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Reduce Inflammation With Out Side effects With Boswellia

The prehistoric herb boswellia (Boswellia serrata) has been used for 1000's of years to treat conditions that, in recent years, have been found to be caused by inflammation. Originating in Africa, China, and the Middle East, boswellia herb is derived from the sappy resin of the boswellia tree.

In the 1970's, German scientists found that boswellia exhibits therapeutic effects similar to those of the non-steroidal anti inflammatory (NSAID) compounds ibuprofen and aspirin. Unlike boswellia, however, NSAIDs will inhibit the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. Unfortunately, medications that inhibit COX-2 often inhibit COX-1, which is required to maintain a healthy stomach lining and common side effects include gastrointestinal bleeding and death when abused.

Boswellia differs from the NSAIDs in its anti-inflammatory action. Boswellia has been shown to reduce inflammation in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other autoimmune conditions by blocking the pro inflammatory enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). A number of immune system chemicals secreted during the inflammatory response contribute to the chronic inflammation seen in atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis and certain autoimmune diseases. Stopping these pro inflammatory chemicals reduces symptoms of inflammation and helps taper the autoimmune mechanism.

For all those looking to reduce inflammation, it is important that these individuals consume Boswellia daily. It is recommended that Boswellia be consumed 2 – 6 times daily at 300 milligrams each dose to help reduce inflammation.

Natural Compound Beta Sitosterol

Beta sitosterol is mainly studied for its cholesterol lowering properties but many studies also find that the phytochemical may help to prevent prostate cancer.

A Japanese study led by Imanaka demonstrated that the oral intake of beta sitosterol, encapsulated in a liposome, was able to prevent tumor metastasis in rats, although the phytochemical was not absorbed in the serum. The researchers believed that beta-sitosterol works by stimulating the gut immune surveillance systems, as indicated by an increase in natural killer cell activity and production of immune response cytokines. Park and co workers concluded in their study that "beta sitosterol potently induces apoptosis in leukemia cells that beta sitosterol induced apoptosis is related to the selective activation of caspase 3 and induction of Bax/Bcl 2 ratio." Beta sitosterol induced apoptosis in the leukemia cells in a dose dependent manner.

Beta sitosterol is a plant sterol found in various foods and some dietary supplements and functional foods, such as margarines or spreads. It is primarily used for lowering cholesterol and relieving symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Beta sitosterol works by decreasing the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine and reducing the amount of DHT in the body. Potential side effects include nausea, gas, and constipation.