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Boswellia Serrata

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Boswellia Serrata. Frankincense for inflammation.

How it works. Boswellic acids inhibit 5-LOX.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces OA and IBD inflammation (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 300 mg TID.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).

Common forms. Available as Standardized extract capsule, Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin), Powdered whole herb, Traditional decoction or tea.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Boswellia Serrata. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Boswellia Serrata. Frankincense for inflammation.

Key compound: acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acidC32H48O5 · 512.7 g/mol

What it is

Frankincense for inflammation.

Food sources

Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice

How it works

Boswellic acids inhibit 5-LOX.

Pathways

  • Boswellic acids inhibit 5-LOX

Effects

  • ↓OA and IBD inflammation decreases

What the research supports

Reduces OA and IBD inflammationmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
300 mg TID
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized extract capsule form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Boswellia Serrata use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Common forms

  • Standardized extract capsule
  • Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
  • Powdered whole herb
  • Traditional decoction or tea

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Boswellia Serrata — Reduces OA and IBD inflammation ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

PubMed: Boswellia Serrata — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

PubMed: Boswellia Serrata — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

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