Boswellia
Boswellia is the resin of Boswellia trees, mainly Boswellia serrata, also known as frankincense. It is mostly studied for inflammation and osteoarthritis pain.
Also listed as Indian Frankincense, Salai, Salai Guggul, Gajabhakshya
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
What is Boswellia?
Boswellia supplements contain extracts of tree resin, commonly from Boswellia serrata. The resin is also called frankincense. Research has focused on its possible anti-inflammatory effects and symptoms such as osteoarthritis pain. 1
Key studies
The most recent publications linked to Boswellia's ratings.
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Is Boswellia the same as frankincense?
Frankincense is the resin obtained from Boswellia trees; supplements commonly use extracts of that resin. 1
How long did the knee trial last?
The cited 5-Loxin trial lasted 90 days. Its findings concern symptoms during that study, not a guaranteed lasting benefit. 2
Does it rebuild knee cartilage?
The cited trial measured pain, function and a cartilage-degrading enzyme marker. A change in that marker does not demonstrate cartilage regrowth. 2
Does the gut trial prove Boswellia works alone?
No. It tested Boswellia together with turmeric and a dietary intervention, so the ingredients’ separate effects remain unresolved. 3
