Boswellia
Also known as: Boswellia serrata, Indian frankincense, Frankincense, Salai guggul, Olibanum, Xihuang
Overview
Boswellia extracts are taken from the resin (a thick, sticky organic substance) of the tree Boswellia serrata, which is native to the Arabian peninsula, Somalia, Ethiopia, and India. It has been used in a variety of different folk medicines for inflammatory, gastrointestinal, and respiratory conditions. Boswellia has also been called frankincense, from the Old French term franc encens, which means “pure and noble high-quality incense”. It has been used in funeral ceremonies and religious rituals in the Catholic church.
Benefits
Boswellia resin contains such compounds such as boswellic acids (mainly acetyl-keto-boswellic acid) which inhibits inflammatory cytokines and enzymes such as C-reactive protein, TNF-ɑ, 5-lipoxygenase, and matrix metalloproteinases, which may play a role in the cartilage degradation and inflammation of osteoarthritis.
How it works
The most evidence for Boswellia is in osteoarthritis, where it generally has large effect sizes, but the evidence is of low quality. There is some overall weak evidence in support of Boswellia for neurological concerns (traumatic brain injury, stroke recovery, and memory in older adults), and burns (from fire and cancer radiation). Additionally, there is scant evidence for acute diarrhea and chronic asthma in adults.
Side effects
Boswellia has most often been studied as an oral capsule. Some studies have used concentrations of 12.5%–20% of boswellic acids. Range of dosages studied: Boswellia has been most often studied at dosages of 100–250 mg/day of the Aflapin and 5-Loxin formulations. Nonproprietary extracts have been studied at higher dosages, between 1,000 and 2,400 mg/day. Effective dosages: Osteoarthritis: Often older adults (ages 50–65): 100–250 mg/day of oral capsules for 3 months. Special considerations: The formulations Aflapin and 5-Loxin have most often been studied. In a 2024 meta-analysis, subgroup analyses found Aflapin to have greater improvements in pain, functioning, and stiffness scores compared to a placebo. Traumatic brain injury and stroke recovery: Adults (average age of 36): 1,200–2,400 mg/day of a Boswellia extract for 3 months.
Dosage
Boswellia has consistently had no adverse effects in a variety of clinical studies. In some studies a small minority of participants in the Boswellia group had headache, dizziness, or diarrhea.
FAQs
What is Boswellia?
Boswellia extracts are taken from the resin (a thick, sticky organic substance) of the tree Boswellia serrata, which is native to the Arabian peninsula, Somalia, Ethiopia, and India. It has been used in a variety of different folk medicines for inflammatory, gastrointestinal, and respiratory conditions. Boswellia has also been called frankincense, from the Old French term franc encens, which means “pure and noble high-quality incense”. It has been used in funeral ceremonies and religious rituals in the Catholic church.
What are Boswellia’s main benefits?
The most evidence for Boswellia is in osteoarthritis, where it generally has large effect sizes, but the evidence is of low quality. There is some overall weak evidence in support of Boswellia for neurological concerns (traumatic brain injury, stroke recovery, and memory in older adults), and burns (from fire and cancer radiation). Additionally, there is scant evidence for acute diarrhea and chronic asthma in adults.
What are Boswellia’s main drawbacks?
Boswellia has consistently had no adverse effects in a variety of clinical studies. In some studies a small minority of participants in the Boswellia group had headache, dizziness, or diarrhea.
How does Boswellia work?
Boswellia resin contains such compounds such as boswellic acids (mainly acetyl-keto-boswellic acid) which inhibits inflammatory cytokines and enzymes such as C-reactive protein, TNF-ɑ, 5-lipoxygenase, and matrix metalloproteinases, which may play a role in the cartilage degradation and inflammation of osteoarthritis.
