Q: What does this product do?
A: This formula helps to relieve joint pain and swelling associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. This is the Health Canada approved use (NPN 80075731). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Q: What is Boswellia serrata?
A: Boswellia serrata is a moderate to large branching tree that grows in dry mountainous regions of India, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. It belongs to the family Burseraceae. The tree produces a gum resin (oleogum resin) from its trunk bark when the bark is cut or injured — this is the same type of resin used as frankincense in religious and cultural ceremonies for centuries. Boswellia serrata is the Indian species of Boswellia; other species (Boswellia sacra, Boswellia papyrifera, Boswellia carterii) produce the frankincense used in the Middle East and Africa. In Ayurvedic medicine, Boswellia serrata has been used for centuries under the name Shallaki.
Q: What is the oleogum resin and how is the extract made?
A: The oleogum resin is the raw material used to produce Boswellia serrata extract. It is obtained by making incisions in the bark of the Boswellia serrata tree, allowing the resin to exude and harden on the surface. The hardened resin is then collected, dried, and processed into a standardized extract. The resin is a complex mixture of essential oils (terpenes, responsible for the characteristic frankincense scent), gum (polysaccharides), and resin acids (boswellic acids). The medicinal ingredient in this formula is the trunk bark oleogum resin, processed into a 4.003:1 concentrated extract standardized to 40% boswellic acids.
Q: What are boswellic acids and what does 40% standardization mean?
A: Boswellic acids are a family of pentacyclic triterpene acids found in the resin of Boswellia species. The major boswellic acids in Boswellia serrata include beta-boswellic acid, acetyl-beta-boswellic acid, 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (KBA), and acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA). AKBA is considered the most pharmacologically active of the boswellic acids. Standardized to 40% boswellic acids means every batch of this extract is tested and verified to contain at least 40% boswellic acids by weight. At 333mg extract per capsule, each capsule contains approximately 133mg of boswellic acids. Per daily dose (3 capsules): approximately 399mg of boswellic acids from 999mg of extract.
Q: What does the extract ratio 4.003:1 and QCE 1.333g mean?
A: The extract ratio 4.003:1 means 4.003 parts of raw Boswellia serrata trunk bark oleogum resin were used to produce 1 part of the standardized extract. Each capsule contains 333mg of extract, which is equivalent to approximately 1.333g of raw resin (QCE 1.333g — Quantity of Crude Equivalent). Per daily dose of 3 capsules: 999mg of extract, equivalent to approximately 4g of raw resin.
Q: Why is the dose 3 times per day rather than once daily?
A: The recommended dose is 1 capsule, 3 times a day. Dividing the daily dose into 3 separate doses maintains more consistent levels of boswellic acids in the body throughout the day compared to taking all 3 capsules at once. This is consistent with the dosing approach used in clinical research on Boswellia serrata for osteoarthritis.
Q: How long does it take to see results and why does this require a minimum of 2 months?
A: Use for a minimum of 2 months to see beneficial effects. This is the Health Canada approved duration of use for this formula. Boswellia serrata is not fast-acting like pain medications. It works over time with consistent daily use. Two months is the minimum recommended trial period to determine whether this formula is effective for an individual.
Q: How do I take this product and how long will 90 capsules last?
A: Adults: 1 capsule, 3 times a day. At 90 capsules and 3 capsules per day, one bottle provides a 30 day supply (1 month). The minimum recommended duration of use is 2 months, requiring a minimum of 2 bottles. Plan accordingly when purchasing.
Q: Is this product suitable for vegans or vegetarians?
A: Yes. The capsule shell is Hypromellose (Vegetable Capsule Shell), a plant-derived material. The other non-medicinal ingredient is Magnesium Stearate, which is plant-derived. The Boswellia serrata extract is derived from the trunk bark oleogum resin of the Boswellia serrata tree — a plant source. There are no animal-derived ingredients in this formula. This product is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It is also gluten free, soy free, and dairy free.
Q: Are there any cautions I should know about?
A: Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If symptoms worsen, consult a health care practitioner. Hypersensitivity (e.g. allergy) has been known to occur; in which case, discontinue use. Some people may experience mild gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea and vomiting; in which case, discontinue use. Verify the complete contraindications against the NPN 80075731 licence before publishing and update this answer with the complete verbatim cautions. Keep out of reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Q: How should I store this product?
A: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly sealed after each use.
