1.Terpenes are strong smelling chemicals found in certain plants, including some that we believe have antioxidant properties, such as eucalyptus, basil, mint, and citrus trees.
Terpenes play a crucial role in protecting plants containing them, as their strong aroma can resist insect predators, protect plants from environmental stress, and serve as the cornerstone of important chemical processes. In the human body, terpenes can do the same thing, reducing free radical damage and prolonging health.
Other compounds have been found in boswellic acid , which naturally reduce inflammatory responses by controlling T lymphocytes, particularly a compound called AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11 keto beta boswellic acid).
Although its action is similar to that of NSAID painkillers, the exact mechanism of action of AKBA is vastly different as they target different inflammatory enzymes. Because they can better maintain the integrity of the stomach and intestinal walls, compared to NSAID, boswellic acid extracts cause fewer side effects and lower toxicity risks.
AKBA helps to combat pain, partly because it can inhibit an enzyme called 5-LOX (5-lipoxygenase), thereby shutting down the mechanism of leukotriene, an inflammatory mediator produced by oxidative processes, especially arachidonic acid.
AKBA has been proven to effectively help combat various inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, bronchial asthma, chronic colitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and cancer.
Another active ingredient of boswellic acid is called acetic acid incense, which has similar effects in reducing inflammatory reactions, especially targeting the brain and accelerating cognitive decline in inflammatory reactions. Research has shown that acetic acid incense has a protective effect on neurons, helps combat tumor formation, and has the benefit of enhancing emotions, making it a potential natural antidepressant and anti anxiety compound.
2. Relieve joint and arthritis pain
A study published in the Comprehensive Database of Natural Medicines suggests that extracts of boswellic acid can help alleviate pain, swelling, and mobility difficulties in patients with arthritis or osteoarthritis (a common, chronic, progressive, degenerative bone disease that typically affects the knee joint).
Other forms of inflamed joints. Some people's joint pain has significantly decreased by 32% to 65%, which is equivalent to prescription drugs, indicating the ability of boswellic acid as a potential natural arthritis treatment drug.
Another study published in the Journal of Plant Therapy and Plant Pharmacology found that boswellic acid can help treat symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as knee pain, knee spasms, and pain during walking, significantly better than placebo treatment. Researchers have concluded that the anti-inflammatory, anti arthritis, and analgesic activities of boswellic acid make it a promising treatment for reducing knee pain, increasing knee flexion, and increasing walking distance for patients with frequent knee swelling.
