have shown potential benefits of supplements with these components in alleviating knee pain and controlling related inflammatory conditions in the body. Indian frankincense, also known as boswellia, has an incredibly long history of use in Indian cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine. The aromatic resin is obtained from the bark of the boswellia tree and is used therapeutically due to its boswellic acid content.

Indian Frankincense as a Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Agent

Conditions for which Indian frankincense is most commonly used include:

• Osteoarthritis – a degenerative joint disease characterized by the deterioration of joint cartilage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis – a chronic inflammatory disease of connective tissue, most commonly affecting the joints.

Several clinical studies have also shown benefits for bronchial asthma and inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis.. What makes Indian frankincense particularly effective in treating the mentioned conditions is its anti-inflammatory effect, specifically its contribution to reducing inflammation. Research has shown that boswellia exhibits anti-inflammatory properties similar to conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for inflammatory conditions. This effect is attributed to several active substances, with the most important being AKBA (Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid). AKBA works by inhibiting the formation of inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes, human leukocyte elastase, cathepsin G, and acetylcholinesterase. These inflammatory mediators are responsible for many of the issues associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Why Choose Bonelin Flex?

When combining the existing active ingredients of Indian frankincense with glucosamine—a fundamental building block of joint structures—MSM—a component of connective tissue in bone structures—and hyaluronic acid—whose production decreases with aging, leading to reduced viscosity and increased “dilution” of joint fluid—you get an excellent formulation for addressing issues associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Bonelin Flex is exactly such a formulation. In addition to these ingredients, the formula includes vitamin C, vitamin D3, manganese, and BioPerine black pepper extract.Moglo bi vas zanimati: Glukozamin: vaš saveznik za zdravija koljena However, individuals taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin (Martafarin) or NOACs (Eliquis, Pradaxa, Xarelto) must consult their physician before starting any supplement containing boswellia. Foto: Canva, Karolina Grabowska (Pexels)