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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Herb

Boswellia

aka Indian frankincense · Boswellia serrata

Anti-inflammatory resin used for osteoarthritis and IBD.

Joint & Connective TissueChronic InflammationGut Health

Overview

Anti-inflammatory resin used for osteoarthritis and IBD.

Natural sources
  • Boswellia serrata resin
Common forms
  • AKBA-standardized (5-Loxin, Aflapin)

Forms & variants of Boswellia

Different chemical forms of Boswellia behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.

AprèsFlex / 5-Loxin
Boswellia AKBA-enriched

Standardized AKBA fraction for fast osteoarthritis relief.

Mechanism of action

Boswellic acids selectively inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, reducing leukotrienes.

Pathways
  • · 5-LOX inhibition

Effects on the body

Decreases
Inflammation (LTB4)
Decreases
OA pain

Organ system effects

Joints

Improves OA WOMAC scores.

Digestive / Gut

Reduces UC and Crohn's symptoms.

Evidence-based benefits

Reduces OA pain and stiffness

Strong evidence

Maintains remission in IBD

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · GI upset
Rare
  • · Skin rash
Serious

    Drug interactions

    NSAIDs
    Additive anti-inflammatory; less ulcer risk.
    minor

    Safety & non-supplemental interactions

    Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

    Avoid if you are
    • ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
    • ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)

    Supplement interactions

    Pairs well with
    • Curcumin
      Synergistic anti-inflammatory.
    Avoid combining with

    No specific avoidances listed.

    Dosing & bioavailability

    Typical dose
    100–250 mg AKBA-standardized

    Where to buy

    Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

    Herb
    Boswellia
    Amazon
    Wide selection · fast shipping
    Herb
    Boswellia
    iHerb
    Global delivery · curated brands
    Herb
    Boswellia
    Thorne
    Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

    Scientific evidence (9)

    Meta-analysisBMC Complement Med Ther · 2020

    Boswellia serrata extracts in osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis

    Yu G, et al.

    Meta-analysis of 7 RCTs of Boswellia in knee OA.

    Key findings

    Significant pain reduction and improved function vs placebo.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Boswellia — Reduces OA pain and stiffness

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Boswellia Reduces OA pain and stiffness" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Boswellia and "Reduces OA pain and stiffness". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Boswellia — Maintains remission in IBD

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Boswellia Maintains remission in IBD" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Boswellia and "Maintains remission in IBD". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Boswellia — randomized controlled trial

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Boswellia randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Boswellia and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Boswellia — meta-analysis

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Boswellia meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Boswellia and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Boswellia — pharmacokinetics

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Boswellia pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Boswellia and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Boswellia — safety adverse events

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Boswellia safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Boswellia and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Boswellia — dose response

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Boswellia dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Boswellia and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

    Google Scholar: Boswellia — clinical evidence

    Live Scholar search

    Cross-database citation index for Boswellia as it relates to "clinical evidence".

    Key findings

    Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

    Open study
    Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.