Does boswellia thin the blood?
2023-10-26 15:32:05
Boswellia serrata, otherwise called Indian frankincense or Salai guggal, is a natural concentrate that has been utilized in Ayurvedic medication for quite a long time. It contains dynamic mixtures, for example, boswellic acids that have shown calming, against joint, and agony easing properties in logical examinations. Nonetheless, questions affect blood coagulating and dissemination. Here, we'll survey the exploration on boswellia and coagulation to decide whether boswellia diminishes the blood.
What are the active compounds in Boswellia serrata?
The vital dynamic parts in boswellia are pentacyclic triterpenic acids, transcendently comprising of beta-boswellic corrosive (BA), acetyl-beta-boswellic corrosive (ABA), 11-keto-beta-boswellic corrosive (KBA), and acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic corrosive (AKBA) . Of these, AKBA gives off an impression of being the most organically dynamic compound, liable for boswellia's mitigating and hostile to ligament properties.
Other active constituents include incensole, incensole acetate, phellandrene, limonene, and terpenes. The exact composition varies depending on the source of the extract. Indian boswellia species tend to have higher concentrations of AKBA compared to African varieties.
How does boswellia provide anti-inflammatory and pain-relief effects?
Boswellia Serrata Extract Powder its anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions through several molecular mechanisms :
· Inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in inflammation. AKBA is a potent, non-redox inhibitor of 5-LOX.
· Reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α).
· Suppression of the complement system, part of the innate immune response.
· Decreased expression of pro-inflammatory MMP-3 enzymes.
· Improved blood flow to joint tissues by promoting vasodilation and microcirculation.
Through these combined actions, boswellia can reduce swelling, immobility, and pain associated with inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bowel diseases.
Does boswellia thin the blood or affect clotting?
Some early research in rats and in vitro models suggested that boswellic acids may have anticoagulant properties by inhibiting thromboxane formation. Thromboxane stimulates platelet aggregation and blood vessel constriction. However, most human studies have not found significant effects of boswellia on clotting or bleeding:
· In a placebo-controlled trial in 66 osteoarthritis patients, 300mg Boswellia Serrata Extract 3 times daily for 8 weeks did not alter bleeding time, platelet aggregation, or coagulation parameters.
· No changes in platelet count, bleeding time, prothrombin time, or partial thromboplastin time were seen in rheumatoid arthritis patients taking 1000mg/day boswellia for 12 weeks.
· In healthy men, single doses of 20-80mg boswellic acids did not affect platelet aggregation or bleeding time.
· No adverse bleeding-related events were reported in multiple clinical trials using boswellia for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, oral ulcers, asthma, osteoarthritis, and chronic knee pain.
Overall, human data does not indicate that boswellia formulations used for medicinal purposes significantly increase bleeding risk or alter clotting function at typical dosages. The concern about anticoagulant effects may have stemmed from the very high doses of boswellic acids tested in animal models, far beyond normal human exposures.
Does boswellia increase blood flow?
Some research indicates that boswellia may enhance blood flow by inducing vascular relaxation. In vitro studies show that AKBA can dilate blood vessels via multiple mechanisms:
· Inhibition of Ca2+ channels leading to smooth muscle relaxation
· Stimulation of nitric oxide synthesis to boost nitric oxide’s vasodilatory effects
· Reduced release of endothelin-1, a potent vasoconstrictor
Clinically, boswellia extracts have improved microcirculation in animal models and patients with vascular diseases. Enhanced peripheral blood flow is one way that boswellia may relieve pain and stiffness in arthritic joints.
So while boswellia does not appear to significantly thin the blood, it may help improve localized blood flow through direct effects on blood vessels. This could contribute to its efficacy for inflammatory disorders.
What are the side effects of boswellia? Is it safe?
Multiple clinical trials have found oral boswellia supplements to be well tolerated without significant side effects at doses up to 1,000 mg daily. The most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, acid reflux, diarrhea or constipation.
Rare allergic reactions like skin rash have occasionally been reported. Boswellia may induce contractions of the uterus that could be risky during pregnancy.
Overall, boswellia is considered very safe when taken as directed. Like turmeric and other herbal agents, it has an impressive safety profile compared to pharmaceutical drugs like NSAIDs or DMARDs used for arthritis.
Are there any bleeding risks or drug interactions with boswellia?
There are no known drug interactions involvingplatelet inhibition or blood clotting for boswellia. Being an anti-inflammatory, it may theoretically increase bleeding risks when combined with anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications like warfarin, heparin, or aspirin. However, this has not been reported in humans.
The gum resin extracts appear free of major cytochrome P450 enzyme interactions as well. Boswellia does not seem to alter the pharmacokinetics of other drugs metabolized by CYP enzymes.
Some sources recommend avoiding boswellia with medications that reduce stomach acid like antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors due to possible reduced absorption. But more research is needed to confirm if spacing out doses is necessary.
Who should avoid taking boswellia?
The following groups of people should exercise caution or avoid Boswellia Serrata Gum Extract without medical supervision:
· Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding - Uterine stimulation effects are possible.
· Children under 18 years old - Safety has not been established.
· People with bleeding disorders - Theoretically could increase bleeding risk.
· Those with upcoming surgery - Stop 2 weeks prior due to theoretical bleeding risk.
· Individuals taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications - Potential interaction could increase bleeding.
· People with gastric ulcers or reflux issues - Boswellia may aggravate these conditions.
Also use cautiously in individuals with liver disease, skin conditions, asthma, or other inflammatory conditions. Start with smaller doses and consult your healthcare practitioner.
How long does boswellia take to work? What is the typical dosage?
In clinical studies, boswellia extracts started providing pain relief and anti-inflammatory benefits within the first 1-2 weeks of use. However, the full effects for chronic inflammatory conditions may take 4-8 weeks to become apparent. This time frame is on par with prescription medications.
Typical dosages found effective in studies for inflammatory disorders range from 300-1000 mg daily of standardized extracts containing 40-65% boswellic acids. Doses are usually divided into 2-3 portions per day. Higher single doses above 200 mg are more likely to cause acid reflux or stomach irritation.
Look for reputed standardized boswellia products tested for optimal AKBA levels. Take with meals to enhance absorption. A regimen of 8-12 weeks may be needed to experience the maximum benefits for conditions like arthritis, back pain, and bowel diseases.
Conclusion
In summary, while initial lab research suggested possible blood-thinning effects of boswellia, human studies have not found clinically significant interactions with coagulation or platelet function. When taken in appropriate therapeutic dosages by mouth, boswellia serrata appears safe for use by healthy adults seeking anti-inflammatory and pain-relief benefits. Those on anticoagulant medications or with bleeding risks may want to exercise caution. As with any supplement, discuss boswellia use with your doctor, especially if pregnant, nursing, or being treated for medical conditions.
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