Boswellia Serrata May Strengthen The Colon

By VRP Staff

Boswellia Serrata may improve intestinal health in patients with colitis, according to the results of a new study.

Researchers set out to study the effect of boswellia serrata extract on symptoms, quality of life, and structure of colonic tissue in patients with a type of inflammatory bowel disorder known as collagenous colitis. The researchers chose to test boswellia because it has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in past studies.

Twenty-six patients with chronic diarrhea and collagenous colitis were randomized to receive either 400 mg of oral boswellia serrata extract or a placebo three times per day for 6 weeks. Complete colonoscopy and histology (the study of the microscopic structure of tissue) were performed before and after giving subjects the botanical or the placebo. Clinical symptoms and quality of life were assessed by standardized questionnaires. The scientists then determined the percentage of patients with clinical remission after 6 weeks. In addition, after that time, patients in the placebo group with persistent diarrhea received boswellia serrata for a further 6 weeks.

Results indicated that although boswellia serrata had no effect on histology and quality of life, the proportion of patients in clinical remission was higher in the boswellia serrata group than in the placebo group. Furthermore, of the seven patients who started out in the placebo group but who were given boswellia after the initial phase of the trial had concluded, five achieved complete remission.

The researchers concluded, “Our study suggests that boswellia serrata extract might be clinically effective in patients with collagenous colitis. Larger trials are clearly necessary to establish the clinical efficacy of boswellia serrata extract.”

Reference:
Madisch A, Miehlke S, Eichele O, Mrwa J, Bethke B, Kuhlisch E, Bästlein E, Wilhelms G, Morgner A, Wigginghaus B, Stolte M. Boswellia serrata extract for the treatment of collagenous colitis. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2007 Dec;22(12):1445-51.