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Boswellia

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Boswellia. Anti-inflammatory resin used for osteoarthritis and IBD.

How it works. Boswellic acids selectively inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, reducing leukotrienes.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces OA pain and stiffness (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: 100–250 mg AKBA-standardized.

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

Stacking. Pairs well with Curcumin.

Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.

Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

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

Boswellia. Anti-inflammatory resin used for osteoarthritis and IBD.

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

What it is

Anti-inflammatory resin used for osteoarthritis and IBD.

Also called

Indian frankincenseBoswellia serrata

Food sources

Boswellia serrata resin

Goals

Joint & Connective TissueChronic InflammationGut Health

How it works

Boswellic acids selectively inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, reducing leukotrienes.

Pathways

  • 5-LOX inhibition

Effects

  • ↓Inflammation (LTB4) decreases
  • ↓OA pain decreases

What the research supports

Reduces OA pain and stiffnessstrong
Maintains remission in IBDmoderate

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
100–250 mg AKBA-standardized
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 akba-standardized (5-loxin, aflapin) form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

NSAIDsminor

Additive anti-inflammatory; less ulcer risk.

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

Combines with

Pairs well

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

Boswellia serrata extracts in osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis ↗
Meta-analysis · BMC Complement Med Ther · 2020

Significant pain reduction and improved function vs placebo.

PubMed: Boswellia — Reduces OA pain and stiffness ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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.

PubMed: Boswellia — Maintains remission in IBD ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

Discussion

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