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Boswellia serrata

Frankincense extract with some of the better randomised-trial evidence for osteoarthritis.

Reviewed by Bodil Isaksson, Licensed Biomedical Scientist (Sweden)Last reviewed July 2026Supplement guide

SupplementsJoint healthAnti-inflammatory

Boswellia serrata — the source of frankincense — is a herbal extract whose active boswellic acids calm a specific inflammatory pathway. Among joint herbs, it has some of the most convincing trial data.

Key takeaways

  • A gum-resin extract whose boswellic acids (especially AKBA) inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, dampening inflammatory leukotrienes.
  • Randomised trials and a meta-analysis show reduced pain and stiffness and better function in knee osteoarthritis.1
  • Standardised, AKBA-enriched extracts (e.g. 5-Loxin, Aflapin) act relatively quickly — often within a week.2
  • Well tolerated; look for a product standardised to boswellic acids / AKBA.

What it is

Boswellia is the aromatic gum resin of the Boswellia serrata tree. Its active compounds, the boswellic acids — above all AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid) — block 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme that makes pro-inflammatory leukotrienes. That is a different mechanism from glucosamine or NSAIDs, which is part of its appeal.

The evidence

Multiple randomised, placebo-controlled trials and a 2020 systematic review concluded that boswellia reduces pain and stiffness and improves joint function in osteoarthritis, with a reassuring safety profile.1 Trials of standardised extracts such as 5-Loxin and Aflapin reported meaningful pain relief in knee OA, sometimes within 7 days.2 The main caveats are the usual ones for herbals: modest study sizes and variable extract standardisation. Still, this is one of the better-supported joint herbs.

Dose & how to use

Doses vary with the extract. A common range is 100–250 mg/day of an AKBA-enriched extract, or roughly 300–500 mg two to three times daily of a Boswellia extract standardised to ≥30–65% boswellic acids. Choose a standardised product and give it a few weeks.

Safety & who benefits

Generally well tolerated; occasional mild stomach upset, nausea or reflux. Data in pregnancy are lacking, so avoid it there. Theoretical interactions with drugs processed by the liver mean caution if you take multiple medications. Most useful for knee (and other) osteoarthritis, and sometimes tried in inflammatory conditions.

Bottom line: one of the more evidence-backed joint herbs — a standardised, AKBA-rich boswellia extract is a reasonable option for osteoarthritis pain, on its own or alongside the classics.

References

Adult research summary for education, not a prescription. These are food supplements, not treatments for disease.

  1. Yu G, et al. Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020;20:225. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Sengupta K, et al. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthritis Res Ther 2008;10:R85. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

This article summarises nutrition science for education. It is not a substitute for individual medical advice; consult a professional before starting a supplement, in pregnancy, or alongside medication.