Boswellia is a gum resin known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It comes from the Boswellia tree species and is also commonly known as Indian frankincense.
The resin from Boswellia serrata has been used for thousands of years in India for religious, medicinal, and ceremonial purposes. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, boswellia resin was used to reduce arthritis pain, skin diseases, and asthma.
Modern research shows that boswellia and its phytochemicals may be helpful for reducing inflammation, damaged skin, arthritis, and asthma symptoms.
In this article, we will look at the health benefits of boswellia, its safety, and history.
Table of Contents
What is Boswellia?
Boswellia is the resinous “sap” of the Boswellia tree. The boswellia species is a large deciduous tree that’s part of the Burseraceae family. These trees are native to India, the Middle East, and Northern Africa.
Other species of boswellia include:
- Boswellia frereana
- Boswellia sacra
- Boswellia papyrifera
The sap from these alternative species is medicinally interchangeable, however, Boswellia serrata is the most popular tree used for the extraction of boswellia gum resin.
Boswellia resin, also known as Indian frankincense, has a stimulating effect on the body and has been used to ease inflammation, especially in arthritic cases. It is also commonly used to support asthma symptoms (i.e. reduce inflammation) and skin health.
Modern research supports the age-old claims that boswellia has anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, skin-supporting, and antiasthmatic effects. Research also shows that Indian frankincense can help to healthy blood sugar levels as well.
These various health benefits of boswellia are attributed to the various terpenes and triterpenic acids present in boswellia, including:
- β-boswellic acid
- acetyl-β-boswellic acid
- 11-keto-β-boswellic acid
- acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid
Indian frankincense is a well-researched herb with many human clinical trials to support its traditional use. Many of its traditional uses have been scientifically tested (via human, animal and in vitro trials) and show promising results.
Health Benefits of Boswellia:
Below are the top researched-backed boswellia benefits for health.
1. May Reduce Inflammation
Indian frankincense has been used in both ancient and modern medicinal practices for reducing inflammation.
Inflammation is part of the body’s immune response – it plays a role in supporting the body’s healing process when exposed to trauma, infection, toxins, and physical overuse. Short-term inflammation is beneficial for physiological recovery, however, chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of painful symptoms over time.
In a recent 2019 study, researchers found that Boswellia serrata extract (containing 30% boswellic acids) was able to reduce symptoms for participants with osteoarthritis in their knees. The extract was able to increase knee mobility and reduce pain via inflammation reduction.
Another study observing individuals with knee osteoarthritis found that boswellic acid, in combination with MSM, was able to reduce inflammation in participants with pain and mobility issues. Participants were able to walk pain-free while taking this combination. The researchers noted that the benefits continued 4 months after treatment stopped.
Other research suggests that boswellia may be an effective herb for ulcerative colitis.
Researchers found that administering 350mg of Boswellia serrata resin 3x/day for 6 weeks reduced chronic inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis. Boswellic acids proved to inhibit the enzyme responsible for the inflammation response. The resin put 82% of subjects into remission, compared to the placebo which put 75% into remission.
An in vitro study showed that Boswellia serrata extract had an anti-inflammatory effect in cell cultures. The extract was able to neutralize inflammation and protect healthy cells.
Summary:
Clinical research suggests that boswellia extract, containing boswellic acids, can help to reduce inflammation.
2. Anti-Arthritic Properties
Traditional usage, as well as new research, shows that boswellia may be beneficial in decreasing arthritic inflammation and symptoms.
Arthritis is defined as acute, or chronic, inflammation of the joints, as well as the increasing loss of cartilage in the joints. It’s characterized by symptoms such as stiffness, localized joint pain, joint deformities, and limited range of motion. Arthritis is caused by lifestyle factors, genetics, and various environmental triggers.
In a recent study, Boswellia serrata extract (containing 30% boswellic acids) showed promise for reducing arthritic symptoms. The extract was able to reduce joint pain and improve mobility in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Boswellia’s anti-inflammatory effects were noted by researchers as being a key cause of improvement.
Another osteoarthritis study found that the combination of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and boswellic acid reduced pain symptoms such as morning stiffness, mobility, and joint pain in subjects aged 40-70. The trial was a comparison trial with some subjects taking only curcuminoids (CuraMed®), some taking curcuminoids and boswellic acid (Curamin®), and some taking a placebo. The curcuminoids and boswellic acid combination was found to be the most effective treatment.
In another osteoarthritis