Last verified: 17 days ago
Boswellia
Also known as: Boswellia serrata, Boswellia sacra, Indian frankincense, Shallaki, olibanum, gum resin
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Tree resin extract with clinical evidence for reducing joint pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis.
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What it does
Boswellia is a gum resin extracted from Boswellia serrata trees, used for centuries in traditional medicine. Clinical trials show it reduces pain, stiffness, and swelling in osteoarthritis —...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
300-500 mg daily based on study doses
What the Science Says
Boswellia is a gum resin extracted from Boswellia serrata trees, used for centuries in traditional medicine. Clinical trials show it reduces pain, stiffness, and swelling in osteoarthritis — including knee and hand joints — and may support cartilage health by lowering inflammatory markers like IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP. Studies used doses of 300–500 mg daily, with meaningful pain relief seen within 15–90 days, often in combination with turmeric or celery seed extract.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to cure or reverse arthritis. No strong evidence it works as a standalone cancer treatment in humans — lab studies on cancer cells don't translate to real-world results. No solid human data showing it heals fractures faster on its own. Cognitive benefits are very early-stage and based on a single small pilot trial using a multi-ingredient blend.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Reduces knee pain, stiffness, and swelling in adults with osteoarthritis after 90 days.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 300 mg Boswellia serrata extract daily
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Relieves hand osteoarthritis pain significantly better than placebo over 3 months.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: Combination extract (C. longa + B. serrata) daily
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Cuts posture-related low back pain by over 50% within 7 days at 500 mg daily.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 500 mg turmeric-Boswellia combination daily
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Lowers blood markers of inflammation including CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α in joint disease.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 300 mg Boswellia serrata extract daily for 90 days
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — boswellic acids have limited absorption in standard forms. Phytosome and specialized delivery formulations (e.g., Casperome) are used in some studies to improve uptake, but head-to-head bioavailability comparisons are not provided in the reviewed papers.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most clinical trials use proprietary multi-ingredient blends (e.g., with turmeric or celery seed), making it hard to isolate Boswellia's individual contribution
- Several studies are small (50–162 participants) and short-term (15–90 days), limiting confidence in long-term safety and efficacy
- Cancer-related claims are based on lab cell studies and animal models only — no human clinical evidence in the provided papers
- Some products use low-quality extracts without standardized boswellic acid content — look for standardized AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid) percentage on the label
Products Containing Boswellia
See how Boswellia is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Boswellia do?
Tree resin extract with clinical evidence for reducing joint pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis.
What is the effective dose of Boswellia?
300-500 mg daily based on study doses
Is Boswellia safe?
Most clinical trials use proprietary multi-ingredient blends (e.g., with turmeric or celery seed), making it hard to isolate Boswellia's individual contribution
What doesn't Boswellia do?
Not proven to cure or reverse arthritis.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25