Shallaki

The Sanskrit name Shallaki, also written Sallaki, is one of several classical synonyms for this drug. Others include Vallaki, Suvaha, Kunduruki and Gajabhakshya, the last meaning “eaten by elephants”, a reference to the animals that browse the tree. Classical texts place the drug in defined groups: Charaka Samhita lists it in Purisha Virajaniya Mahakashaya, Sushruta Samhita in Rodhradi Gana and Eladi Gana, and Bhavaprakasha Nighantu records the resin under Karpooradi Varga and the bark under Vatadi Varga. The medicinal part is the oleo-gum-resin, known in trade as salai guggul, which is collected by making shallow incisions in the bark of Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr., a tree of the Burseraceae family found across the drier parts of central India.

In Ayurvedic pharmacology, Shallaki has kashaya (astringent), tikta (bitter) and madhura (sweet) rasa, with laghu and rooksha guna (light and dry qualities), sheeta virya (cooling potency) and katu vipaka (pungent post-digestive effect). This combination is traditionally described as pacifying Kapha and Pitta. Classical actions attributed to the resin include shothahara (reduces swelling), vedanasthapana (relieves pain), grahi (firms the stool) and vrana ropana (supports wound healing).

Shallaki has several names across Indian languages. The most widely used are listed below.

• Botanical name: Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr., family Burseraceae
• English: Indian frankincense, Indian olibanum
• Sanskrit: Shallaki, Sallaki, Vallaki, Suvaha, Kunduruki, Gajabhakshya, Ashwamutri
• Hindi: Salai, Salai guggul, Luban
• Trade name: Salai guggul, olibanum
• Marathi: Salai, Dhup
• Gujarati: Gugali, Saleda
• Tamil: Kundrikam, Parangi sambrani
• Malayalam: Kundirikkam
• Telugu: Anduga, Guggilamu
• Kannada: Maddi, Guggula

The oleo-gum-resin separates into a resin fraction, an essential oil fraction and a water-soluble gum. The named compounds below are the ones most consistently reported from it.

• Beta-boswellic acid
• Acetyl-beta-boswellic acid
• 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (KBA)
• Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), one of the most extensively studied compounds in the group
• Alpha-boswellic acid and acetyl-alpha-boswellic acid
• Incensole and incensole acetate, diterpenes from the essential oil
• Alpha-pinene, caryophyllene and other volatile terpenes
• Tirucallic and serratol-type triterpenes
• Arabinose, galactose and xylose units within the gum polysaccharides

Boswellic acid content varies with the region of collection, the season of tapping and the extraction method used, which is why standardised extracts state their AKBA or total boswellic acid percentage on the label. Two products of the same weight are not interchangeable unless both are standardised to the same compounds and levels.

The resin and its standardised extracts have been studied for the following pharmacological actions, most of which come from laboratory and animal research.

• Anti-inflammatory: boswellic acids may inhibit pathways involved in inflammation, including 5-lipoxygenase activity
• Analgesic: has been associated with reduced pain in animal and some human studies
• Antioxidant: may help neutralise free radicals in laboratory assays
• Antimicrobial: has shown activity against some bacteria in laboratory tests
• Astringent: is traditionally believed to firm loose stools
• Antispasmodic: may reduce excessive contraction of the intestinal wall
• Wound-healing: is traditionally used to support the repair of minor wounds

The best-studied of these is the anti-inflammatory action, attributed to boswellic acids inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in the production of leukotrienes. Strength of effect varies with the extract used and how it is standardised, so two products are not interchangeable. Clinical evidence varies by condition and preparation.

The points below describe how Shallaki is traditionally used and has been studied in the body, with the strength of the evidence stated for each. Most findings come from small trials, and results vary between extracts.

Support for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain and Stiffness

Boswellic acids may inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in the production of leukotrienes, which are among the messengers involved in joint inflammation. In a randomised placebo-controlled crossover trial of 30 people with knee osteoarthritis, pain scores and walking distance improved with the extract (Kimmatkar et al., 2003).

Relief of Joint Symptoms in Rheumatoid Arthritis

By reducing inflammatory signalling in the joint lining, the extract may help ease pain, stiffness and swelling. Evidence is limited to small studies. Rheumatoid arthritis needs disease-modifying medicine prescribed by a rheumatologist, and Shallaki must be used alongside that treatment, never in place of it.

Symptom Support in Inflammatory Bowel Conditions

Reducing leukotriene production in the gut lining may help reduce abdominal pain and loose stools. Early trials in ulcerative colitis and active Crohn's disease were encouraging, but a 52-week trial found no benefit over placebo for keeping Crohn's disease in remission (Holtmeier et al., 2011).

Easing of Abdominal Discomfort and Loose Stools

The resin has an astringent (kashaya) action in classical descriptions and may affect intestinal transit. In a six-month trial in mild irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain and bowel-habit scores improved on a boswellic acid preparation, although the product tested was one specific branded extract (Riva et al., 2019).

Laboratory Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity

Extracts have shown free-radical scavenging activity and inhibited the growth of some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in test-tube studies. These are chemical findings only. No trial has shown that taking Shallaki prevents or shortens an infection in people. Antibacterial results in a dish do not predict what happens in the body.

Traditional Use in Wound Care

Classical texts describe Shallaki as vrana ropana, meaning it supports wound healing, and the resin's astringent quality is said to help clean and close minor wounds. Human evidence is limited to small studies of topical preparations. Deep, infected or non-healing wounds need medical assessment.

Disclaimer: The benefits described above come from traditional Ayurvedic practice and from small clinical studies. They are not proven treatments. Shallaki is not a substitute for prescribed medicine or for professional medical advice.

Shallaki is traditionally used in Ayurvedic practice and is also available in modern supplement preparations for the purposes described below. These uses reflect how it is used, not what it has been proven to cure.

Support for Persistent Joint Discomfort

Shallaki is most often taken as a standardised extract by people with ongoing knee or hip pain, usually over several weeks rather than as a single dose. It is chosen where stiffness and swelling, rather than injury, are the main problem.

Active Phases of Inflammatory Joint Disease

Practitioners may add Shallaki when joint symptoms increase, always alongside the treatment a rheumatologist has prescribed. It is used as a supportive measure and does not replace disease-modifying medicine.

Alongside Conventional Treatment for Bowel Inflammation

Some people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease take Shallaki in addition to their prescribed medicine. This should only happen with the knowledge of the treating gastroenterologist, because stopping prescribed treatment carries a real risk of relapse.

Topical Application Over Painful Joints

Creams, gels and medicated oils containing the resin are rubbed over a painful knee, shoulder or lower back. Topical use may reduce exposure to the digestive system compared with oral use, but it has not been established that this prevents digestive side effects.

Within Compound Ayurvedic Formulations

Shallaki rarely appears alone. More often, it is one ingredient among several in a joint-health formulation, where the manufacturer's dosing instructions and the prescribing practitioner's advice should take precedence over general guidance.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, and there is no human data on whether the resin's compounds reach the baby.
• Children and teenagers: Do not give Shallaki without a registered practitioner's supervision. No paediatric dose has been established in published sources.
• Blood-thinning medicines: Consult your doctor before use if you take warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin or any similar medicine, as Shallaki may affect blood clotting and could potentially increase the risk of bruising or bleeding.
• Medicines that suppress the immune system: Seek medical advice before use. Shallaki may affect immune signalling, but the clinical relevance of this interaction is uncertain.
• Planned surgery or dental procedures: Tell your surgical or dental team that you are taking Shallaki before the procedure. Because its effects on bleeding are uncertain, your healthcare professional can advise whether it should be stopped beforehand.
• Allergy: Anyone with a known allergy to frankincense or other Burseraceae plants should avoid it. Stop at once if a rash, itching or swelling develops.
• Existing liver disease: Discuss with your doctor before starting. Boswellia itself is not a recognised cause of liver injury, but multi-ingredient supplements containing it sometimes are, so the whole product needs to be reviewed.
• Product quality: Buy only from a reputable manufacturer with an AYUSH licence number on the pack and the boswellic acid content stated. Unstandardised resin powder varies widely in strength.
• Do not use Shallaki to postpone medical assessment for a hot or swollen joint with fever, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or joint pain that wakes you at night.

Disclaimer: These precautions are general. They do not replace advice from your own doctor or registered Ayurvedic practitioner, who knows your medical history and your current medicines.

Preparation differs by form. Follow the instructions printed on the pack, and treat the guidance below as general orientation only.

Standardised Extract Capsules and Tablets

Swallow the stated dose whole with a glass of water, after food. This is the form used in many clinical studies, and the label should state the boswellic acid or AKBA content. Crushing or opening capsules is not advisable unless the pack says otherwise.

Powdered Resin (Churna)

Stir the measured powder into warm water and drink it after a meal. The resin does not dissolve fully, so a residue at the bottom of the glass is normal. Strength varies between batches, which is why standardised extracts may provide more consistent amounts of boswellic acids.

Topical Cream or Gel

Apply a thin layer over the painful joint and rub it in until absorbed, up to the number of times stated on the pack. Test a small patch of skin first, and keep the product away from broken skin and the eyes.

Medicated Oil for Massage

Warm a small quantity of oil, apply it over the affected joint or muscle and massage gently for a few minutes. Oils intended for external use must never be swallowed.

Herbs Traditionally Used With Shallaki

Shallaki is usually combined rather than used alone. The pairings below are traditionally used in joint-health formulations. Combinations should be chosen by a practitioner, not assembled at home.

The adult range below is the usual dose reported for standardised Boswellia serrata gum-resin extract (LiverTox, 2020). Age changes what is appropriate, so each group is given separately.

Disclaimer: These figures are a general reference. The right dose depends on the specific product, your age, your other medicines and your overall health, so confirm it with a registered practitioner before starting. Do not exceed the stated dose, and do not use Shallaki in place of a prescribed medicine.

Side effects reported in trials have generally been mild and short-lived, and in most controlled studies they occurred no more often than with placebo (LiverTox, 2020). The effects below are among those reported with Shallaki.

Digestive Upset

Nausea, stomach ache, loose stools or constipation are the most commonly reported effects, and they are usually mild. Taking the dose after food often settles them. Stop and seek advice if symptoms persist beyond a few days.

Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Some people may experience burning behind the breastbone or acid coming back up the throat, most often when the dose is taken on an empty stomach. Anyone already treated for reflux or a stomach ulcer should discuss Shallaki with their doctor first.

Headache

Mild to moderate headache has been reported. If headache is severe, persistent or accompanied by visual disturbance, stop the supplement and seek medical advice rather than continuing.

Skin Rash or Itching

Itching or a rash can occur, and is more likely in people sensitive to frankincense or related resins. Stop use at once. Swelling of the lips, face or tongue, or any difficulty breathing, is a medical emergency and needs immediate hospital care.

Effects on the Liver

Boswellia serrata has not been linked to raised liver enzymes during treatment, and no convincing published case of liver injury has been attributed to it. The United States National Institutes of Health drug-induced liver injury database rates it in its lowest likelihood category (LiverTox, 2020). Multi-ingredient supplements that contain Boswellia have occasionally been implicated, so the complete product should be checked rather than assuming the herb is responsible. 

Disclaimer: This list is not exhaustive. Report any unexpected reaction to your doctor or pharmacist, and stop taking Shallaki until you have been assessed.

Formal interaction studies are limited. The cautions below are drawn from the herb's known actions and laboratory findings, and should be discussed with your doctor rather than acted on alone.

Blood-Thinning Medicines

Warfarin, clopidogrel and low-dose aspirin reduce the blood's ability to clot. Shallaki may affect blood clotting, but whether this increases bleeding risk when combined with these medicines is not established. Anyone on these medicines should speak to their doctor before starting, and report any unusual bruising.

Immunosuppressant Treatment

Medicines such as methotrexate, azathioprine and ciclosporin work by damping down the immune system. Shallaki has affected immune signalling in laboratory studies, but it is not known whether this reduces the effect of immunosuppressant medicines in people. Do not start it without telling the specialist who prescribes them.

Anti-Inflammatory Painkillers

Ibuprofen, diclofenac and similar medicines can irritate the stomach lining. Taking Shallaki alongside them may increase the likelihood of stomach discomfort, although this interaction has not been established in clinical studies. Taking both after food may improve stomach tolerance, but consult your doctor or pharmacist before combining them regularly.

Drugs Processed by Liver Enzymes

Some studies suggests boswellic acids can affect some of the liver enzymes that break down medicines. Whether this changes drug levels in people is not known. If you take a medicine requiring blood tests or close dose monitoring, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using Shallaki.

Disclaimer: Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every herbal product you take, including Shallaki. Do not stop or change a prescribed medicine on the basis of this page.

Storage of Shallaki

Keep Shallaki capsules, tablets and powder in a closed container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. The resin softens and becomes sticky in heat, so it should be kept away from the stove and other sources of heat.

Creams, gels and medicated oils should also be stored according to the manufacturer's instructions, with the cap firmly closed. Do not use any preparation after the expiry date printed on the pack, and discard powder that has clumped, changed colour or developed an unusual smell. Keep all preparations out of the reach of children.

• Shallaki is the oleo-gum-resin of Boswellia serrata, a Burseraceae tree, and is also called Indian frankincense or salai guggul.
• Its Ayurvedic profile is kashaya, tikta and madhura rasa, sheeta virya and katu vipaka, and it is traditionally described as pacifying Kapha and Pitta.
• Boswellic acids, particularly AKBA, are studied for their effects on inflammatory pathways, including 5-lipoxygenase.
• The most promising clinical evidence is for knee osteoarthritis, where small randomised trials have reported improvements in pain and walking distance.
• Evidence in Crohn's disease is mixed. A 52-week trial found no benefit over placebo for maintaining remission.
• Adults commonly take 250 to 500 mg of standardised extract two or three times daily. Children and teenagers should not take it without practitioner supervision.
• Digestive upset, heartburn, headache and skin itching have been reported. Boswellia has not been established as a cause of liver injury.
• Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and seek medical advice first if you take blood thinners, immunosuppressant medicines or anti-inflammatory painkillers.
• Shallaki may help with some symptoms, but it is not a proven treatment for underlying disease and must not delay or replace prescribed treatment.

Disclaimer: These answers are general information and do not replace a consultation with a doctor or registered Ayurvedic practitioner.