आयुर्वेदिक उपचार
आयुर्वेदिक उपचार
12 Powerful Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices with Health Benefits
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine. It aims to preserve health and wellness by keeping the mind, body, and spirit in ...
boswellia
Human studies link <anchor>boswellia</anchor> to reduced pain, improved mobility, and a greater range of movement in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It may also help prevent oral infections and fight gingivitis (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20).
Boswellia: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More
- Health Conditions
- Discover
- Plan
- Connect

Subscribe

# Boswellia (Indian Frankincense)



Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Aaron Moncivaiz —  Updated on October 6, 2018

Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is an herbal extract from the Boswellia serrata tree. It may help reduce inflammation and benefit people with certain health conditions.

Resin made from boswellia extract has been used for centuries in Asian and African folk medicine. It’s believed to treat chronic inflammatory illnesses as well as a number of other health conditions. Boswellia is available as a resin, pill, or cream.

## What the research says

Studies show that boswellia may reduce inflammation and may be useful in treating the following conditions:

Because boswellia is an effective anti-inflammatory, it can be an effective painkiller and may prevent the loss of cartilage. Some studies have found that it may even be useful in treating certain cancers, such as leukemia and breast cancer.

Boswellia may interact with and decrease the effects of anti-inflammatory medications. Talk to your doctor before using boswellia products, especially if you’re taking other medications to treat inflammation.

## How boswellia works

Some research shows that boswellic acid can prevent the formation of leukotrienes in the body. Leukotrienes are molecules that have been identified as a cause of inflammation. They may trigger asthma symptoms.

Four acids in boswellia resin contribute to the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties. These acids inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), an enzyme that produces leukotriene. Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is thought to be the most powerful of the four boswellic acids. However, other research suggests other boswellic acids are responsible for the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties.

Boswellia products are generally rated on their concentration of boswellic acids.

## On OA

Many studies of boswellia’s effect on OA have found that it’s effective in treating OA pain and inflammation.

One 2003 study published in the journal Phytomedicine found that all 30 people with OA knee pain who received boswellia reported a decrease in knee pain. They also reported an increase in knee flexion and how far they could walk.

Newer studies support the continued use of boswellia for OA.

Another study, funded by a boswellia production company, found that increasing the dosage of enriched boswellia extract led to an increase in physical ability. OA knee pain decreased after 90 days with the boswellia product, compared to a lesser dosage and placebo. It also helped reduce the levels of a cartilage-degrading enzyme.

## On RA

Studies on the usefulness of boswellia in RA treatment have shown mixed results. An older study published in the Journal of Rheumatology found that boswellia helps to reduce RA joint swelling. Some research suggests that boswellia may interfere with the autoimmune process, which would make it an effective therapy for RA. Further research supports the effective anti-inflammatory and immune-balancing properties.

## On IBD

Due to the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties, boswellia may be effective in treating inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC).

A 2001 study compared H15, a special boswellia extract, to the anti-inflammatory prescription drug mesalamine (Apriso, Asacol HD). It showed that the boswellia extract may be effective in treating Crohn’s disease.

Several studies found the herb could be effective in treating UC as well. We’re just beginning to understand how the anti-inflammatory and immune-balancing effects of boswellia can improve the health of an inflamed bowel.

## On asthma

Boswellia can play a role in reducing leukotrienes, which causes bronchial muscles to contract. A 1998 study of the herb’s effect on bronchial asthma found that people who took boswellia experienced decreased asthma symptoms and indicators. This shows the herb could play an important role in treating bronchial asthma. Research continues and has shown the positive immune-balancing properties of boswellia can help the overreaction to environmental allergens that happens in asthma.

## On cancer

Boswellic acids act in a number of ways that may inhibit cancer growth. Boswellic acids have been shown to prevent certain enzymes from negatively affecting DNA.

## Dosage

Boswellia products can differ greatly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and remember to speak to your doctor before using any herbal therapy.

General dosing guidelines suggest taking 300–500 milligrams (mg) by mouth two to three times a day. The dosage may need to be higher for IBD.

The Arthritis Foundation suggests 300–400 mg three times per day of a product that contains 60 percent boswellic acids.

## Side effects

Boswellia may stimulate blood flow in the uterus and pelvis. It can accelerate menstrual flow and may induce miscarriage in pregnant women.

Other possible side effects of boswellia include:

### How we reviewed this article:

Sources

History

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

- Chopra A, et al. (2000). Randomized double blind trial of an Ayurvedicplant derived formulation for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis [Abstract].

- Gerbeth K, et al.(2013). In vitro metabolism,permeation, and brain availability of six major boswellic acids from Boswellia serrata gum resins. DOI:

- Gerhardt H, et al.(2001). Therapy of active Crohn’s disease with Boswellia serrata extract H15[Abstract]. DOI:

- Grover AK, et al. (2016). Benefits of antioxidantsupplements for knee osteoarthritis: rationale and reality. DOI:

- Gupta I, et al. (1998). Effects ofBoswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of adouble-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study.

- Gupta I, et al.(2001). Effects of gum resin of Boswelliaserrata in patients with chronic colitis [Abstract]. DOI:

- Indianfrankincense. (n.d.).

- Karimifar M, etal. (2017). Evaluation of the effect of Elaeagnusangustifolia alone and combined with Boswelliathurifera compared with ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis: arandomized double-blind controlled clinical trial. DOI:

- Kimmatkar N, etal. (2003). Efficacy and tolerability of Boswelliaserrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee - a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial[Abstract]. DOI:

- Mostafa DM, et al. (2015). Transdermal microemulsionsof Boswellia carterii Bird:formulation, characterization and in vivo evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity. DOI:

- Natural Standard. (2010). Natural standard herb & supplement guide - e-book:An evidence-based reference. Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby.

- Park B, et al. (2011). Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acidsuppresses invasion of pancreatic cancer cells through the downregulation ofCXCR4 chemokine receptor expression [Abstract]. DOI:

- Ranjbarnejad T, et al. (2017). Methanolic extract of Boswellia serrata exhibits anti-cancer activities by targeting microsomalprostaglandin E synthase-1 in human colon cancer cells. DOI:

- Sarkate A, et al. (2017). Investigation of mitigating effect ofcolon-specific prodrugs of boswellic acid on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonicacid-induced colitis in Wistar rats: Design, kinetics and biologicalevaluation. DOI:

- Singh S, et al. (2008). Boswellic acids: A leukotriene inhibitor alsoeffective through topical application in inflammatory disorders. DOI:

- Soni KK, et al. (2015). Boswellia serrata and Ocimum sanctum extractsreduce inflammation in an ova-induced asthma model of BALB/c mice. DOI:

- Suhail MM, et al. (2011). Boswellia sacra essential oil induces tumor cell-specific apoptosisand suppresses tumor aggressiveness in cultured human breast cancer cells. DOI:

- Umar S, et al. (2014). Boswelliaserrata extract attenuates inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress incollagen induced arthritis. DOI:

- Vishal AA, et al. (2011). A double blind, randomized, placebo controlledclinical study evaluates the early efficacy of Aflapin in subjects withosteoarthritis of knee. DOI:

Share this article



Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Aaron Moncivaiz —  Updated on October 6, 2018

### Read this next



Written by Franziska Spritzler

© 2024 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information.

OUR BRANDS