Boswellia Benefits: What the Evidence Shows

Quick answer

Boswellia benefits, in short: Boswellia (also called Indian frankincense, from the resin of Boswellia serrata) is sold as an extract for joint comfort. Its best evidence is for knee osteoarthritis pain and function. Several meta-analyses found benefits over placebo [1][2][4], but one found no significant overall effect because the trials differed so much [3]. Most trials are small and of low quality [1]. LiverTox, a US database of drug-related liver injury, reports no link between Boswellia extracts and liver problems [5]. We rate the evidence C: some positive results, with mixed findings and many gaps.

What is boswellia?

Boswellia is a gum-like resin from the bark of the Boswellia serrata tree, native to India, the Middle East and North Africa. It is rich in triterpenic acids and has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for inflammatory conditions [5]. Supplements use resin extracts that are often standardized to a set amount of active acids, so products and trial results differ.

Boswellia benefits: what might it help with?

Possible benefit	Rating	In plain words
Knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffness	Promising	Better than placebo in 3 of 4 meta-analyses, but trials are small and varied [1][2][3][4]
Knee joint function	Promising	Better WOMAC function scores in two meta-analyses [2][4]
Other joint, gut or lung problems	Early	We found no meta-analysis of human trials to rate this

Ratings describe how good the research is, not a promise that it will work for you.

What the research says

• With curcumin, 11 trials (1,009 people). Boswellia and curcuminoid products were each better than placebo for pain and function. Study quality was low and most trials had fewer than 100 people. The authors said the evidence was not large or good enough for clinical recommendations [1]. PubMed · DOI
• Boswellia alone, 7 trials (545 people). Pain, stiffness and function scores improved versus control. For example, pain on a visual scale was 8.3 points lower. The authors suggested treatment for at least 4 weeks [2]. PubMed · DOI
• A mixed result, 13 trials. Overall, the difference was not significant for WOMAC or pain scores because of high variation between trials. Subgroup analyses found a benefit [3]. PubMed · DOI
• Newer analysis, 20 trials (1,633 people). Modified (better-absorbed) Boswellia extracts improved WOMAC pain, stiffness and function. The reviewers saw no significant difference in side effects between groups [4]. PubMed · DOI
• Liver safety. LiverTox reports that Boswellia serrata extracts have not been linked to raised liver enzymes or to clinically apparent liver injury [5]. PubMed

The key limits: results depend on the extract used, and most trials are small and of low quality. The benefits seen are changes in symptom scores, not proof of joint protection.

Amounts and how people take it

These are amounts used in studies, not recommendations.

• Study amounts: the reviews pooled many extracts and doses, and we didn’t find one agreed dose [1][2][4].
• Duration: one review suggested at least 4 weeks of use to see an effect [2].
• Type matters: the newer analysis found benefits mainly with modified formulations [4]. Compare the extract and standardization on the label.

Side effects, interactions and who should check first

Across the meta-analyses, serious side effects weren’t reported, and one found no significant difference in side effects compared with other groups [4]. The curcumin-and-boswellia analysis likewise found no significant difference from placebo in safety outcomes [1]. Trials mostly lasted weeks to months, so long-term safety is less clear, and we found no verified list of drug interactions.

Who should check with a doctor or pharmacist first

Check with a doctor or pharmacist first if you:

• take any regular medicine, including painkillers, as we found no verified interaction data
• are pregnant or breastfeeding, because we found no verified safety data
• have a liver condition, even though LiverTox reports no link to liver injury [5]
• have a long-term health condition, or have joint pain that is new, severe or getting worse
• are under 18

Where to buy

Look for the active form and amount (Boswellia serrata extract, and the % of boswellic acids, in mg per serving), a stated third-party testing certificate you can check, and work out the price per daily dose rather than comparing pack prices.

FAQ

What is boswellia?

Boswellia (also called Indian frankincense) is a gum-like resin from the bark of the Boswellia serrata tree, native to India, the Middle East and North Africa. It has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine [5], and supplements use extracts that are often standardized to a set amount of active acids, so products and trial results differ.

Does boswellia work?

For knee osteoarthritis pain and function, three of four meta-analyses found better scores than placebo [1][2][4], but one found no significant overall difference because the trials varied so much [3]. Most trials are small and of low quality [1]. The benefits are changes in symptom scores, not proof of joint protection. We rate the evidence C.

How much boswellia per day?

We didn’t find one agreed dose, because the reviews pooled many extracts and doses [1][2][4]. One review suggested at least 4 weeks of use to see an effect [2], and the newer analysis found benefits mainly with modified formulations [4]. Compare the extract and standardization on the label. These are not recommendations.

Who should not take boswellia?

Check with a doctor or pharmacist first if you take any regular medicine, including painkillers, are pregnant, breastfeeding or under 18, have a liver condition, or have a long-term condition or joint pain that is new, severe or getting worse. LiverTox reports no link to liver injury [5], but trials mostly lasted weeks to months, so long-term safety is less clear.

Can you take boswellia with Eliquis?

We found no verified interaction data for boswellia and any medicine, including Eliquis (apixaban), so we can’t say whether the combination is safe. The meta-analyses reported no serious side effects [1][4], but trials were short. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before combining boswellia with a blood thinner or any regular medicine.

Related pages

• MSM
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• Collagen
• Longevity supplements for beginners: where this fits in a beginner’s routine
• All supplements A-Z

Talk to your doctor

This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take any medicine, or have a health condition.

References

We cite only studies and official pages we checked against PubMed, the publisher or the agency’s own site. The A to E evidence grades are explained in our editorial policy. See also our medical disclaimer and affiliate disclosure.

1. Bannuru RR, Osani MC, Al-Eid F, et al. Efficacy of curcumin and Boswellia for knee osteoarthritis: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2018. PubMed · DOI
2. Yu G, Xiang W, Zhang T, et al. Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020. PubMed · DOI
3. Dalmonte T, Andreani G, Rudelli C, et al. Efficacy of Extracts of Oleogum Resin of Boswellia in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phytother Res. 2024. PubMed · DOI
4. Inprasit C, Bunyamahote S, Boonpattharatthiti K, et al. Evaluating the efficacy and safety of Curcuma longa, Boswellia serrata, and their mixed formulation in treating knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2026. PubMed · DOI
5. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Boswellia Serrata. In: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury (NCBI Bookshelf). Bethesda (MD): NIDDK. 2012. PubMed record