Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Moderate evidenceJoints & skin

Boswellia Serrata

Boswellia resin extracts modestly reduce knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffness in placebo-controlled trials, usually within 4 weeks. The trials are small and mostly manufacturer-funded, so the size of the benefit is uncertain even though the direction is consistent.

What the science says

  • Knee osteoarthritis pain Moderate evidence

    A 2024 meta-analysis of 13 RCTs (850 patients for WOMAC, 1185 for VAS) found no significant overall effect because of extreme heterogeneity (p = 0.087 for WOMAC, p = 0.40 for VAS), but the placebo-controlled subgroup analysis and meta-regression did favour Boswellia on WOMAC. An earlier 2020 meta-analysis of RCTs likewise reported lower pain scores versus placebo.

  • Stiffness and physical function Moderate evidence

    Pooled analyses report improvements in WOMAC stiffness and function subscales and the Lequesne index, with separation from placebo often appearing by day 5-30 in trials of AKBA-enriched extracts (100-250 mg/day). Effect sizes are small to moderate and confidence intervals are wide.

  • Asthma, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory conditions Limited evidence

    These uses rest on a handful of small, mostly 1990s-2000s trials that have never been replicated with modern methodology. There is no reliable evidence Boswellia is useful for inflammatory bowel disease or asthma at present.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseAKBA-standardised extracts: 100-250 mg/day (e.g. 5-Loxin 100-250 mg, Aflapin 100 mg) taken once daily with food. Non-enriched extracts standardised to ~65% boswellic acids: 300-400 mg three times daily. Trials ran 4-12 weeks; absorption improves with a fat-containing meal.
SafetyGenerally well tolerated. The most common complaints are gastrointestinal: nausea, acid reflux, diarrhoea, and occasional skin rash. Boswellic acids inhibit several CYP450 enzymes and P-glycoprotein in vitro, so caution is warranted with narrow-therapeutic-index drugs (warfarin, ciclosporin, some statins). Traditionally regarded as an emmenagogue — avoid in pregnancy. Not prohibited in sport, but product quality varies widely and some cheap resins are adulterated.

Scientific references

Where to buy

Swanson Vitamins, Boswellia Serrata Extract, 125 mg, 60 Veggie Caps

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