Description

Sallaki is the oleo gum resin obtained from the plant Boswellia serrata belonging to the family Burseraceae. 

Geographical distribution

About ten species of genus occur in tropical parts of Asia and Africa. In India, the species are seen commonly in dry hilly areas of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

Boswellia is a medium-sized, highly branching tree.

Method of preparation

Oleo-gum-resin is obtained by tapping process and is allowed to remain in the basket for a month. The gum resin hardens slowly into an amorphous tear-shaped product with an aromatic scent. They are then broken into smaller pieces, during which impurities are removed manually. 

Chemical constituents

The oleo-gum resin consists of 8-9% volatile oil, 20-23% gum, and 55% resin. 

Properties of Sallaki

Studies show that Sallaki possesses anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic and analgesic effects.

In addition, Sallaki also shows immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, anti-diarrhoeal and anti-microbial activities. 

Management of Pain

Sallaki helps to reduce arthritic symptoms like joint pain and stiffness. In addition, Sallaki is effective in the treatment of degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis. 

Management of Inflammation

Being an anti-inflammatory drug, Sallaki is effective in chronic pain, inflammation and swelling occurring in rheumatoid arthritis.

Management of Muscle Pain

In addition, Sallaki is effective in muscle pain also.

Bone and joint wellness 

Thus Sallaki supports overall bone and joint wellness.

Dose

As directed by the physician.

Side effects

Gastric irritation may occur in some individuals.

What is a Joint?

A joint is the part of the body where two or more bones meet. 

Joint diseases

Diseases or injuries affecting the joints are joint diseases.

Arthritis is the best-known one, but there are many others too.

Types of joint diseases are the following

a) Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis affects millions of people worldwide and is one of the leading causes of morbidity, especially in older people.

Cause of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage at the end of bones wears down.

Signs and symptoms

• The pain of the affected joint
• Joint stiffness
• Tenderness
• Loss of flexibility
• Swelling of the joint
• The crackling sound of the joint

b) Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory, autoimmune disease affecting the joints. RA usually affects the lining of the joints.

Cause of RA

RA occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your body tissues.

Signs and symptoms

• Pain over joints (small joints are usually affected)
• Stiffness of joints
• Swelling over joints
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite

c) Spondyloarthritis

Spondyloarthritis is a type of arthritis. It attacks the spine, joints, skin, intestines and eyes.

Types of spondyloarthritis

• Ankylosing spondylitis: It affects joints and ligaments of the spine.
• Reactive arthritis: refers to any joint pain triggered by an infection in another part of the body.
• Psoriatic arthritis:  People who have the skin disease – psoriasis get this type of arthritis.

d) Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

It is the most common type of arthritis in children.

Signs and symptoms

• Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Fever
• Rash
• Swollen lymph nodes

e) Gout

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints. Gout occurs most often in the big toe.

Cause

When our body has extra uric acid, sharp crystals form in the big toe or other joints. These deposits cause episodes of swelling and pain.

Signs and symptoms

• The intense pain of the affected joint.
• Redness
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Tenderness
• Warmth 

f) Bursitis

Bursa is fluid-filled slippery sacs that facilitate the gliding motion of joints. Bursitis occurs when these bursae get inflamed. An example is a retrocalcaneal bursitis, causing heel pain.

g) Joint injuries

Common joint injuries include sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations.

Bones

Bones form the skeletal framework of the body while the muscles form the supporting structure. This structure makes you stand straight and perform all the physical activities. Generally, the muscles are attached to the bony surface. The contracting action of muscles helps in the movement of body parts. Thus any malfunction of bone or muscle can lead to severe deformity or disability. Hence proper care is needed to maintain sufficient bone and muscle strength.

Composition of a bone                                    

Bones are living cells embedded in mineral-based organic matters. The organic component mainly consists of collagen, and the inorganic part as hydroxyapatite, calcium, and phosphate salts.

Functions of bone are

• Enables mobility
• Protects other organs
• Store minerals
• Produce red blood cells and white blood cells

Bone types

There are five types of bone in the body.

• Flat bones: e.g. skull bones
• Long bones- thigh bone, shin bone
• Short bones- bones of hand and feet
• Irregular bones- vertebral bones
• Sesamoid bones- patellar bone

Diseases of bone

Diseases affecting bones make your bone easy to break. Some conditions are

• Osteoporosis or low bone density
• Paget’s disease
• Osteogenesis imperfecta
• Diseases due to poor nutrition
• Infections
• Cancer

Risk factors of bone diseases include

Age: Degenerative bone diseases are common in old age. For example; osteoarthritis, osteoporosis. Decreased bone density during the aging period leads to fracture and body pain.

Occupation: People involved in regular stair climbing, bending, etc.. are more prone to develop osteoarthritis.

Genetics: Genetic factors play an essential part in certain bone diseases. Some bone abnormalities run in families. For example; osteogenesis imperfecta

Gender: Female gender is likely to get bone diseases more than males.

Lifestyle: Lifestyle plays a vital role in bone strength. Sedentary lifestyle, low calcium and vitamin D intake, alcohol, and smoking decrease bone strength.

Hormones: Hormones like estrogen, parathyroid hormone testosterone affect bone health

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