Boswellia serrata, commonly known as Sallaki or Shallaki in Ayurveda, is a resin-producing tree belonging to the Burseraceae family. Its aromatic gum resin, often known as Salai resin or Indian frankincense, has a long history of traditional use in Ayurvedic formulations. Boswellia serrata has also been studied for its naturally occurring compounds, including boswellic acids.
This guide explains the botanical identity, common names, traditional Ayurvedic uses, plant parts used, key constituents, research background, precautions and selected Polycare Herbals formulations containing Sallaki.
Sallaki (Boswellia serrata) Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Sapindales
- Family: Burseraceae
- Genus: Boswellia
- Species: Boswellia serrata
Sallaki vs Guggul: Are They the Same?
| Feature |
Sallaki |
Guggul |
| Common name |
Sallaki / Shallaki |
Guggul / Guggulu |
| Scientific name |
Boswellia serrata |
Commiphora mukul |
| Resin |
Boswellia resin |
Guggul resin |
| Same herb? |
No |
No |
Boswellia serrata Common Names in India
- English: Indian Frankincense, Salai
- Sanskrit: Shallaki, Gajabhaksha
- Hindi: Salai guggul
- Gujarati: Guggal
- Tamil: Parangikattam
- Telugu: Phirangi-samadram
- Kannada: Phirangimalligida
- Marathi: Dhup, Salai
Traditional Uses of Boswellia Serrata in Ayurveda
Sallaki and Joint & Musculoskeletal Wellness
Sallaki has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic formulations for joint, bone and musculoskeletal wellness. It is traditionally valued for supporting comfortable movement and joint function.
Sallaki Resin in Traditional Ayurvedic Formulations
The gum resin of Boswellia serrata, known as Salai resin or Indian frankincense, is traditionally used in Ayurvedic formulations. It contains naturally occurring compounds known as boswellic acids.
Boswellia Serrata and Inflammation Research
Boswellic acids in Boswellia serrata have been studied for their interaction with inflammatory pathways, including 5-lipoxygenase.
Other Traditional Applications
Boswellia resin has also been traditionally used in certain external and topical preparations.
Sallaki in Ayurvedic Products
Boswellia Serrata in Ayurvedic Formulations
Sallaki (Boswellia serrata) is used as an ingredient in selected Ayurvedic formulations. Explore relevant Polycare Herbals products to view their ingredient composition and product information.
FAQs
1. What is Boswellia serrata?
Boswellia serrata is a resin-producing tree traditionally used in Ayurveda. Its resin is commonly known as Sallaki.
2. Is Boswellia serrata the same as Sallaki?
Yes. Sallaki is the traditional Ayurvedic name commonly used for the resin of Boswellia serrata.
3. What is Sallaki used for traditionally?
In Ayurveda, Sallaki has traditionally been used in formulations associated with joint and musculoskeletal wellness.
4. What part of Boswellia serrata is used in Ayurveda?
The resin or gum-resin of Boswellia serrata is the part traditionally used in Ayurvedic formulations.
5. What are boswellic acids?
Boswellic acids are naturally occurring compounds found in Boswellia resin and are commonly studied for their properties.
6. Is Sallaki the same as Guggul?
No. Sallaki comes from Boswellia serrata, while Guggul is obtained from Commiphora species. They are different plants.
7. What are the common names of Boswellia serrata in India?
Common names include Sallaki, Salai, Salai Guggul, and Indian Frankincense, depending on the region and traditional usage.
8. How is Sallaki used in Ayurvedic formulations?
Sallaki resin or its extracts are traditionally included in various Ayurvedic formulations, particularly those focused on joint and musculoskeletal wellness.
9. What should I check before using a Boswellia product?
Check the ingredient details, dosage instructions, manufacturer information, and product quality. If you have health concerns or take medicines, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
10. Which Polycare Herbals products contain Sallaki?
Please check the ingredient list of individual Polycare Herbals products to confirm whether Sallaki Boswellia serrata is included.
What Does Research Say About Boswellia Serrata?
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Part I, Vol. III. Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH.
- Indian Materia Medica, Dr. K.M. Nadkarni, Popular Prakashan.
- Ammon, H.P.T. (2006). "Boswellic acids in chronic inflammatory diseases." Planta Medica, 72(12), 1100–1116.
- Siddiqui, M.Z. (2011). "Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview." Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 73(3), 255–261.
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) – Assessment Report on Boswellia serrata.
- Sivarajan, V.V., & Balachandran, I. (1994). Ayurvedic Drugs and Their Plant Sources. Oxford & IBH Publishing.
- Sharma, P.C., Yelne, M.B., & Dennis, T.J. (2002). Database on Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurveda, Vol. 3. CCRAS, Ministry of AYUSH.
My Account
