Loading...
Home Newsletter Herbal Science About Consult Shop Q&A Sponsor
← Back to Herbal Science
🌿
Anti-inflammatory

Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)

Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr.
📖 Shallaki🇮🇳 Salai, Salai Guggul, KundurFamily: BurseraceaePart: Oleo-gum resin (gum resin exudate obtained by incision of the stem bark); bark is occasionally used in traditional preparations
Daily Dose
0 – 0
Best Time
With meals — fat co-administration increases AKBA3-O-Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid — the most potent anti-inflammatory compound in Boswellia serrata, specifically inhibiting 5-LOX. bioavailabilityHow much of a substance actually gets absorbed into your bloodstream and can have an effect on your body — not everything you swallow ends up being used. 2.5–4.9-fold; avoid fasted-state dosing
📚 Compiled from classical Ayurvedic literature & published research|✅ Expert reviewed by Ashish Pareek, PhD Scholar|Updated 10 April 2026
⚡ Quick Answer

Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) (Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr.) is shallaki (Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr.) is an oleo-gum resin-producing deciduous tree of the Burseraceae family, native to the dry forests of India and widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. The tree is tapped by incision of the bark to produce a pale-yellow to amber resin that contains a characteristic series of...

About Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)

Shallaki (Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr.) is an oleo-gum resin-producing deciduous tree of the Burseraceae family, native to the dry forests of India and widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. The tree is tapped by incision of the bark to produce a pale-yellow to amber resin that contains a characteristic series of pentacyclic triterpenic acids — the boswellic acids — of which 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acidThe primary active compound in Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) — specifically AKBA inhibits 5-LOX, reducing leukotriene production. (AKBA) is the primary pharmacologically active constituent. Shallaki is classified in AyurvedaA traditional system of medicine from India, thousands of years old, that focuses on balance between mind, body, and diet — often using herbs, food, and lifestyle changes rather than isolated drugs. as a Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and Vedanasthapana (analgesic) dravya. Modern pharmacological research has confirmed that AKBA selectively inhibits the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX5-Lipoxygenase — an enzyme that produces leukotrienes, chemicals involved in allergy and airway inflammation.), thereby reducing production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes — a mechanism distinct from, and complementary to, that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDsNon-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs — ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac. Block COX-1 and COX-2 to reduce pain and inflammation.). Three double-blind, randomised controlled trials have demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement in knee osteoarthritisThe most common form of arthritis — breakdown of joint cartilage causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, typically in knees and hips. outcomes. One Phase II clinical trial has shown reduction of peritumoral brain oedema. Unlike NSAIDs, Boswellia extractA concentrated preparation made by pulling the active compounds out of a raw herb, usually using water, alcohol, or another solvent — generally stronger, dose-for-dose, than the raw plant material. does not inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX-1Cyclooxygenase-1 — an enzyme that produces prostaglandins involved in pain and protecting the stomach lining. Blocked by aspirin and ibuprofen. or COX-2Cyclooxygenase-2 — an inflammation-specific enzyme that produces pain signals. The target of ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib.), thereby sparing prostaglandins involved in gastric mucosal protection.

🌍 Habitat:

Dry hilly forests of India, particularly in the Western Ghats (Karnataka, Kerala), Central India (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan), and the Deccan plateau. Also found in northern Africa and the Middle East. Grows on rocky, well-drained soil at 300–900 m elevation. Listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red ListThe global inventory of the conservation status of plant and animal species, used to identify which are threatened or endangered. due to overexploitation of wild resin-tapping populations.

📖 Historical & Ayurvedic Background

Shallaki is one of the most thoroughly documented anti-inflammatory dravyas in classical Ayurvedic texts. It is described in three of the primary Bruhat-trayi (Greater Triad) of Ayurvedic medicine:

Charaka SamhitaA classical compiled text in Ayurveda, such as Charaka Samhita or Sushruta Samhita, containing foundational medical knowledge. (1st–2nd century CE, Sutrasthana 4.10): Shallaki is listed among the Vedanasthapana (pain-relieving) dravyas in the Dashamula (ten roots) group context.

Sushruta Samhita (3rd–4th century CE, Sutrasthana 38.62): Describes Shallaki resin as Shothahara (oedema/inflammation-reducing), Vranaropana (wound-healing), and Kushthaghna (skin disease-relieving). Recommends the resin (niryasa) both internally and externally.

Ashtanga Hridayam by Vagbhata (7th century CE, ChikitsaThe Ayurvedic term for treatment or therapy. SthanaA major section or chapter division in classical Ayurvedic texts — for example Sutrasthana (general principles) or Chikitsa Sthana (treatment). 21.66–68): Shallakadi GhritaA medicated clarified butter (ghee) infused with herbal extracts — used in Ayurvedic preparations for fat-soluble compounds. — a medicated ghee preparation containing Shallaki as the principal ingredient — is described for Vatavyadhi (diseases of the VataThe Ayurvedic dosha associated with movement, air, and space — linked to things like circulation, nerve function, and the mind. When out of balance, it's associated with anxiety, dry skin, and irregular digestion. doshaOne of three fundamental energies in Ayurveda — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha — believed to govern different physical and mental functions. Ayurvedic practitioners try to keep them in balance for good health.), including Sandhivata (joint diseases approximating osteoarthritis), Amavata (approximating rheumatoid arthritisAn autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks joints, causing chronic inflammation, pain, and eventually joint damage.), and Gridhrasi (sciatica).

Sharangdhara Samhita (13th century CE): Describes Shallaki Taila (medicated oil) for external application to painful joints and Shallaki KwathaAn Ayurvedic water decoction — prepared by boiling herbs in water, usually until the volume is reduced to one quarter. (decoctionA traditional preparation method where tougher plant parts (like roots, bark, or seeds) are simmered in water for an extended time to extract their active compounds.) as an internal anti-inflammatory.

DOSHA INTERPRETATION: Shallaki pacifies Vata (air/space dosha — governs movement, joint function) and KaphaThe Ayurvedic dosha associated with earth and water — linked to structure, lubrication, and stability in the body. When out of balance, it's associated with sluggishness, weight gain, and congestion. (earth/water dosha — governs inflammation and oedema). This aligns precisely with the modern understanding of 5-LOX-mediated leukotriene-driven inflammation (Kapha excess) producing joint degeneration with pain and stiffness (Vata excess).

RasaIn Ayurveda, the immediate taste of a substance when it touches the tongue (like sweet, bitter, or astringent) — each taste is believed to have specific effects on the body beyond just flavor. (Taste)

Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent), Kashaya (astringentA substance that causes tissue to tighten or contract — often used traditionally to reduce minor bleeding, diarrhea, or excess secretions.)

GunaIn Ayurveda, the inherent physical qualities of a substance — such as heavy or light, oily or dry, hot or cold — used to predict how it will affect the body. (Quality)

Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), Tikshna (sharp/penetrating)

ViryaIn Ayurveda, the heating or cooling potency of a substance once it's in the body — classified mainly as either heating (ushna) or cooling (shita). (PotencyThe amount of a substance needed to produce a given effect — a more potent substance needs a smaller dose.)

Ushna (hot potency)

VipakaIn Ayurveda, the effect a substance has after it's fully digested — which can be different from how it tastes going in. Thought to influence long-term effects on the body. (Post-digest)

Katu (pungent post-digestive effect)

Dosha Effect

Vata shamaka (pacifies Vata dosha), Kapha shamaka (pacifies Kapha dosha); may mildly aggravate PittaThe Ayurvedic dosha associated with fire and transformation — linked to digestion, metabolism, and body temperature. When out of balance, it's associated with inflammation, irritability, and acidity. dosha in excess due to Ushna virya

KarmaIn this context, the specific therapeutic action a substance has on the body — not to be confused with the broader philosophical idea of karma. For example, an herb's karma might be described as a digestive stimulant or nerve tonic. (Action)

Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Vedanasthapana (analgesic), Vranaropana (wound-healing), BalyaAn Ayurvedic therapeutic action meaning strength-promoting — herbs that build physical strength and tissue integrity. (strengthening), Grahi (absorbent/astringent on mucous membranes), Kushthaghna (skin disease-relieving), Lekhana (scraping action on excess tissue)

🔗 References

🔍 Also Listed Under

Herbs for Joint Pain & InflammationHerbs for Respiratory Health

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects of Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)?
  • REPORTED IN CLINICAL TRIALS (doses 333–1200 mg/day, up to 6 months):
  • Gastrointestinal: nausea, acid reflux, loose stools, abdominal discomfort (incidence 5–10% vs 3–5% placebo)
  • Dermatological: pruritus (itching), urticaria — rare (<2%)
  • Hepatotoxicity: 3 published case reports — causality not definitively established in all cases
  • Baseline liver function tests (LFTs) recommended for long-term users
  • Menstrual irregularity: limited case reports
  • Clinical significance uncertain
  • NOTE: The gastrointestinal side effect profile is substantially milder than NSAIDs because COX-1 (prostaglandin E2-mediated gastric mucosal protection) is not inhibited
What is the recommended dosage of Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)?
  • Typical daily range: 0 – 0
  • Traditional preparation: 3–6 g/day crude resin powder (Shallaki churnaA finely powdered Ayurvedic herbal preparation.) as per Sharangdhara Samhita and contemporary Ayurvedic practice; equivalent to approximately 1.2–2.4 g/day total boswellic acids from crude resin
  • Best time to take: With meals — fat co-administration increases AKBA bioavailability 2.5–4.9-fold; avoid fasted-state dosing
  • Maximum documented safe dose: 1200 mg/day standardised extract (based on published clinical trial data). Doses exceeding 2400 mg/day have not been studied in humans.
Who should avoid Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)?
  • Hypersensitivity to Boswellia species or Burseraceae family (cross-reactivity possible with turpentine, other Boswellia spp.)
  • Pre-existing hepatic disease — use with caution
  • Monitor liver function tests (LFTs) at baseline and 3 months (based on case reports of hepatotoxicity)
  • Active peptic ulcer — limited data
  • Clinical caution recommended
  • Concurrent immunosuppressant therapy — theoretical NF-κB interaction
  • Consult prescribing physician
  • Paediatric use: safety not established in children under 14 years
  • Avoid
In what forms is Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) available?
  • Standardised capsules/tablets (Aflapin®, 5-Loxin®, Wokvel®, Shallaki tablets — multiple Indian manufacturers)
  • Crude resin powder (churna)
  • Medicated ghee (Shallakadi Ghrita)
  • Medicated oil (Shallaki Taila) for external use
  • TopicalApplied directly to the skin or a specific body surface, rather than taken internally. cream formulations
⚠️ Educational Information Only

This information is compiled from classical Ayurvedic literature and published research for educational and reference purposes. It is not medical advice, has not been evaluated by any drug regulatory authority, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.

Share