Boswellia Carries Hope for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Abstract

Boswellia serrata is an ancient and valuable herb that was widely used throughout the centuries. Boswellia trees grow in India, Northern Africa, and the Middle East from which Frankincense or olibanum resin is taken. The beneficial effects of Boswellia and its active ingredients (Boswellic acids) were thoroughly investigated in many diseases. Where the non-redox and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory actions were reported. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) mainly ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal system. Although the cause is still unclear, the immune system is claimed to have the upper hand in the pathogenesis of IBD. Several studies have demonstrated the ameliorating effect of Boswellic acids on the severity of IBD and the potential role of Boswellia in the induction or maintenance of remission. The aim of this chapter is to explore the the possible effect of Boswellia in IBD management as a complementary and alternative strategy.