Boswellia

    Written by:
    Peter Woznik

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Katie Jantz, Conni Covington
    Last Updated: December 16, 2024

    Boswellia, or Boswellia serrata, is an anti-inflammatory herb that may improve osteoarthritis. Additionally, it might improve neurological health in conditions such as traumatic brain injury and stroke recovery.

    30 references on this page
    13,569 participants in 7 trials and 6 meta-analyses

    Overview

    Dosage information

    Formulation:

    Boswellia has most often been studied as an oral capsule.[1] Some studies have used concentrations of 12.5%–20% of boswellic acids.[2][1]

    In one study where Boswellia was used topically, it was specified that the formulation was 40% boswellic acids.[3]

    Range of dosages studied:

    Boswellia has been most often studied at dosages of 100–250 mg/day of the Aflapin and 5-Loxin formulations.[1][4] Nonproprietary extracts have been studied at higher dosages, between 1,000 and 2,400 mg/day.[3][5][6][7]

    Effective dosages:

    Osteoarthritis

    Often older adults (ages 50–65): 100–250 mg/day of oral capsules for 3 months.[1][4][8]

    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.[1]

    Traumatic brain injury and stroke recovery

    Adults (average age of 36): 1,200–2,400 mg/day of a Boswellia extract for 3 months.[6][7]

    Special considerations: Participants with a traumatic brain injury had an average time of 13 months since their injury.[6] In another trial, where Boswellia was used within 24 hours of hospital admission after a traumatic brain injury, there was no effect.[5]

    Examine Database: Boswellia

    Frequently asked questions

    Update History

    Research Breakdown

    Examine Database References

    1. Osteoarthritis Symptoms - Xiaoqian Liu, Gustavo C Machado, Jillian P Eyles, Varshini Ravi, David J HunterDietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysisBr J Sports Med.(2018 Feb)
    2. Osteoarthritis Symptoms - Vishal AA, Mishra A, Raychaudhuri SPA double blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical study evaluates the early efficacy of aflapin in subjects with osteoarthritis of kneeInt J Med Sci.(2011)
    3. Osteoarthritis Symptoms - Sengupta K, Krishnaraju AV, Vishal AA, Mishra A, Trimurtulu G, Sarma KV, Raychaudhuri SK, Raychaudhuri SPComparative efficacy and tolerability of 5-Loxin and AflapinAgainst osteoarthritis of the knee: a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical studyInt J Med Sci.(2010 Nov 1)
    4. Osteoarthritis Symptoms - Sengupta K, Alluri KV, Satish AR, Mishra S, Golakoti T, Sarma KV, Dey D, Raychaudhuri SPA double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the kneeArthritis Res Ther.(2008)
    5. Osteoarthritis Symptoms - Gupta PK, Samarakoon SM, Chandola HM, Ravishankar BClinical evaluation of Boswellia serrata (Shallaki) resin in the management of Sandhivata (osteoarthritis)Ayu.(2011 Oct)
    6. Osteoarthritis Symptoms - Majeed A, Majeed S, Satish G, Manjunatha R, Rabbani SN, Patil NVP, Mundkur LA standardized Boswellia serrata extract shows improvements in knee osteoarthritis within five days-a double-blind, randomized, three-arm, parallel-group, multi-center, placebo-controlled trial.Front Pharmacol.(2024)
    7. Osteoarthritis Symptoms - Del Grossi Moura M, Lopes LC, Biavatti MW, Kennedy SA, de Oliveira E Silva MC, Silva MT, de Cássia Bergamaschi COral herbal medicines marketed in Brazil for the treatment of osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Phytother Res.(2017 Nov)
    8. Osteoarthritis Symptoms - Cameron M, Chrubasik SOral herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.(2014 May 22)
    9. Osteoarthritis Symptoms - Raveendhara R Bannuru, Mikala C Osani, Fatimah Al-Eid, Chenchen WangEfficacy of curcumin and Boswellia for knee osteoarthritis: Systematic review and meta-analysisSemin Arthritis Rheum.(2018 Dec)
    10. Osteoarthritis Symptoms - Dubey V, Kheni D, Sureja VEfficacy evaluation of standardized Boswellia serrata extract (Aflapin(Ⓡ)) in osteoarthritis: A systematic review and sub-group meta-analysis study.Explore (NY).(2024 Feb 10)
    11. Asthma Symptoms - Clark CE, Arnold E, Lasserson TJ, Wu THerbal interventions for chronic asthma in adults and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Prim Care Respir J.(2010 Dec)
    12. Asthma Symptoms - Gupta I, Gupta V, Parihar A, Gupta S, Lüdtke R, Safayhi H, Ammon HPEffects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical studyEur J Med Res.(1998 Nov 17)
    13. Skin Elasticity - Alessandra Pedretti, Rossana Capezzera, Cristina Zane, Elena Facchinetti, Piergiacomo Calzavara-PintonEffects of topical boswellic acid on photo and age-damaged skin: clinical, biophysical, and echographic evaluations in a double-blind, randomized, split-face studyPlanta Med.(2010 Apr)