Boswellia, derived from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree and traditionally known as frankincense, has a long history in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine and has gained considerable attention in modern research. Studies indicate that its active compounds, particularly acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), may help modulate inflammatory pathways by inhibiting the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme, which is involved in producing pro-inflammatory leukotrienes. Research suggests potential benefits for joint comfort, respiratory health including asthma support, inflammatory bowel conditions, and emerging areas of interest such as cognitive function and brain health. Standardized extracts like 5-Loxin and ApresFlex have been used in clinical trials and appear to offer improved bioavailability, making them popular choices among those exploring Boswellia's well-studied anti-inflammatory properties.
Compare this supplementResearch suggests that Boswellia serrata, often studied alongside complementary compounds like curcumin and turmeric,...
View studies →Research suggests that Boswellia (frankincense) has meaningful anti-inflammatory properties, primarily attributed to ...
View studies →Research suggests that Boswellia serrata shows meaningful promise as a complementary support for inflammatory bowel d...
View studies →The single study provided does not actually investigate Boswellia or its use for asthma support — it examined ARTIVed...
View studies →The single study provided does not actually investigate Boswellia or its effects on brain health — it examines ARTIVe...
View studies →These are commonly referenced dosage ranges for this supplement. They are not medical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.
| Form | Dose range | Frequency | Studied for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extract | 400–800 mg | Three times daily | Anti-inflammatory and general use | Widely cited range in clinical research for standardized B. serrata extracts with ≥30% boswellic acids |
| Extract | 400–1,200 mg | Daily | Asthma support | Based on clinical trials including Gupta et al. (1998) using 300 mg three times daily |
| Extract | 4,200 mg | Daily | Brain health; reduction of peritumoral edema in brain tumor patients | Based on Kirste et al. (2011) RCT using 4200 mg/day of B. serrata extract |
| Extract | 350–400 mg | Three times daily | IBD support, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis | Common in RCTs; Holtmeier et al. and Gerhardt et al. used standardized B. serrata extract at similar doses |
| Extract | 300–400 mg | Three times daily | Joint pain relief and osteoarthritis | Common in RCTs; AKBA-enriched extracts (e.g., 5-Loxin, Aflapin) studied at 100–250 mg daily |