Boswellia-AF Frankincense, 60 capsules

A new-generation Boswellia extract

Vitals’ Boswellia-AF contains the new, improved AprèsFlex®. A genuine new-generation Boswellia extract that has been successfully optimised in terms of bioavailability. AprèsFlex is absorbed more effectively, leading to greater efficacy. Furthermore, the speed with which results can be achieved is remarkable. Studies show that the first results are visible after just five days.

What exactly is Boswellia?

Boswellia is the dried (gum) resin of the tropical frankincense tree, Boswellia serrata. When the bark is naturally damaged or cut by humans, the resin (a syrupy liquid) is released from the tree trunk. Boswellia is referred to as ‘gum resin’ as it contains both water-soluble (gum) and alcohol-soluble (resin) components. Boswellia has been used for thousands of years as an effective natural remedy for various conditions. Furthermore, Boswellia (in the form of an extract) has enjoyed great popularity as a dietary supplement for many years and is regarded as a promising remedy.

Boswellic acids are regarded as the most important active ingredients. These are divided into monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, triterpene tricyclic acids and triterpene pentacyclic acids. These compounds, referred to by researchers as boswellic acids, are thought to explain the effects of Boswellia serrata. Four main boswellic acids have been identified: β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid. Research has shown that acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is the most potent of these.

Boswellia extracts are therefore generally produced to contain a high proportion of AKBA (Boswellia naturally consists of only 2–3 % AKBA). However, a Boswellia extract’s efficacy does not depend solely on the quantity of active compounds it contains. The bioavailability of these substances is also a decisive factor in how effective they prove to be following oral administration. This is because the absorption of AKBA is relatively low. Increasing the bioavailability of AKBA also ensures greater efficacy.

The AKBA fraction makes all the difference!

As a naturopath, one must move away from conventional ways of thinking: anyone who has already looked into the subject of frankincense knows that boswellic acid is the most important component and that the boswellic acid content is therefore crucial to its effectiveness.
If you are used to considering a BS content of, say, 68 per cent to be good, you might initially turn up your nose at a figure of 20 per cent, as is the case with Vitals Boswellia-AF.
But when you consider that there are different fractions of boswellic acid – some of which are highly effective, some moderately so and some not at all – and bear in mind that the most effective of them all, namely AKBA, is highly concentrated in Vitals Boswellia AF, a very different impression emerges.

Frankincense – medicine or dietary supplement?

Current research suggests that frankincense is actually effective at a daily dose of over 400 mg. As dietary supplements are not permitted by law to have any therapeutic effect, daily recommendations exceeding 399 mg are prohibited; otherwise, it would be classified as a medicine. In this respect, Vitals is doing everything right with Boswellia AF: the recommended daily dose is ‘only’ 200 mg!

Here is some background information from a nutritionist: the studies on the efficacy of frankincense were predominantly carried out using Sallaki, an ancient medicine from Ayurveda.
The studies merely measured how many milligrams of Sallaki were needed to alleviate symptoms such as joint pain (the typical area of application for Sallaki in Ayurveda). And it was concluded that 400 mg or more would be required. The more, the better; however, conversely, there is the problem that a smaller amount of frankincense could actually promote inflammation. So, if you do want to use frankincense as a medicine, that’s fine, but you should take at least 400 mg daily.
These studies were carried out long before the development of Boswellia in the form of AprèsFlex. At that time, no attention was paid to the fact that there are more and less effective fractions of boswellic acid.
Boswellia-AF from Vitals contains significantly more of the active compound AKBA than Sallaki.

The effect in the body (note: technical jargon…)

The main mechanism by which Boswellia works is to help maintain the normal function of the enzymes 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP). This is achieved with the help of the active ingredient AKBA. 5-LOX contributes to the synthesis of certain leukotrienes (locally acting tissue hormones) from arachidonic acid. By helping to maintain normal levels of 5-LOX and FLAP, Boswellia supports healthy cartilage and normal joint function.

AprèsFlex is a component of Boswellia‑AF, a product from Vitals. This is the new name for a high-quality Boswellia extract produced by Laila Nutra. This extract was previously known as Aflapin®, and is referred to by this name in the various scientific publications that demonstrate its efficacy. Laila Nutra specialises in the development of Boswellia extracts characterised by high bioavailability and rapid action. You have already enjoyed success with the popular 5-Loxin® extract. However, the manufacturer felt that the absorption of the active ingredients in Boswellia could be further optimised.

Laila Nutra has developed the AprèsFlex extract, an improved version of its earlier 5-Loxin extract, by testing various formulations with the aim of achieving even higher bioavailability. This highly advanced product contains a Boswellia extract (with 20% AKBA), supplemented with some of the non-volatile oils from Boswellia resin. The addition of these natural oils proved to be the best solution for improving the absorption and bioavailability of AKBA. Although the proportion of AKBA in AprèsFlex is lower than in 5-Loxin (20% compared with 30%), comparative studies show that AprèsFlex is absorbed up to 50% more effectively and exhibits greater efficacy.

Key ingredients

* No reference amount specified under the Food Information Regulation (LMIV)

Ingredients

Rice starch (Oryza sativa), vegetable capsule (pullulan, from fermented cassava starch), Boswellia extract (Boswellia serrata [frankincense]).

Recommended intake

Take 1 capsule 1 to 2 times a day with water, with a meal containing fat.

Storage instructions

Store in a cool, dry place away from light (not in the fridge).

Legal information

Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of young children.