Shallaki
Some sources state that it is an aphrodisiac - but why?
Shallaki - also known as Boswellia serrata, Shallati, Sallaki, Sallaci, Sillaci, Cunduruci, Cunduri, Surabhi, Suvaha (Sanskrit), Indian Olibanum Tree, Olibanum, Indian Frankincense, Salai, Salai Guggal, Gugar, Gugal, Gugul, Lobaan, Loban, Libanus, Libanos (Greek)
Shallaki is the resin of the tree Boswellia serrata and has been widely used in Ayurvedic medicine since old times. It is best known for its use to combat arthritis and as an anti-inflammatory. Shallaki is also believed to be anticarcinogenic, useful in back pain and stomach disorders such as Crohn's disease. [1]
There has been some encouraging medical research in support of these claims. One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that the patients receiving B. serrata extract gained significant improvement in their arthritis; and that no adverse effects were noted from the patient's consumption of extract of "Indian Frankincense" / B. serrata. [2]
It is also said that Shallaki is an aphrodisiac. [1]
Shallaki, Boswellia and Frankincense
The resin of Boswellia trees is also used as the incense called Indian Frankincense, also called Olibanum - however the resin from Boswellia sacra and Boswellia frereana is considered far superior for this purpose. The best grades of Frankincense are said to be hard to obtain in the west. [3]
It is interesting to note that frankincense is also considered by some an aphrodisiac scent; though it appears that it is more often employed in rituals such as blessings, purification, protection and exorcism. Some older sources state that frankincense has the oppositeeffect - and this seems more appropriate for an incense used in some religions! [4] It is also possible to create frankincense essential oil; and the 1833 Taleef shereef, or Indian materia medica states that this is aphrodisiac when applied to the male genitals [5] - though whether the effect is produced because of irritation (as with cantharides et. al) is not specified (in other words, not recommended that you try this!)
Shallaki - history
The first mention of Boswellia serrata in western literature seem to appear in 1809, together with the name Sallaci (another variant of Shallaki) [6] However, the name Olibanum appears in western literature long before that: Olibanum is the old name for Frankincense and so the name goes way back into history. It is mentioned for example in the 1522 Latin text of the Liber canonis totius medicinae of Avicenna et.al.
Is Shallaki an aphrodisiac?
Many modern sources state that shallaki is an aphrodisiac - and such web sources make general (typically unsubstantiated) claims such as that shallaki "increases sperm count and quality".
Much scientific research has been done on Boswellia serrata, with some very encouraging conclusions for medicinal applications - and a search on Pubmed revealed 189 results which include research into Shallaki / B. Serrata's effects on cancer, Crohns and arthritis. [7]
A fascinating and unusual 2008 study showed antidepressant psychoactivity in mice triggered by incensole acetate, a component of Boswellia resin - indicating a biological basis for the burning of Frankincense in rituals intended to produce spiritual exaltation. [8]
However, none of the studies listed on Pubmed investigated any aphrodisiac quality of shallaki.
Conclusions:
Shallaki is listed in the AHPA's "Herbs of Commerce", p.27. [9] and is widely available in supplement form.
Sources:
[1] http://www.goherbalremedies.com/products/shallaki.htm
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankincense#Medical_research
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boswellia_serrata
[4] http://books.google.com/books?id=mPgEAAAAYAAJ (p.266)
[5] http://books.google.com/books?id=Plwnq8AasPIC (p.146)
[6] http://books.google.com/books?id=wiQoAAAAYAAJ (p.382)
[7] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez
[8] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18492727
[9] "Herbs of Commerce" (AHPA) (2000 edition) - Michael McGuffin, John T. Kartesz, Albert Y Leung, Arthur O. Tucker p.27
Note - the information on this website is not medical advice, is not a substitute for medical consultation, has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure any disease. Please seek advice from a medical professional if you have symptoms, are concerned about your health, or before using supplements or aphrodisiac products.
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