Boswellia Benefits for Inflammation, Side Effects and Dosage

For years Ayurvedic practitioners have used Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, to calm aching joints and irritated tissue. Now science is backing up many of its traditional uses, especially for inflammation.

What’s exciting about Boswellia is its selectivity. Extracted from trees in the dry mountains of India, Boswellia resin has compounds that target specific inflammatory pathways at the cellular level.

As research links chronic inflammation to accelerated aging and other health issues, understanding Boswellia’s mechanisms becomes even more important.

In this guide we’ll dive into the science backed benefits of Boswellia, its mechanism of action, side effects, dosage and more.

What is Boswellia?

Boswellia, known traditionally as Indian frankincense, is a resin extracted from the Boswellia serrata tree native to India.¹ This tree thrives in dry mountainous regions and the resin has been used for centuries in traditional medicine especially in Ayurveda.

The key active compounds in Boswellia are boswellic acids.² These are believed to be responsible for most of the resin’s effects, especially the anti-inflammatory ones. Researchers have identified several types of these acids and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is the most potent.

Boswellic acids work mainly by inhibiting inflammatory enzymes like 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO).³ This enzyme is involved in producing leukotrienes which are molecules that promote inflammation.

By blocking 5-LO, boswellic acids may help reduce inflammation and related symptoms. This is different from common anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs which may contribute to Boswellia’s fewer side effects on the stomach.

4 Health Benefits of Boswellia

Research suggests that Boswellia may offer a range of health benefits. This ancient resin is gaining popularity as a natural remedy that may help fight inflammation, support brain health, soothe the gut, and even potentially play a role in cancer prevention and immune function.

 Let’s explore the effects of Boswellia serrata each one by one.

May Help Combat Inflammation and Arthritis

Boswellia serrata and its extracts have been researched for anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis properties. Boswellic acids in Boswellia have been shown to help manage osteoarthritis (OA) by reducing pain, stiffness and improving joint function.

A systematic review and meta-analysis looked at multiple clinical trials on Boswellia serrata and its effects on OA.⁴ The results consistently showed that Boswellia extract reduced pain and joint stiffness more than a placebo or other treatments.

Patients reported noticeable pain scores and the studies had low adverse events. Based on this evidence the review concluded that Boswellia is a good and safe option for OA symptoms.

Backing this up, a pilot study confirmed Boswellia serrata extract improved physical function and reduced inflammatory markers in patients with knee OA.⁵ This 120 day double-blind placebo-controlled trial was the longest of its kind and had 48 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

The standardized Boswellia extract contained specific bioactive compounds: 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBBA) and β-boswellic acid (BBA). These compounds worked synergistically to deliver significant improvements compared to placebo:

• Reduced pain and stiffness

• Improved physical function

• Increased knee joint gap

• Decreased osteophyte formation

• Lower levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein

The study demonstrated both the safety and effectiveness of long-term Boswellia supplementation for managing osteoarthritis symptoms and addressing underlying inflammation.

Besides oral supplementation, research has shown that topical boswellic acids demonstrated comparable anti-inflammatory efficacy to systemic administration in multiple experimental models.⁶ These findings collectively suggest Boswellia’s usefulness as a natural compound for managing inflammatory conditions through multiple delivery methods.

Promising Neuroprotective Properties

Boswellic acids have also been looked into for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD).⁷ Research has been done mainly in lab and animal models to see how they would tackle the disease.

Studies show boswellic acids can reduce amyloid-beta buildup, protect neurons from its toxicity and regulate inflammation in brain immune cells. A study in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy further supports this, boswellic acids neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer’s models.

In Alzheimer’s mouse models they have even reduced amyloid plaque and improved cognitive function.

Could Support Gastrointestinal Health

Boswellia serrata has been shown to protect the intestinal epithelial barrier from oxidative and inflammatory damage and is beneficial for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). It keeps the integrity and function of the intestinal epithelium by preventing the disassembly of tight junction proteins and reducing oxidative stress.

A study in PLoS One found that Boswellia serrata extract protects the intestinal barrier function and may be useful for IBD.⁸

Researchers found that Boswellia serrata oleo-gum extract (BSE) and its derivative Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) protected gut cells from damage caused by inflammation.

The Boswellia extract helped maintain the integrity of the gut lining by preserving its tightness and reducing leakiness, as well as reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, indicating a potential mechanism for its protective effects.

Potential Anti-Cancer and Immune Modulation Effects

Frankincense, derived from Boswellia species, has shown potential in cancer therapy due to its ability to inhibit leukotriene synthesis, oxidative stress, and modulate immune responses.⁹ It has demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials for conditions like multiple sclerosis and asthma, although its full potential in cancer therapy requires further investigation.

Boswellic acids also modulate the immune system by affecting cytokine production and enhancing phagocytosis, which could contribute to their therapeutic effects in chronic inflammatory diseases.¹⁰

While more research is needed, these findings provide insights into the potential anti-cancer and immune-modulating mechanisms of Boswellia and its constituents. 

Is Boswellia Safe?

Boswellia has a good safety profile in many clinical trials, especially for osteoarthritis. Clinical trials show that extract of Boswellia has a similar safety profile to placebo, with no significant differences in safety outcomes when compared to placebo.¹¹

This suggests it is generally well tolerated by most people without worrying about the side effects of NSAIDs. For example, in a knee osteoarthritis trial published in Arthritis Research & Therapy, people taking a specific Boswellia serrata extract (5-Loxin Advanced) had the same rate of mild side effects as those taking a placebo.

While Boswellia is safe for most people, individual results may vary, some people may experience mild side effects such as digestive discomfort or skin reactions.

Boswellia Side Effects

Boswellia has anti-inflammatory benefits as shown in multiple studies. But knowing its entire safety profile is key to using it optimally.

Most common side effects are mild and temporary:

• Occasional nausea: Some may feel mild nausea after taking Boswellia.

• Digestive adjustments: Users may notice changes in digestion, bloating or mild discomfort.

• Temporary skin responses: Others may experience mild and temporary skin reactions, rashes or irritation.

Boswellia may also interact with medications like NSAIDs. So if you’re taking these medications, you should consult with your doctor or health professional before starting Boswellia supplementation.

Pregnancy adds extra precautions too. Scientific evidence suggests Boswellia may be a uterine stimulant.¹² So medical guidance is recommended if you plan to take Boswellia while pregnant.

After all, supplementation begins with personalized guidance.

Your unique health profile – current medications, baseline biomarkers, wellness goals – is the blueprint for optimizing Boswellia use.

How to Take Boswellia

Boswellia comes in many forms to fit your needs. Standardized extracts in capsules and tablets give you a consistent dose of boswellic acids, while powders let you mix with food and drink. Topicals like creams and gels allow for targeted treatment of inflammation for joint and muscle discomfort.

Boswellia may work better with other anti-inflammatory compounds. Scientific research shows turmeric is a great companion, as its curcuminoids work through different pathways to reduce inflammation.

That’s why our Extra Strength Turmeric supplement combines high-potency Boswellia extract with turmeric (95% curcuminoids), ginger root and quercetin. Piperine enhances bioavailability of these compounds so they’re absorbed and effective for joint support and inflammation management.

Always follow product specific dosing guidelines whether taking orally or topically. Topicals should be tested on a small area of skin first to check for sensitivity, especially with combination products that have additional active ingredients.

Dosage Considerations

According to Phytotherapy Research, the recommended dose for osteoarthritis is 300-500 mg of Boswellia extract, 2-3 times a day.¹³ This dose has been shown to reduce pain and improve joint function in people with knee osteoarthritis.

The time it takes for Boswellia to work can also vary. Some studies have shown improvement in osteoarthritis symptoms in 7 days, others in 4 weeks.¹⁴

Always follow the label instructions or as directed by a healthcare provider as Boswellia supplements are not FDA regulated and quality and potency can vary between products.

Individual results may vary and it may take several weeks to experience full benefits. So always consult with a qualified health professional before starting any new supplement.

Does Boswellia Help Relieve Inflammation?

Scientific evidence strongly supports Boswellia’s role in managing inflammation through multiple pathways, notably its ability to inhibit the 5-LO enzyme and reduce inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein.

But inflammation is a complex process that varies significantly between individuals. While Boswellia shows promise, the key to optimizing its benefits lies in understanding your personal inflammatory profile.

This is where comprehensive biomarker testing becomes invaluable.

By measuring key inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α through cellular inflammation tests like Jinfiniti’s AgingSOS® Senescence Panel, you can establish your baseline inflammatory status and track how interventions like Boswellia supplementation affect your body’s inflammatory response.

This data-driven approach takes the guesswork out of supplementation, allowing you to fine-tune your anti-inflammatory strategy based on objective measurements rather than subjective symptoms alone.

Remember, inflammation exists on a spectrum, and what works for one person may not work for another. By combining targeted supplementation with regular biomarker monitoring, you can develop a precise, personalized approach to managing inflammation and supporting your long-term health.

FAQs

Does Boswellia Affect Sleep?

A study showed that taking Boswellia, especially when paired with an omega-3 product, helped people fall asleep faster (that’s what we call sleep latency).¹⁵ While the results look promising, we’ll need more research to see if it works this well for different groups of people.

Does Boswellia Raise Blood Pressure?

Boswellia actually helps lower and control blood pressure, not raise it. This makes it a good option if you have high blood pressure or metabolic syndrome.¹⁶

Does Boswellia Help You Lose Weight?

Boswellia serrata can help with weight loss in a few key ways: it brings down markers linked to obesity,¹⁷ helps your metabolism work better, and changes the balance of bacteria in your gut. These benefits come mainly from its ability to fight inflammation and act as an antioxidant.

Can Boswellia Repair Joints?

Studies show that Boswellia helps joints work better. We can see this in the scores from standard tests like WOMAC and the Lequesne Functional Index. This means people with OA can move around more easily and have less trouble with daily activities.

Referenced Sources:

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