The herb Shallaki possesses analgesic and anti-arthritic properties. By regulating the mediators of inflammation, Boswellia exerts a significant anti-inflammatory activity. The herb also acts as COX-2 inhibitors and reduces the pain and inflammation without affecting gastric mucosa. It soothes the joints and also helps treating levels of synovial fluid making the entire structure lubricated and easy to rotate or to move.

Supplement Facts:

• Serving size: 1 Vegicap
• Servings per container: 60
• Each 250 mg capsule contains: Boswellia Extract

Dosage: To get rid of the bothersome joint pain and to improve joint mobility, you can take one to two Shallaki capsule each day, twice after meals. The Boswellia serrata supplement taken along with Arthcare capsule helps to improve the effectiveness of the anti-inflammatory herbal formulation. For better results, you can even consider applying Arthcare Oil to the sore joints.

Shallaki is a 100% vegetarian supplement. It is devoid of common allergens such as gluten, corn, wheat, yeast, dairy and synthetic colors.

The ends of two bones form a joint. They are connected to each other with ligaments. Smooth and soft tissue, known as cartilage, encases the ends of the bones in the joints. The cartilage prevents friction during joint movements. The synovial fluid, present between the bone ends, acts as a cushion, preventing friction and wear and tear of the joint bones and tissues.

Movement is facilitated by the different joints of the bodies. The joints located in the limbs are involved in walking, sitting, bending and grasping objects. Hence, when any of these joints are diseased, our movements become severely limited.

Several factors are responsible for joint disorders. In the elderly, osteoarthritis is a common cause of joint pain. This degenerative condition develops owing to destruction of the cartilage and loss of bone density as we age. Osteoarthritis is especially common among women after menopause. Fall in the estrogen secretion following menopause is linked to this joint disorder.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can occur at any age. Defective immune response triggers this condition. The exact reason for the abnormal behavior of the immune cells is unknown. In rheumatoid arthritis, the joints are affected in a symmetrical pattern. The immune system of the body mistakenly attacks the tissues in the joints, leading to inflammation of the synovial membrane in the affected joints. This eventually destroys the cartilage, resulting in joint pain and stiffness.

Injury to the joints might lead to post traumatic arthritis. It occurs if the injured tissues in the joints are not healed properly. The irregular surfaces of the injured tissues increase friction between the joint bones during movement, accelerating destruction of the joint tissues.

If normal blood flow to the joint bones is disrupted owing to some reason, avascular necrosis might develop. In the absence of proper nutrition, the joint tissues would weaken. Prolonged cortisone use and organ transplantation increase the risk of avascular necrosis.

Shallaki, also known as Indian frankincense, is native to the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally frankincense is used in religious ceremonies and for manufacturing perfume. The gum resin extracted from Shallaki or Boswellia serrata possesses medicinal properties. For hundreds of years the Boswellia serrata gum is used by Ayurvedic medicine practitioners for treating joint pain and inflammation. Boswellic acids are the main active component in Shallaki.

Boswellia serrata is a natural non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. The marked anti-inflammatory affect of the herb has been demonstrated in studies. Unlike conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the significant anti-arthiritic effect of Boswellia serrata is not associated with harmful side effects in the gastrointestinal tract. (Singh GB, Atal CK. “Pharmacology of an extract of salai guggul ex - Boswellia serrata, a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent.” Agents Actions. 1986 Jun;18(3-4):407-12). Boswellic acids, the main active principles in boswellia serrata, help to treat chronic inflammatory conditions, by regulating the function of the immune system. The phytochemicals could suppress the pro-inflammatory activities of proteins and enzymes that trigger inflammation. (Ammon HP. “Modulation of the immune system by Boswellia serrata extract and boswellic acids.” Phytomedicine. 2010 Sep;17(11):862-7).

A small double blind clinical study in Germany has demonstrated the effectiveness of the resinous extract of the herb in treating rheumatoid arthritis. The participants in the study received 3600mg of the herbal extract or a placebo daily. Findings revealed significant changes in the rheumatoid arthritis affected joints following the treatment. Supplementing Boswellia serrata with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) helps to reduce the dosage of the NSAID. (Sander O, Herborn G, Rau R. “Is H15 (resin extract of Boswellia serrata, “incense”) a useful supplement to established drug therapy of chronic polyarthritis? Results of a double-blind pilot study.” Z Rheumatol. 1998 Feb;5791):11-6).

The gum extracted from Boswellia serrata is also useful for treating osteoarthritis. In a small clinical trial in India, researchers found that daily intake of Boswellia serrata extract helps to reduce severe knee pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis patients within eight weeks. The herbal extract also helps to improve the flexibility of the joints affected by arthritis. Boswellia serrata supplement would help you to walk longer. The herb is not linked to severe side effects. (Kimmatkar N, Thawani V, Hingorani L, Khiyani R. “Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee – a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial.” Phytomedicine. 2003 Jan;10(1):3-7).

"Boswellia has saved my life! Instead of constant pain, I can now move around and begin to enjoy life again. I notice that this formula relieves the pain and I can move better!" - Selena BR, Florida "I am 52 and for the past five years, have suffered from lower back-ache and painful knees because of which, I was sometimes bending almost double and feeling like I was at least 20 years older than I really was! I took Shallaki quite skeptically after I searched on the internet. I have not had much experience with any kind of herbal products so this was something new for me. After 3 - 4 weeks I started really feeling the difference. Now about three months later I take a half dose and am walking upright again for the first time in recent years” — Frank Orrick, Somerset West “Using Shallaki, my joints just seem to move more smoothly and my lower backache has disappeared without any trace for the past 3 weeks! To me, Shallaki is just unbelievable as I thought I would have to put up with this for the rest of my life. All credit to the herb” – Lacy H, Hamburg Read More Testimonials...

1. What exactly is the use of Shallaki?

A - Shallaki is known to be safe and natural herbal remedy since ages, which will act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent and provides relief to the joints and muscle tissues that are stiff and painful. Shallaki also helps in joint and muscular conditions like osteoarthritis, fibrositis, rheumatism, small joint disease and lower back pain.

2. I am sure any analgesic or painkiller disturbs our digestive systems and many of them produce burning sensation in stomach. Can you specify Shallaki now?

A - Of course yes! You are right but partially! Drugs like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), analgesics etc disturb the microflora of the intestines and also irritate the gastric mucosa because of which, the symptoms you said occur. Remember that Shallaki is natural herb and it contains all natural ingredients. The property of the herb is analgesic but it does not disturb either your microflora or your gastric mucosa. Do not worry about those unwanted effects and enjoy 'noise free' and 'painless' movements of life!!!

3. Are there any other products that can augment with Shallaki and provide faster relief from joint pains?

A - Shallaki itself is the great herb. However, you can add some of the other potent herbs like Ginger, Guggulu, Arthcare Capsules etc. We also recommend to go for topical use of Arthcare oil that helps in reducing the problem locally and gives warmth soothing your joint and making it free.

4. What are the other precautions or recommendations to get rid of day-to-day joint pains?

A - Along with Shallaki, you can practice Yoga. Avoid contact between cool atmosphere and your joints, wear knee caps or any clothe that covers joints. For backache, change your sitting posture (sit straight and not curved) and sleep on flat surface. Avoid junk food and apply oil regularly to the joints.

Traditionally, Boswellia gum has been used for the treatment of diabetes, skin and blood diseases, fever, cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, rheumatism, dysentery, diseases of the testes, and myriad of other disorders.

Today it’s widely used as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, low back pain, myositis, fibrositis, and osteoarthritis. In the study conducted at the Government Medical College in Jammu, India, nearly 60 percent of arthritic patients tested with the herb experienced good to excellent results in stiffness and pain. Over three-quarters of the patients in the study were either bedridden or incapacitated from doing normal work. Within two to four weeks after starting on the B. serrata extract, they reported a lessening of morning joint stiffness, pain, and improved grip strength. In another study of 26 patients suffering from arthritic knees, dramatic improvement was experienced within four weeks.

Experimental and clinical usage of Boswella indicates that it has no side or harmful effects on blood pressure, heart rate, gastric mucosa etc. Unlike other anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic drugs, it does not produce any gastro-intestinal ulceration. Boswella is now an approved herbal medicine in India to use treating various musculo-skeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, soft tissue rheumatism, low back pain, myositis and fibrositis.

In the United States, physicians are giving Boswella high ranking for its effectiveness. Dr. E. W. McDonagh, a Kansas City physician, has reported success among 350 patients suffering from a variety of advanced muscular and skeletal conditions for which other treatments had failed to help. "Many were taking multiple prescription and non-prescription medication and had developed side effects" McDonagh says. "Once taking Boswella as prescribed, pain significantly reduced & shyp; or even vanished & shyp; in two to four weeks' time. All patients were able to eliminate other medication or reduce the dosages significantly."

In Abilene, Joe B. Alexander, M.D., reported "fantastic results" among 20 patients. Among them was a 56-year old woman with arthritis who previously used many medications but said the effect of Boswella was the "best of anything” she had ever had.

Shallaki has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic property that can reduce the pain and inflammation of the joints of the body (Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee--a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial by Kimmatkar N, Thawani V, Hingorani L, Khiyani R. at MS Orthopedics, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Nagpur, India Phytomedicine 2003 Jan;10(1):3-7 ).

Shallaki or Boswellia serata has potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce the pains and inflammation of the joints (Planta Med. 1971 Apr;19(4):333-41 for Analgesic and psychopharmacological effects of the gum resin of Boswellia serrata by Menon MK, Kar A).

Therapy of active Crohn disease with Boswellia serrata extract H 15]
Z Gastroenterol. 2001 Jan;39(1):11-7.

The purpose of this clinical trial was to compare efficacy and safety of the Boswellia serrata extract H15 with mesalazine for the treatment of active Crohn's disease. Randomised, double-blind, verum-controlled, parallel group comparison for which 102 Patients were randomised. The population included 44 patients treated with Boswellia and 39 patients treated with mesalazine. As primary outcome measure the change of the Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) between the status of enrolment and end of therapy was chosen. Boswellia was tested on non-inferiority compared to standard treatment with mesalazine. RESULTS: The CDAI between the status of enrolment and end of therapy after treatment with Boswellia was reduced by 90 and after therapy with mesalazine by 53 scores. The difference between both treatments could not be proven to be statistically significant in favor to Boswellia for the primary outcome measure. The secondary efficacy endpoints confirm the assessment of the comparison of Boswellia and mesalazine. The proven tolerability of Boswellia completes the results of the shown clinical efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms that therapy with Boswellia is not inferior to mesalazine. This can be interpreted as evidence for the efficacy of Boswellia according to the state of art in the treatment of active Crohn's disease with Boswellia serrata extract, since the efficacy of mesalazine for this indication has been approved by the health authorities. Considering both safety and efficacy of Boswellia serrata extract H15 it appears to be superior over mesalazine in terms of a benefit-risk-evaluation.

Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study. Eur J Med Res. 1998 Nov 17;3(11):511-4.

The gum resin of Boswellia serrata, known in Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine as Salai guggal, contains boswellic acids, which have been shown to inhibit leukotriene biosynthesis. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study forty patients, 23 males and 17 females in the age range of 18 - 75 years having mean duration of illness, bronchial asthma, of 9.58 +/- 6.07 years were treated with a preparation of Boswellia gum resin of 300 mg thrice daily for a period of 6 weeks. 70% of patients showed improvement of disease as evident by disappearance of physical symptoms and signs such as dyspnoea, rhonchi, number of attacks, increase in FEV subset1, FVC as well as decrease in eosinophilic count and ESR. In the control group of 40 patients 16 males and 24 females in the age range of 14-58 years were treated with lactose 300 mg thrice daily for 6 weeks. Only 27% of patients in the control group showed improvement. The data show a definite role of gum resin of Boswellia serrata in the treatment of bronchial asthma. boswellia curcumin

Dietary support with Boswellia resin in canine inflammatory joint and spinal disease.
Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd. 2004 Feb;146(2):71-9.

An open multi-centre veterinary clinical trial, comparing conditions before and after treatment with a herbal dietary supplement consisting of a natural resin extract of Boswellia serrata, was conducted by 10 practicing veterinarians in Switzerland. This traditional plant-based supplement is known for its anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory properties. 29 dogs with manifestations of chronic joint and spinal disease were enrolled. Osteoarthritis and degenerative conditions were confirmed radiologically in 25 of 29 cases. The Boswellia resin extract (BSB108, product of Bogar AG) was administered with the regular food at a dose of 400 mg/10 kg body weight once daily for 6 weeks. Already after two weeks of treatment, an overall efficacy of Boswellia was evident in 71% of 24 eligible dogs. A statistically significant reduction of severity and resolution of typical clinical signs in individual animals, such as intermittent lameness, local pain and stiff gait, were reported after 6 weeks. Because quality and stability of the Boswellia resin extract were ensured, these data suggest that a standardized preparation can be recommended as a herbal dietary supplement providing symptomatic support in canine osteoarthritic disease.

Pharmacokinetic study of 11-Keto beta-Boswellic acid.
Phytomedicine. 2004 Feb;11(2-3):255-60.

Boswellia serrata has been used in traditional medicine for treatment of inflammatory diseases since antiquity. However human kinetic studies are lacking for this. Twelve healthy adult men volunteers were given capsule Wok Vel containing 333 mg of Boswellia Serrata Extract, orally, after a seven days washout period. CONCLUSION: Elimination half life of nearly six hours suggests that the drug needs to be given orally at the interval of six hours. The plasma concentration will attain the steady state after approximately 30 hours. Boswellia is a safe drug and well tolerated on oral administration. No adverse effects were seen with this drug when administered as single dose in 333 mg.

Cytostatic and apoptosis-inducing activity of boswellic acids toward malignant cell lines in vitro.
Anticancer Res. 2002 Sep-Oct;22(5):2853-62.

Boswellic acids from frankincense were indentified as the active compounds which inhibit leukotriene biosynthesis, 5-lipoxygenase and exert antiproliferative activity toward a variety of malignant cells. Because of the relevance for the clinical application, we tested the ethanolic extract of Boswellia serrata gum resin containing a defined amount of boswellic acids for its cytotoxic, cytostatic and apoptotic activity on five leukemia and two brain tumor cell lines. The Boswellia serrata extract induced dose-dependent antiproliferative effects on all human malignant cells tested. The results of this study suggest the effectiveness of Boswellia serrata extract with defined content of boswellic acids.

Inhibitory activity of boswellic acids from Boswellia serrata against human leukemia HL-60 cells in culture.
Planta Med. 1998 May;64(4):328-31.

Four major triterpene acids including beta-boswellic acid were isolated from the gum resin of Boswellia serrata and examined for their in vitro antitumor activity. They inhibited the synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein in human leukemia HL-60 cells in a dose dependent manner.

1) Boswellia serrata supplement and anti-inflammatory herbal formulations could reduce your joint pain and inflammation without causing any adverse side effects. However, to prevent recurrent pain and to improve flexibility of the affected joints, you should follow a workout regime. Although intense joint pain would prevent you from moving the painful joints, remaining stationary for a long term would aggravate your joint disorder further.

2) In case of chronic arthritis, physical therapy is recommended along with medications for improving joint mobility. Depending upon the condition of your joint, moderate to low impact workouts would help to improve the mobility of the joints.

3) The main types of exercises recommended for arthritis patients include flexibility exercises, strengthening exercises and cardiovascular exercises. Flexibility exercises that include range-of-motion and stretching exercises are most important for your joints. They should be done daily. At least 15 minutes of flexibility exercises significantly reduces joint stiffness. By improving joint flexibility, they minimize the risk of joint injuries. The range-of-motion Yoga and Tai Chi poses relax the joint muscles, improve balance and reduce stress.

4) To arrest destruction of cartilage in the joints, you should decrease the stress on the joint bones. This could be done by strengthening the muscles around the joints. Isometric exercises that help to increase muscle strength by tightening the muscles without moving the joints are beneficial for arthritis patients. Isotonic exercises with weights would prevent joint stiffness.

5) For overall benefit, you should try cardiovascular or aerobic exercises. Regardless of age, walking is the easiest exercise. However, if you are suffering from intense knee or ankle pain, swimming could help to increase the flexibility of your joints. Water aerobics could reduce the risk of injuries during workouts. Here water acts as a cushion around the knees. Regular workouts would help you to lose the excess weight, which would reduce pressure on the knee joints. They would improve blood circulation, easing blood flow in the body joints.

6) Bending and lifting heavy loads are common causes of joint and back injuries. Risk of injuries might be reduced by moving the shoulders, hips and knees in the same direction.

7) Acute joint pain could be treated with cold and heat compresses. The swollen and painful joints developing from injuries should be treated with ice packs. In case of arthritis pain, the inflammation and pain could be reduced by alternating heat therapy with cold compresses.

8) There is no conclusive evidence on the association between diet and joint pain. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids might provide relief from joint inflammation and pain. Fish oil is a good source of the healthy fats. Researches have shown that increasing the proportion of omega-3 fats and reducing the amount of omega-6 fatty acids in the diet might treat rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory conditions. (Wall R, Ross RP, Fitzgerald GF, Stanton C. “Fatty acids from fish: the anti-inflammatory potential of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.” Nutr Rev. 2010 May;68(5):280-9). Approximately 55 to 60 percent of the calorie requirement of chronic arthritis patients should be met through carbohydrates. Fats should supply 25 to 30 percent of the calorie need. The saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in the diet should be present in a ratio of 1:1:1. Omega-3 supplementation might help to decrease usage of non-inflammatory non-steroidal drug usage.

9) Consumption of fruits and vegetables packed with dietary fibers might reduce inflammation by decreasing the elevated level of C-reactive protein. C-reactive protein is a marker of acute inflammation. (Ma Y, Griffith JA, Chasan-Taber L, Olendzki BC, Jackson E, Stanek EJ 3rd, Li W, Pogoto SL, Hafner AR, Ockene IS. “Association between dietary fiber and serum C-reactive protein.” Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Apr;83(4):760-6).

10) Antioxidant nutrients such as Vitamins A and C and selenium might protect the joints from oxidative stress. Side effects of rheumatoid arthritis drugs, such as methotrexate, might be countered with folate and vitamin B12 supplements. Severe rheumatoid arthritis patients on corticosteroids should take vitamin D, calcium and iron supplements. (Miggiano GA, Gagliardi L. “Diet, nutrition and rheumatoid arthritis.” Clin Ter. 2005 May-Jun;156(3):115-23).