Skip to content
    Back to Database
    Joint and Recovery IngredientsNatural

    Boswellia Serrata

    Also known as: Indian frankincense, Boswellic acids, AKBA

    Boswellic acids inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), reducing leukotriene synthesis. Several RCTs in knee osteoarthritis using extracts standardised to AKBA report symptom improvements versus placebo over 1–3 months.

    Last reviewed: 2026-10-06 · 0 indexed studies

    Evidence Score
    40/100
    Joint-comfort formulasInflammation-balance supplementsCurcumin combination products
    Data Completeness3/4 · 75%
    Evidence ScoreDosageSafetyLinked Studies

    Set your location for accurate regulatory status

    Saved on this device — no sign-in needed.

    Sign in to add to stack

    Overview

    Boswellia serrata resin is standardised for boswellic acids, particularly AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid). Human trials, mostly in osteoarthritis, report modest improvements in joint pain and function.

    Mechanism & Function

    Mechanism of Action

    AKBA and related boswellic acids inhibit 5-LOX, lowering pro-inflammatory leukotriene production — a pathway complementary to the COX pathway targeted by NSAIDs and curcumin.

    Physiological Role

    No physiological role; a resin-derived phytochemical.

    Primary Pathways

    5-lipoxygenase inhibitionLeukotriene synthesisNF-κB signalling (preclinical)

    Performance / Health Relevance

    Relevant to joint comfort and mobility in active and ageing populations.

    Evidence Review

    Overall40/100
    Human ClinicalN/A

    No human clinical studies indexed for this ingredient yet.

    Meta-AnalysisN/A

    No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.

    Mechanistic65/100
    Real-World0/100
    Safety80/100

    Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.

    Practical Use & Dosage

    Minimum Effective Dose
    ~100–250 mg/day of AKBA-standardised extract
    Optimal Range
    300–500 mg/day standardised extract
    Upper / Caution Level
    Generally well tolerated in trials up to ~1 g/day
    Timing
    Daily, with food
    Best Format
    Extract standardised for boswellic acids / AKBA
    Bioavailability
    Boswellic acids have moderate oral bioavailability; some enhanced-delivery forms exist.
    Absorption Considerations
    Fat-containing meals may improve absorption.

    Safety & Interactions

    Side Effects

    • •Mild GI upset
    • •Rare skin reactions

    Contraindications

    • Pregnancy (insufficient data)

    Drug Interactions

    • •None well established; theoretical additive effects with anti-inflammatory drugs

    Who Should Avoid

    • •Pregnant women

    Monitoring

    None routinely.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.

    When is Boswellia Serrata typically used or indicated?

    Boswellia Serrata is most commonly used for: Joint-comfort formulas, Inflammation-balance supplements, Curcumin combination products. No physiological role; a resin-derived phytochemical.

    How does Boswellia Serrata work?

    AKBA and related boswellic acids inhibit 5-LOX, lowering pro-inflammatory leukotriene production — a pathway complementary to the COX pathway targeted by NSAIDs and curcumin.

    What is the recommended dose of Boswellia Serrata?

    The optimal range is 300–500 mg/day standardised extract. with a minimum effective dose of ~100–250 mg/day of AKBA-standardised extract. Best taken: Daily, with food. Upper / caution level: Generally well tolerated in trials up to ~1 g/day.

    What are the side effects of Boswellia Serrata?

    Reported side effects include: Mild GI upset; and Rare skin reactions. Monitoring: None routinely.

    Does Boswellia Serrata interact with medications?

    Known or theoretical interactions: None well established; theoretical additive effects with anti-inflammatory drugs. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.

    Who should avoid Boswellia Serrata?

    Boswellia Serrata is generally not recommended for: Pregnant women; and Pregnancy (insufficient data).

    How strong is the evidence for Boswellia Serrata?

    Evidence level: Limited (overall score 40/100), based on 0 indexed studies on SuppIndex.

    Research & References (0)

    No studies match this filter

    Trademark Ingredients

    Bosflex branded ingredient logo by VitaActives

    Bosflex

    Manufacturer: VitaActives

    Rhuleave branded ingredient logo by VitaActives

    Rhuleave

    Manufacturer: VitaActives

    Related Ingredients

    Other top-rated ingredients in Joint and Recovery Ingredients.

    Collagen Peptides

    70/100

    Enzymatically hydrolyzed type I and III collagen yielding low-molecular-weight peptides (primarily glycine-proline-hydroxyproline tripeptides) that are absorbed intact and stimulate fibroblast collagen synthesis.

    Glucosamine Sulfate

    62/100

    An amino monosaccharide serving as the essential substrate for biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, the structural macromolecules of articular cartilage extracellular matrix.

    Tart Cherry Extract

    58/100

    A polyphenol-rich extract of Prunus cerasus containing anthocyanins (cyanidin glycosides) and trace melatonin, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and uricosuric properties.

    Research Overview

    Limited Evidence
    0Total Studies
    0Human Trials
    0Meta-Analyses
    —Latest Study
    0Animal / In Vitro
    0Athlete Studies
    Primary data sourceUnknown
    Pooled evidence (meta-analysis / systematic review)No

    Cite this ingredient

    One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.

    Stable URL

    https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/boswellia-serrata

    SuppIndex. (2026). Boswellia Serrata: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/boswellia-serrata

    Based on 0 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.

    Goal Ratings

    Recovery
    General Health

    Stack Compatibility

    Frequently combined with curcumin (e.g. turmeric + boswellia blends) for complementary 5-LOX/COX coverage.

    CurcuminGlucosamineHyaluronic Acid