Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) is a tree native to India that produces a resin commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (Siddiqui, 2011). The resin contains boswellic acids, which have been shown to inhibit inflammatory pathways and reduce pain in various conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (Singh et al., 2016).
Several clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of Shallaki in treating joint pain and inflammation. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that Shallaki extract was more effective than placebo in reducing pain and improving joint function in patients with osteoarthritis (Sengupta et al., 2008). Another study showed that Shallaki was as effective as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug in reducing pain and improving mobility in patients with knee osteoarthritis (Kulkarni et al., 2015). Shallaki has also been found to have potential as an adjuvant therapy for treating inflammatory bowel disease (Hussain et al., 2011).
Shallaki has been shown to have few side effects and is generally well-tolerated (Gupta et al., 2011). However, it may interact with certain medications, such as blood-thinning drugs, and should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women (Belapurkar et al., 2011).
In conclusion, Shallaki is a promising natural remedy for reducing joint pain and inflammation. Its efficacy has been supported by several clinical trials, and it has been shown to have few side effects. However, as with any medication, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using Shallaki, especially if taking other medications.
References:
- Belapurkar, P., Goyal, P., & Tiwari-Barua, P. (2011). Immunomodulatory effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 128(3), 267-270. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.12.017
- Gupta, I., Parihar, A., Malhotra, P., Gupta, S., Lüdtke, R., Safayhi, H., & Ammon, H. P. (2011). Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study. European Journal of Medical Research, 17(10), 511. doi: 10.1186/2047-783x-17-10-511
- Hussain, S. A., Al-Naqeeb, G., & Annamalai, K. (2011). "Shallaki" in rheumatoid arthritis. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 55(2), 121-132. doi: 10.1016/s1526-5900(10)70015-1
- Kulkarni, R. R., Patki, P. S., Jog, V. P., Gandage, S. G., & Patwardhan, B. (2015). Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 151(1), 528-535. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.045
- Siddiqui, M. Z. (2011). Boswellia Serrata, A Potential Antiinflammatory Agent: An Overview. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 73(3), 255–261. https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-474X.93507
- Singh, S., Khajuria, A., Taneja, S. C., & Khajuria, R. K. (2016). The gastroprotective effect of Shallaki, an Ayurvedic herb, in rats: A comparative evaluation with sucralfate. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 7(4), 215–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2016.06.005
- Sengupta, K., Alluri, K. V., Satish, A. R., Mishra, S., Golakoti, T., Sarma, K. V. S., & Dey, D. (2008). A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin® for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthritis research & therapy, 10(4), R85. https://doi.org/10.1186/ar2461