Botanical

Boswellia

Boswellia serrata gum resin extract (Indian frankincense)

An extract of the gum resin of the Boswellia serrata tree, which grows in India, North Africa and the Middle East.

Evidence
C Promising small trials, mostly low quality; better studies needed
Studied for
Joint comfort and stiffness

What studies found

A 2020 review pooled 7 trials with 545 people with osteoarthritis. Boswellia was linked to less pain and stiffness and better joint function, after at least 4 weeks. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that most studies are small and low quality, and larger, better studies are needed.

How much is in our products

ProductAmount
Joint Health 100 mg per capsule (boswellic acid content not stated)

In studies: Trials used different extracts at amounts up to about 1,000 mg a day, for up to 6 months.

Our 100 mg is at the low end of studied amounts, and the label doesn't state its boswellic acid content.

Who should take care

Boswellia may affect platelets and could add to bleeding risk, so ask first if you take blood thinners such as warfarin or have surgery coming up. Talk with your doctor first if you have asthma or take asthma medicine. Little is known about medicinal amounts in pregnancy or breastfeeding. It's generally well tolerated; mild stomach upset or constipation has been reported.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting a supplement if you take any medicine, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.

Read more in our guides

Sources

  1. Yu G, et al. 2020. Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
  2. NCCIH 2025. Boswellia
  3. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center 2026. Boswellia (About Herbs database)

This page is for general education and isn't medical advice. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.