Shallaki benefits, dosage, side effects, and how to use?

What is Shallaki?

Shallaki, also known as Boswellia serrata , emerges as a cornerstone in Ayurvedic medicine, revered for its profound healing properties. Originating from the resin of the Boswellia tree, this sacred herb has traversed centuries, offering a beacon of hope in the realm of natural healing. With its rich history steeped in traditional medicine, Shallaki holds a special place in the hearts of healers and seekers of holistic wellness. Its Ayurvedic applications span a wide spectrum, from soothing joint inflammation to supporting respiratory health and promoting overall vitality.

It is a famous herb used mainly for the treatment of painful joint disease. It is an Ayurvedic proprietary medicine. Kunduru is the gum obtained from the Shallaki tree.

Shallaki in Ayurveda

Acharya Charak quoted it under Purishvirajaniya gana, While Acharya Sushrut mentioned it under Rodhradi gana. Acharya Bhavmishra described Shallaki and Kunduru in Vatadi varga and Karpuradi varga respectively.

What is the Morphology of Boswellia serrata?

Latin name– Boswellia serrata Roxb. (Fam. Burseraceae)

Boswellia serrata is a medium-sized deciduous tree that typically grows up to 8-10 meters in height bearing small white flowers. Its trunk is straight and cylindrical, with rough and scaly bark that is Ash colored. The branches of the tree spread out horizontally, forming a dense and rounded crown. The leaves of shallaki are alternate, compound, and imparipinnate. Shallaki produces small, pale yellow to white flowers that are arranged in terminal clusters or panicles. The flowers have a pleasant fragrance and bloom during the spring season. The most notable feature of shallaki is its resin, which is obtained from the bark of the tree. Shallaki resin is a sticky, fragrant substance that exudes from the tree when it is injured or cut.

Type of Shallaki

In Unani medicine Five types of Kunduru described

1. Nar Kunduru
2. Mada Kunduru
3. Gola Kunduru
4. Kisar Kunduru
5. Dukrak Kunduru

Synonyms

Kunduru, Susrava, Gajabhakshya, Vrttika

Classical Categorization of Shallaki in Samhita

• Charak:Purishviranjaniya
• Sushruta:Rodhradi gana

Other/Regional Language Names

• English: Indian Olibanum Tree
• Gujarati: Shaledum, Saleda, Saladi, Gugal, Saledhi
• Hindi: Salayi, Labana
• Kannada: Madimar, Chilakdupa, Tallaki, Maddi
• Kashmiri: Kunturukkam, Samprani
• Marathi: Salai cha dink
• Punjabi: Salai Gonda
• Tamil: Kundurukam
• Telugu: Anduga, Kondagugi tamu
• Urdu:Kundur
• Assamese:Sallaki
• Bengali:Salai, Salgai

Constituents of Boswellia serrata

Oleo resin gum, Volatile oil (9%), gum and resin; -phellandrene, β -a-thujene, the volatile oil contains -terpineol, limonene, camphene,aphellandrene, -terpene, p-cymene; active principlesamyrcene, -boswellic acid, β -aboswellic acids from resin viz., boswellic acid, 3-O-acetyl- β -boswellic acid, 11- keto- β -boswellic acid, 3- O- acetyl -11-keto-β – boswellic acid. A diterpene alcohol serratol and four -acetoxytirucall-8,24-a tetracyclic triterpene acids 3- dien-21-oic acid, 3-ketotirucall-8, 24-dien-21-oic acid, -hydroxytirucall-8, 24-dien-oic acid, 3 – β -a3- hydroxytirucall-8, 24-dien-21-oic acid

Rasa Panchak

• Rasa:Tikta, Madhur
• Guna: Guru, Snigdha,Tikshna(Kunduru), Laghu, Ruksha (Shallaki)
• Virya: Ushna (Kunduru), Shita (Shallaki)
• Vipaka:Katu
• Karma: Purishvirajniya, Balya, Kaphahara, Kaphapittahara, Raktastambhana, Shothahara

References of Shallaki in Ayurvedic texts

स्यान्मांसरोहिणी वृष्या रसा दोषत्रयापहा।
रसे पाके तु कटुका तुवरा शीतला च सा ॥
(Bhavprakash.)

What are Benefits of Shallaki?

• Boswellia serrata (Shallaki) resin in the management of Sandhivata (osteoarthritis)
• Jvara (fever)
• Mukharoga (disease of mouth)
• Pittajabhishyanda (conjunctivitis due to pitta dosha)
• Pradara (excessive vaginal discharge)
• Sharkarameha (glycosuria)
• Sandhishula (joint pain)
• Shula (pain)
• Shvasa(dyspnoea)

What is the use of Shallaki in texts?

• Shallaki fruit powder or ash of flax applied locally in Vrana. (Su.Su.25)
• Kvatha of bark of Badari, Arjuna, Jambu, Amra, Shallaki, Vetasa with Sugar and Honey in Atisara. (Su.Utt.40)
• Kunduru is mixed with Sugar and Honey and used as Eye drops. (Su.Utt.10)

How much is the Dose as described in ancient texts?

• Bark Kvatha : 50-100ml
• Gum: 1-3gm

What are the Useful Parts?

Niryasa(Exudate), Tvacha(Bark)

What are the side effects of Boswellia serrata?

• No known side effect
• Side effects are of taking the drug in high doses, under the guidance of qualified vaidya, or in appropriate doses it is safe to consume.

List of formulations

• Bala taila
• Balaguduchyadi taila
• Trityadi yoga

Research of Shallaki

• Boswellia Serrata, A Potential Antiinflammatory Agent
• Salai Guggul resin reduced cholesterol biosynthesis in rat liver at 100 mg/kg but not at 25 or 50 mg/kg. (Ind.J. pharmacol, 1986, 18, 182)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the revered herb Boswellia serrata, embodies the essence of Ayurvedic wisdom, offering a holistic approach to healing and well-being. Its remarkable ability to alleviate joint inflammation, support respiratory health, and enhance overall vitality underscores its significance in traditional medicine. Through centuries of use and modern scientific validation.