European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A CRITICAL REVIEW ARTICLE ON BOSWELLIA SERRATA (SHALLAKI)

Aradhna Saklani*, Neha Rai, D. C. Singh, Suresh Chaubey and Rishi Arya

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda is a comprehensive system of natural health care that originated in the ancient Vedic times of India. Its primary emphasis is on prevention of disease and maintenance of health. It also provides treatment for disease. Boswellia serrata is a multipurpose plant . Many text books in Ayurveda describe its morphology, habitat, ras pan-chak and its therapeutic uses which mainly focuses on its anti-inflammatory and analgesic action. It has hypoli-pidemic, Hepatoprotective, Anti- diabetic, immuno-modulator, anti-cancerous actions also this plant is the need of present scenario as it can be used as a substitute for Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) intake of which is associated with high prevalence of gastrointestinal or cardiovascular adverse effects. In the last two dec-ades, preparations of the gum resin of Boswellia serrata (Kundru, a traditional ayurvedic medicine) and of other Boswellia species have experienced increasing popularity in Western countries. Boswellia serrata contains chemi-cal constituents, such as β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid.

Keywords: Hypolipidemic, Hepatoprotective, Anti- diabetic, Immuno-modulator, Anti-cancerous actions etc.