Resin

Other Names

Balm of Gileadbalsambalsam of Perubalsam of Tolubenzoinbotanical resinCanada balsamcolophonycopalcrude resindammardragon's blooddried resinelemifrankincensegalbanumglucoresinglycoresinguaiacumgum resinkauri gumkinolabdanummasticmyrrhnatural resinoleo-gum resinoleo-resinoleogum resinoleoresinphytoresinplant exudateplant natural resinplant resinplant secretionpropolisraw resinresin combinationresin extractresin gumresin oilresin tinctureresinaresinoidresinous extractresinous exudateresinous mixtureresinous secretionresinous substancerosinsandaractree resinturpentine

Synopsis

Plant Resins as Dietary Supplements and Natural Medicinal Ingredients: A Comprehensive Reference

1. Introduction and Identity

Resins, balsams, and related substances are complex chemical products produced by specialized ducts, cavities, or metabolic by-products of trees and other plant forms. Resins are insoluble in water and are usually hard, transparent, or translucent; when heated, they soften and usually melt. Their chemistry is elaborate, containing mixtures of resin acids, alcohols, tannins, esters, and other compounds. Resin is generally composed of organic compounds known as terpenes, which are aromatic organic compounds that are very sweet-smelling, which is why they were burnt and used as incense during religious ceremonies.

Oleoresins are mixtures of resins and volatile oils, and include substances such as turpentine and Canada balsam. As dietary supplements and natural medicinal ingredients, plant resins are most frequently encountered in three medically prominent forms: Boswellia (Indian frankincense), mastic gum (Pistacia lentiscus), and guggul (Commiphora mukul/wightii). The plant resinous exudates, exemplified by frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, Dragon's blood and ferulae resina, are important resources for traditional medicines, and their medicinal functions and usages are recorded in the ancient literature of Egypt, Rome, Greece, and China.

1.1 Boswellia (Indian Frankincense)

Olibanum — another word for boswellia — refers to a resin or "sap" that seeps from openings in the bark of several Boswellia species, including Boswellia serrata, Boswellia carterii, and Boswellia frereana. Of these, Boswellia serrata is most commonly used for medicine. Boswellia serrata is a small tree, up to fifteen feet in height; it is found in dry hilly areas in India. Boswellia is an herbal extract made from the gum resin or bark of the tree and can be taken orally or applied topically.

1.2 Mastic Gum (Pistacia lentiscus)

Pistacia lentiscus L. is an evergreen shrub of the Anacardiaceae family, very common in the eastern Mediterranean area. The variety chia (Duham) is uniquely cultivated in southern Chios, a Greek island in the Aegean. The resin of that plant, mastic gum, is obtained as an exudate after "hurting" the trunk and branches. Mastic gum appears in the incisions in the form of tears and exudes in droplets onto the soil. While it is flowing, it is a gummy, clear liquid; it solidifies in irregular shapes after 15–20 days. Collection is completed in September.

1.3 Guggul (Commiphora mukul / wightii)

Guggulu is an oleo-gum resin which exudes out as a result of injury from the bark of Commiphora wightii (Arnott) Bhandari (syn. Commiphora mukul; Family, Burseraceae). Guggul, the herbal extract from the resin of the Commiphora mukul tree, is widely used in Asia as a cholesterol-lowering agent based on Indian Ayurvedic medicine.

1.4 Myrrh (Commiphora species)

Myrrh, originating from Arabia, is the exudate produced by the secretory tissue in the bark of Commiphora species. The genus Commiphora (Burseraceae) with more than 150 plant species is distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions, especially in northeastern Africa, southern Arabia, and India. The plants of Commiphora species are characterized as small trees or shrubs with spinescent branches, pale-gray bark, and reddish-brown resinous exudates. The constituents of myrrh include volatile oil (2–8%), resin (23–40%), gum (40–60%), and bitter principles (10–25%).

2. Common Forms and Preparations

Tree resins can be used in many forms, from inhaled aromatics such as incense, perfumes, essential oils, and hydrosols, to topical preparations like salves and ointments, as well as a wide range of traditional ingestible preparations. In contemporary dietary supplement markets, oral forms predominate. Boswellia can be taken in different ways, including taking it orally in a capsule, pill, or tablet, or using it as an oil that can be put on the body. Boswellia has most often been studied as an oral capsule. Mastic is additionally available as a traditional chewing gum. Mastic gum granules are sorted, classified, and graded according to the color and size of the granule; the clean granules may be milled to fine powder (particle size <200 μm) for encapsulation.

3. Traditional and Historical Use

Human use of plant resins has a long history that was documented in ancient Greece by Theophrastus, in ancient Rome by Pliny the Elder, and especially in the resins known as frankincense and myrrh, prized in ancient Egypt. The oldest known use of plant resin comes from the late Middle Stone Age in Southern Africa, where it was used as an adhesive for hafting stone tools.

In ancient Egypt, resin was mainly used for religious reasons. Archaeological evidence from the tomb of Tutankhamen suggests that resin was a common element in most graves and crypts during mummification. The hard transparent resins, such as the copals, dammars, mastic, and sandarac, were principally used for varnishes and adhesives, while the softer odoriferous oleo-resins (frankincense, elemi, turpentine, copaiba), and gum resins containing essential oils (ammoniacum, asafoetida, gamboge, myrrh, and scammony) were more used for food and incense.

3.1 Traditional Use of Boswellia

Traditionally, boswellia has been used in Ayurveda practices to improve arthritis, reduce inflammation and pain, and relieve symptoms of some respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and other disorders. The gum resin of the plant Boswellia serrata (Burseraceae) has long been in use for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and gout by the practitioners of Ayurvedic medicines in the Indian system of medicine. Gum resin extracts of Boswellia serrata or Indian Frankincense have been traditionally used in folk medicine for centuries. They have gained popularity among consumers to treat various chronic inflammatory conditions, namely, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, allergies, arthritis, including osteoarthritis, and pain. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, frankincense (Ru Xiang) is used to promote blood circulation and relieve pain; these two resinous drugs (frankincense and myrrh) are always prescribed simultaneously in traditional Chinese medicine and are primarily administered for the treatment of blood stagnation and inflammation diseases, as well as for the relief of swelling and pain.

3.2 Traditional Use of Mastic Gum

Mastic gum has been used in traditional Greek medicine for various gastrointestinal disorders like gastralgia, dyspepsia, and peptic ulcer for more than 2,500 years. A plant resin called mastic was harvested and used in Greek and Roman cultures for at least 2,500 years. Mastic is a very unique resin that can be eaten, and it was used as a form of ancient chewing gum. Records show that Hippocrates, the father of physicians, used mastic as a remedy for digestive ailments and colds. The ancient Romans also used mastic as a flavoring agent in their spiced wine.

3.3 Traditional Use of Guggul

In a well-known Ayurvedic medical text, Sushruta Samhita (from around year 600 BC), the resin from the mukul myrrh tree (Commiphora mukul) is prescribed as treatment for a number of illnesses. It has been used in Ayurveda since time immemorial for the treatment of a variety of disorders such as inflammation, gout, rheumatism, obesity, and disorders of lipid metabolism.

3.4 Traditional Use of Myrrh

The resinous exudates of the genus Commiphora are commonly used as perfume, incense, or embalming ointment, and their medicinal values have been recognized across traditions. Their medicinal functions and usages are recorded in the ancient literature of Egypt, Rome, Greece, and China. Previous studies have shown that myrrh exhibits cytotoxic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiparasitic, and hypolipidemic activities.

4. Key Constituents and Active Compounds

4.1 Boswellia: Boswellic Acids

The gum resin of Boswellia serrata contains monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, tetracyclic triterpene acids, and pentacyclic triterpene acids, called boswellic acids (BAs). Early studies claimed that six major boswellic acids, namely, keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA), 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), α-boswellic acid, β-boswellic acid, 3-O-acetyl-α-boswellic acid, and 3-O-acetyl-β-boswellic acid, were responsible for the anti-inflammatory activities of the Boswellia gum resin. The boswellic acids, the active compounds in Boswellia serrata gum resin extract, are potent anti-inflammatory agents and are specific nonredox inhibitors of 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX).

Modern studies have shown that the main chemical constituents isolated from frankincense are pentacyclic triterpenoids, tetracyclic triterpenoids, macrocyclic diterpenoids, and a variety of essential oils. Pentacyclic triterpenoids are the most characteristic and deeply-studied components in frankincense. Quantitative determination revealed that boswellic acids content was approximately 49% (dry weight) in B. sacra and 30% in B. serrata; lower percentages were obtained when boswellic acids content was expressed relative to the gum resin weight — 29% and 16%, respectively.

4.2 Mastic Gum: Triterpenes and Polymer

Chios mastic gum has been used as a traditional medicine over the last 2,500 years. More than 120 chemical compounds have been identified in the resin, and the major components are a natural polymer, along with acidic and neutral triterpenes. Active components include masticadienonic acid, oleanolic acid, and isomasticadienolic acid, which are the major triterpenic acids identified in pharmacological investigations.

4.3 Guggul: Guggulsterones and Related Steroids

Guggul is a mixture of phytoconstituents including volatile oil containing terpenoidal constituents such as monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, and triterpenoids; steroids; flavonoids; guggultetrols; lignans; sugars; and amino acids. The major constituents include E-guggulsterone and Z-guggulsterone, as well as guggulsterol-I through guggulsterol-VI. Guggulsterones, the presumed bioactive compounds of guggul, may antagonize two nuclear hormone receptors involved in cholesterol metabolism, which is a possible explanation for hypolipidemic effects of these extracts.

4.4 Myrrh: Multi-Class Phytochemicals

The structural patterns of chemical constituents in myrrh include monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, steroids, and lignans. Depending on the species, resins may also contain sugars, phenolic compounds, and other natural substances that give resins their unique properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.

5. Mechanisms of Action

5.1 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) Inhibition — Boswellia

The boswellic acids in Boswellia serrata gum resin extract are specific nonredox inhibitors of 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX). A standardized composition (LI13019F1/Serratrin®) containing both acidic and nonacidic fractions of B. serrata gum resin strongly inhibited 5-LOX activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 43.35 ± 4.90 μg/mL. The same composition also strongly inhibited leukotriene B4 production (IC50, 7.80 ± 2.40 μg/mL) and prostaglandin E2 production (IC50, 6.19 ± 0.52 μg/mL) in human blood-derived cells, and reduced TNF-α production with an IC50 of 12.38 ± 0.423 μg/mL.

In vitro and in vivo data demonstrate that the standardized composition of Boswellia serrata gum resin extracts relieves pain through combined inhibition of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase pathways, and in vitro observations show that it mitigates the harmful effect of proinflammatory cytokines on SOX-9, which maintains chondrocyte homeostasis and survival.

5.2 Matrix Metalloproteinase Regulation — Boswellia

It has been confirmed that AKBA can regulate the activity of human collagenase MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9. Therefore, the direct inhibition of MMP activity and the inhibition of MMP secretion may be one of the mechanisms of frankincense in the treatment of chronic skin ulcers.

5.3 Antimicrobial Mechanisms — Mastic Gum

The influence of sub-minimum bactericidal concentrations of mastic gum on the morphologies of H. pylori was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. The lentiscus resin induced blebbing, morphological abnormalities, and cellular fragmentation in H. pylori cells.

5.4 Nuclear Receptor Antagonism — Guggul

Guggulsterones, the presumed bioactive compounds of guggul, may antagonize two nuclear hormone receptors involved in cholesterol metabolism, which is a possible explanation for the hypolipidemic effects of these extracts. Animal and mechanistic studies have also noted stimulation of thyroid hormone synthesis: supplementation with Commiphora may promote T3 synthesis and release, with inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation believed to be involved in the supportive effects on thyroid hormones.

6. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

6.1 Osteoarthritis and Joint Inflammation

Boswellia serrata has the largest body of human clinical evidence among all medicinal resins for this indication. Boswellia serrata was considered as a potent anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and analgesic agent. A meta-analysis assessed the effects of Boswellia or its extract versus placebo or Western medicine in patients with OA; primary outcomes included VAS pain, WOMAC pain, stiffness, function, and the Lequesne index. Seven trials involving 545 patients were included. The systematic review and meta-analysis showed that Boswellia and its extract may be a novel drug for patients with OA, but further rigorously designed studies with high quality are needed to confirm effectiveness and safety.

Radiographic assessments in one pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial showed improved knee joint gap and reduced osteophytes, confirming the efficacy of Boswellia serrata extract (BSE) treatment. BSE also significantly reduced serum levels of high-sensitive C-reactive protein. No serious adverse events were reported. This was the first study with BSE conducted for a period of 120 days, longer than any other previous clinical trial on patients with OA of the knee. The findings provided evidence that AKBA and BBA act synergistically to exert anti-inflammatory/anti-arthritic activity.

A subsequent multicenter RCT evaluated two doses. Boswellin® Super is a standardized extract of Boswellia serrata Roxb gum resin, standardized to contain 30% 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid along with other β-boswellic acids (BSE). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted at two doses. Based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, 105 newly diagnosed participants with degenerative hypertrophy OA were recruited and randomized into Placebo, BSE-150 mg, or BSE-300 mg (n = 35 in each group) to receive either 150 mg or 300 mg BSE or a placebo tablet twice a day for 90 days.

Evidence assessment: There have been several studies on the potential health benefits and safety of using boswellia, but most of these are small and of low quality. The overall direction of evidence for knee OA is positive, but the quality of trials and the small sample sizes limit the strength of conclusions that can be drawn.

6.2 Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

In some small clinical trials, the extract of Boswellia serrata was able to improve the symptoms in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD), showing loss of friability of mucosa and complete resolution of ulcers, whereas minimal side effects were observed. As a consequence, it has become very popular among IBD patients; according to a survey in Germany, about 36% of IBD patients in that country treat their disease with this herbal product, exhibiting a good safety profile. In an open non-randomized equivalence study, 30 patients with chronic colitis were administered either Boswellia gum (300 mg thrice daily) or sulfasalazine (1 g thrice a day), and the therapeutic effects shown by Boswellia were comparable to those exhibited by sulfasalazine.

Evidence assessment: A review of complementary and alternative medicine treatments, including Boswellia serrata, showed that CAM therapies might be effective for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (Langhorst et al., J Crohns Colitis. 2015 Jan;9(1):86–106). Overall evidence is preliminary; trials are small and often non-randomized.

6.3 Asthma

A few small studies suggest that taking boswellia orally may reduce asthma symptoms. However, there is not enough rigorous evidence to determine whether boswellia is a useful treatment for asthma. Evidence at this level is limited to preliminary human data only.

6.4 Cancer (Preliminary)

There has been limited research in people on taking boswellia orally for several types of cancer, and although some results are encouraging, larger clinical studies are needed. A small study of patients with malignant glioma, an aggressive brain tumor, showed that boswellia taken orally may help to reduce edema (swelling) of the brain but not the tumor. Preclinical and early clinical research has also investigated frankincense and myrrh in cancer biology. A non-toxic dose of the frankincense-myrrh water extract significantly inhibited invasion and metastasis of liver cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, FM promoted expression of EMT marker E-cadherin while decreasing expression of vimentin and N-cadherin. These findings are at the cell and animal experimental level; no human clinical evidence supports anti-cancer use of plant resins.

6.5 Helicobacter pylori and Gastric Disorders (Mastic Gum)

Clinically, mastic has been effective in the treatment of benign gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers. Even low doses of mastic gum — 1 mg per day for two weeks — can cure peptic ulcers very rapidly, though the mechanism responsible has not always been clear. Mastic is a resinous exudate obtained from the stem and the main leaves of Pistacia lentiscus, and is used as a food ingredient in the Mediterranean region.

Huwez et al. were the first to report on the bactericidal effect of mastic gum against H. pylori, observing that crude mastic gum could kill H. pylori at a concentration of 0.06 mg/mL, regardless of whether the organism was sensitive or resistant to metronidazole. The lowest concentration tested, 0.0075 mg/mL, could significantly inhibit the growth of H. pylori. A subsequent study found that 50% and 90% of H. pylori strains were inhibited at mastic gum concentrations of 125 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL, respectively.

A double-blind clinical trial in humans was subsequently conducted: a double-blind clinical trial was carried out on forty-eight volunteers with H. pylori-infected gastritis. They were divided into age- and sex-matched two groups and then treated with chewing gum containing mastic (1 mg/piece) and placebo, 3 times for 15 minutes a day before meals for 90 days.

In mouse model experiments, administration of a total mastic extract without polymer (TMEWP) to H. pylori SS1-infected mice over a period of 3 months with an average dose of 0.75 mg/day led to an approximately 30-fold reduction in the H. pylori colonization (1.5 log CFU/g of tissue). However, no attenuation in the H. pylori-associated chronic inflammatory infiltration and the activity of chronic gastritis was observed.

Evidence assessment: The in vitro antibacterial evidence for mastic against H. pylori is robust. Human clinical trial data, however, are limited to small trials, and results regarding attenuation of gastritis inflammation were not consistently positive. Chios mastic's beneficial properties have been demonstrated in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, wound healing, skin inflammations, plasma lipid and blood sugar reduction, and oral care. These broader claims are largely supported by small or in vitro studies.

6.6 Hyperlipidemia and Cardiovascular Lipids (Guggul)

Before 2003, most scientific evidence suggested that guggulipid elicits significant reductions in serum total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, as well as elevations in HDL. However, the effects of guggulipid in patients with high cholesterol are not clear, with some studies finding cholesterol-lowering effects and other research suggesting no benefits.

Most published earlier studies were small and methodologically flawed. In August 2003, a well-designed trial reported small significant increases in serum LDL levels associated with the use of guggul compared to placebo (Szapary PO et al., Guggulipid for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2003;290(6):765–72).

A more recent Norwegian RCT used 2,160 mg guggul daily (4 capsules) or placebo for 12 weeks in 43 participants. After 12 weeks, mean levels of total cholesterol and HDL-C in the active group were significantly reduced compared with the placebo group. However, the mean levels of LDL-C, triglycerides, and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio between the two groups did not change significantly. Even if total cholesterol and HDL-C were significantly reduced, the clinical magnitude of this remains obscure. More and larger studies are needed to establish effects and safety of guggul-based formulations in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Evidence assessment: At this time, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of guggul for any medical condition. The overall body of evidence for guggul in hyperlipidemia is mixed, with the highest-quality RCT (JAMA 2003) showing no beneficial LDL effect and a possible increase in LDL. Earlier positive studies had significant methodological limitations.

6.7 Psoriasis and Skin Conditions (Boswellia)

A double-blind study that compared a novel boswellic acid formulation (containing Bosexil®: lecithin and Boswellia serrata resin extract) with a placebo formulation indicates that the topical formulation may be promising for the treatment of patients with psoriasis. This finding is preliminary and confined to a single small trial.

7. Body Systems and Health Areas Associated with Resin Use

Musculoskeletal system: Boswellia serrata is the most clinically investigated resin for joint inflammation, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Guggul has also been used traditionally for arthritis and gout.
Gastrointestinal system: Mastic gum has the strongest human evidence for gastric ulcer and H. pylori-associated gastritis. Boswellia serrata has been studied in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Cardiovascular and lipid metabolism: Guggul has been most extensively studied for dyslipidemia. Evidence is mixed.
Respiratory system: A few small studies suggest that taking boswellia orally may reduce asthma symptoms.
Neurological system: A small study of patients with malignant glioma showed that boswellia taken orally may help to reduce brain edema but not the tumor itself.
Skin and wound healing: The protective qualities of resins are reflected in their therapeutic uses for humans; for centuries, resins have been used in traditional medicine as powerful topical remedies for wounds, cuts, bruises, and skin damage.
Thyroid function: Guggul has demonstrated effects on thyroid hormone metabolism, both in traditional texts and animal studies, though human evidence is limited.

8. Dosage Forms and Dosages Reported in Studies

8.1 Boswellia serrata

Boswellia serrata extract in doses up to 1,000 mg daily has been safely used in several clinical trials lasting up to 6 months. It has also been used with apparent safety at a dose of 2,400 mg for up to 1 month. In certain studies involving adults (average age of 36), doses of 1,200–2,400 mg/day of a Boswellia extract for 3 months were used. In the multicenter RCT for knee OA: participants received either 150 mg or 300 mg BSE twice a day for 90 days. In the hand OA open-label trial: each capsule contained 120 mg of Boswellia serrata resin containing 78 mg boswellic acids.

8.2 Mastic Gum

Even low doses of mastic gum — 1 mg per day for two weeks — have been used in peptic ulcer treatment. In the double-blind trial for H. pylori gastritis: participants were treated with chewing gum containing mastic (1 mg/piece), 3 times for 15 minutes a day before meals for 90 days.

8.3 Guggul

Clinical trials investigating Commiphora extracts for lipid elevation have used 500 to 2,000 mg standardized to 2.5–5% guggulsterones at a time, taken 2 or 3 times daily. In the Norwegian RCT: 43 women and men, age 27–70, with moderately increased cholesterol, were randomized to use 2,160 mg guggul (4 capsules) daily, or placebo for 12 weeks.

9. Safety Considerations and Drug Interactions

9.1 Boswellia

A number of clinical studies support the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties of Boswellia serrata extract and have showed a very good safety profile except mild adverse effects such as nausea, acid reflux, and gastrointestinal upset. There are no serious, long-term or irreversible adverse effects and no evidence of serious interactions.

Other data indicate that mild adverse effects such as nausea, acid reflux, and gastrointestinal upset may occasionally occur. No evidence of serious interactions with drugs has been noted. However, absence of evidence is not the same as evidence of absence, which is particularly relevant in herbal medicine, where pharmacovigilance is often less than optimal.

A 90-day safety assessment study of Boswellia serrata reported that a dose of 1,000 mg/kg of boswellia oleo gum resin is toxic, and the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) is 500 mg/kg in rats. Regarding use in pregnancy: there is limited data about the safety of Boswellia serrata in pregnancy and lactation, and avoidance is warranted.

Boswellia serrata and Commiphora mukul are both among the herbs considered to interact with synthetic drugs, as identified in a systematic review of herb-drug interactions. Boswellia has been noted to potentially affect cytochrome P450 enzyme metabolism, though specific clinical magnitude of these interactions has not been established in robust human data.

9.2 Guggul

In a clinical trial, ten guggul users (versus four in the placebo group) reported side effects: mild gastrointestinal discomfort (n=7), possible thyroid problems (n=2), and generalized skin rash (n=1). The skin rash resulted in withdrawal from the trial.

Commiphora may cause stomach discomfort or allergic rash. Concentrated guggulipid may cause a dermatologic hypersensitivity reaction in some patients. No studies on long-term use have been conducted as yet.

Regarding drug interactions, Medscape drug interaction data indicate: guggul decreases levels of propranolol by inhibition of GI absorption (applies only to oral form of both agents) — use caution/monitor is warranted. Guggul should be avoided in pregnant or breast-feeding women and in children. Safety of use beyond 4 months has not been well studied.

9.3 Mastic Gum

Mastic gum is generally well tolerated when taken at traditional doses for short periods, consistent with its multi-millennia food and medicinal use in the Mediterranean. It is used as a food ingredient in the Mediterranean region. No serious herb-drug interactions specific to mastic gum have been established in the peer-reviewed literature reviewed, though formal pharmacovigilance data are sparse.

9.4 General Caution for All Resinous Preparations

The amount of scientific evidence on dietary supplements varies widely — there is a lot of information on some and very little on others. Plant resins, like all botanical dietary supplements, carry variable batch-to-batch composition quality. Many of the medical, quasimedical, or cosmetic claims made implicitly or explicitly for Boswellia serrata products are not supported by the available evidence.

10. Summary of Evidence Strength

Boswellia serrata for knee osteoarthritis: Moderate evidence from multiple small-to-medium RCTs and a meta-analysis; overall direction is positive, but study quality and sample sizes limit firm conclusions.
Boswellia serrata for IBD: Preliminary evidence from small, often non-randomized studies; promising but insufficient for definitive recommendation.
Boswellia serrata for asthma: Very limited human evidence; insufficient.
Boswellia serrata for brain tumor edema: One very small study; insufficient.
Mastic gum for H. pylori / peptic ulcer: Robust in vitro evidence; limited, small-scale human evidence; some positive clinical signals for peptic ulcers.
Guggul for dyslipidemia: Conflicting evidence; the highest-quality RCT (JAMA 2003) did not confirm LDL-lowering benefit; overall evidence insufficient to support use.
Resins for cancer: Animal and cell studies only; no human clinical evidence of efficacy.

References

Health Conditions

Health conditions that Resin may help support.

No conditions available.

Body Systems

Body systems that Resin may help support.

No body systems available.