Boswellia
Description
Boswellia refers to an oleo-gum-resin extracted from the bark of trees belonging to the *Boswellia* genus, most notably *Boswellia serrata*. Native to India, Africa, and the Middle East, this botanical has been a cornerstone of traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, where it's valued for its purported health benefits. The primary active compounds in Boswellia are boswellic acids, particularly acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), which are believed to modulate inflammatory pathways in the body. These compounds interact with various cellular processes, helping to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory molecules and support overall cellular health. Modern scientific research continues to explore Boswellia's potential in supporting joint comfort, digestive health, and respiratory function, making it a popular ingredient in dietary supplements aimed at managing inflammatory responses and promoting general well-being.
Sources
Boswellia serrata tree resinBoswellia carteri tree resinBoswellia sacra tree resin
Cheapest Boswellia supplements
Best Boswellia Supplements
Value Boswellia supplements
Timing & Intake
AnytimeWith foodTake with Healthy fats (to enhance absorption)
May be taken with meals to enhance absorption and minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort.
Optimal Dosage
Minimum300 mg
Maximum500 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Goals
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:300–900 mg
Boswellia serrata extract, also known as Indian frankincense, provides potent relief, especially for joint-related inflammation and pain. Its unique mechanism of inhibiting the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzyme makes it an excellent complement to curcumin, providing a more comprehensive anti-inflammatory effect.
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Digestive Health
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:300–900 mg
Boswellia serrata extract contains boswellic acids, which are potent inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), an enzyme that produces inflammatory leukotrienes. This mechanism is distinct from many other anti-inflammatories and is particularly relevant in certain inflammatory gut conditions.
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Joint Health
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:300–1000 mg
Boswellia serrata extract, standardized for its active compounds like AKBA, has demonstrated strong clinical results in improving joint comfort and function, often showing noticeable benefits within a week. It works synergistically with curcumin for broader anti-inflammatory coverage.
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Anti-Aging
Impact
Moderate effect
Boswellia serrata extract contains boswellic acids, which inhibit the pro-inflammatory enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). This mechanism is distinct from many other anti-inflammatories, making it an excellent partner for curcumin. It is clinically effective for reducing joint pain and stiffness, key issues that affect quality of life during aging.
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Interactions
Positive Interactions
Curcumin
May enhance anti-inflammatory effects, as both compounds target different inflammatory pathways synergistically for joint and overall inflammatory support.
Ginger
May amplify collective anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, providing enhanced support for conditions involving inflammation.
Bromelain
May enhance the absorption of boswellic acids and offer additional anti-inflammatory and pain management benefits, creating a beneficial synergy.
Turmeric
Can work synergistically with Boswellia to provide comprehensive anti-inflammatory support through different mechanisms.
Recommended products
Best 
Curcumax Pro
Integrative Therapeutics
Boswellia: 100 mg
A premium, highly bioavailable blend of specialized Turmeric (Meriva) and Boswellia (ApresFlex) extracts, designed for superior absorption and potent support.
Best 
Boswellin 300 mg
NaturesPlus Herbal Actives
Boswellia: 300 mg
A standardized Boswellin extract at 300mg per serving, providing targeted support from this traditional herb.
Best 
No. 7
Solgar
Boswellia: 100 mg
A premium, comprehensive joint support blend featuring 5-Loxin Boswellia, UC-II cartilage, and other botanicals, offering robust comfort and mobility benefits.
Best 
HLA Joint Support
Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories
Boswellia: 300 mg
This product provides a blend of botanicals like Boswellia (WokVel) and Curcumin with structural components like Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, and Keratin (Cynatine FLX) to support joint comfort and overall connective tissue health.
Value 
Osteo Bi-Flex Triple Strength + Vitamin D
Osteo Bi-Flex
Boswellia: 100 mg
This supplement offers a complete formula with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Boswellia, and Vitamin D to support joint comfort, flexibility, and strong bones.
Best 
Phyto UltraComfort
Pure Encapsulations
Boswellia: 200 mg
A high-end, multi-botanical formula with two forms of Boswellia, Willow Bark, Turmeric, and Devil's Claw, offering comprehensive support for comfort and well-being.
Value 
Boswellia Extract 450 mg
Solaray
Boswellia: 450 mg
A potent herbal blend featuring a high dose of Boswellia (900mg) combined with Devil's Claw (250mg) for strong, comprehensive support of joint and inflammatory health at an exceptional value.
Value 
Osteo Bi-Flex Triple Strength + Vitamin D
Osteo Bi-Flex
Boswellia: 100 mg
This supplement provides a comprehensive blend of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Boswellia, and Vitamin D for everyday joint comfort, flexibility, and bone health support.
Best 
EnteroMend Orange Vanilla Flavored
Thorne
Boswellia: 250 mg
This product provides a comprehensive blend of ingredients like L-Glutamine, fiber, aloe, curcumin, and boswellia phytosomes, primarily aiming to support digestive health and offer broad anti-inflammatory benefits.
Best 
Boswellia Extract 500 mg
California Gold Nutrition
Boswellia: 500 mg
A powerful blend of standardized Boswellin extract and a comprehensive Turmeric complex, offering robust anti-inflammatory support.
Value 
Boswellia Extract 400 mg
Vital Nutrients
Boswellia: 400 mg
This product provides 400 mg of Boswellia serrata extract per capsule for general wellness support, but lacks clear standardization of its active compounds.
Budget 
Boswellia 400 mg
Swanson
Boswellia: 800 mg
A cost-effective, high-dose Boswellia serrata powder, providing 800mg per serving for broad support.
Budget 
Boswellia Extract
SuperiorLabs
Boswellia: 500 mg
This product offers a strong dose of standardized Boswellic Acid for anti-inflammatory and joint support, complemented by black pepper for absorption and a small amount of L-Leucine.
Budget 
Full Spectrum Boswellia & Curcumin
Swanson Premium Brand
Boswellia: 300 mg
A budget-friendly blend of full-spectrum Boswellia and Turmeric powders, offering a foundational level of support.
Budget 
Boswellia Resin Extract
Solgar
Boswellia: 350 mg
This product delivers a combination of standardized Boswelic Acid extract and whole Boswellia powder, making it a good choice for those seeking concentrated Boswellia support.
Budget 
Turmeric Boswellia & Tart Cherry Full Spectrum
Swanson
Boswellia: 200 mg
An affordable multi-herb blend featuring full-spectrum Boswellia, Tart Cherry, and Turmeric for general comfort and well-being.
Best 
Boswellia Phytosome
Thorne
Boswellia: 350 mg
A premium Boswellia supplement using an advanced Phytosome Complex for enhanced absorption, offering highly effective support for joint and inflammatory health.
Best 
Joint Support
NOW
Boswellia: 200 mg
This supplement provides a comprehensive mix of targeted joint support ingredients like Glucosamine and Boswellin, complemented by a range of essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.
Best 
Boswellia AKBA
Pure Encapsulations
Boswellia: 100 mg
A premium Boswellia supplement featuring 100mg of 5-LOXIN extract, known for its high AKBA content, offering targeted and potent support for inflammatory and joint health from a trusted brand.
Budget 
Boswellia Extract 600 mg
Herbal Secrets
Boswellia: 600 mg
A high-dose 600mg Boswellia extract, standardized for Boswellic Acids, offering potent support for joint and inflammatory health at an exceptionally low price.
Budget 
Boswellia 300 mg
Health Thru Nutrition Naturally
Boswellia: 300 mg
A basic Boswellia powder supplement at 300mg per serving, suitable for those seeking a simple, single-ingredient option.
Budget 
Boswellia Serrata
Swanson
Boswellia: 300 mg
A balanced Boswellia product combining traditional powder with a standardized Boswellin extract for enhanced potency and full-spectrum benefits.
Budget 
Full Spectrum Boswellia Double Strength
Swanson
Boswellia: 800 mg
A high-dose, full-spectrum Boswellia serrata powder, offering significant quantity at a very low price.
Budget 
Boswellia Extract 500 mg
NOW
Boswellia: 500 mg
A high-potency Boswellia extract delivering 500mg of Boswellic Acid, offering strong support at an exceptionally affordable price with extensive customer satisfaction.
Value 
Boswellia Serrata Extract 125 mg
Swanson Ultra
Boswellia: 125 mg
A high-quality Boswellia supplement utilizing 5-Loxin, a specialized extract standardized for potent AKBA, for targeted support.
Product stats
Price per product
Average$35.10
Median$28.99
Price per serving
Average$0.77
Median$0.66
Price per 100 mg
Average$0.53
Median$0.39
Price distribution
Price per serving distribution
Price per 100 mg
Reference amount: 100 mg
Forms
Paired ingredients
Ingredient forms
boswellic acids (13) 75
Boswellic acids are the principal bioactive components found in the resin of the Boswellia serrata plant. This family of pentacyclic triterpenoids includes several distinct compounds such as Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), β-boswellic acid, α-boswellic acid, and their acetylated derivatives. They exert anti-inflammatory effects primarily through the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase and potentially other pathways like NF-κB, offering a broader spectrum of action than a single compound.
Pros
- Represents the full spectrum of active compounds
- Recognized for synergistic effects
- Strong scientific backing for anti-inflammatory action
Cons
- Potency and specific composition can vary widely if not standardized
- May not guarantee high levels of specific potent acids like AKBA
Per product
Avg$55.71
Med$55.99
Per serving
Avg$1.00
Med$1.15
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.55
Med$0.39
Price distribution
Boswellic Acids (13) 75
Boswellic acids are the principal bioactive components found in the resin of the Boswellia serrata plant. This family of pentacyclic triterpenoids includes several distinct compounds such as Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), β-boswellic acid, α-boswellic acid, and their acetylated derivatives. They exert anti-inflammatory effects primarily through the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase and potentially other pathways like NF-κB, offering a broader spectrum of action than a single compound.
Pros
- Represents the full spectrum of active compounds
- Recognized for synergistic effects
- Strong scientific backing for anti-inflammatory action
Cons
- Potency and specific composition can vary widely if not standardized
- May not guarantee high levels of specific potent acids like AKBA
Per product
Avg$55.71
Med$55.99
Per serving
Avg$1.00
Med$1.15
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.55
Med$0.39
Price distribution
Boswellic Acid (11) 75
Boswellic acids are the principal bioactive components found in the resin of the Boswellia serrata plant. This family of pentacyclic triterpenoids includes several distinct compounds such as Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), β-boswellic acid, α-boswellic acid, and their acetylated derivatives. They exert anti-inflammatory effects primarily through the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase and potentially other pathways like NF-κB, offering a broader spectrum of action than a single compound.
Pros
- Represents the full spectrum of active compounds
- Recognized for synergistic effects
- Strong scientific backing for anti-inflammatory action
Cons
- Potency and specific composition can vary widely if not standardized
- May not guarantee high levels of specific potent acids like AKBA
Per product
Avg$33.54
Med$21.99
Per serving
Avg$0.21
Med$0.18
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.03
Med$0.03
Price distribution
Boswellia serrata extract (6) 78
Boswellia serrata extract is obtained by processing the gum resin exuded by the Boswellia serrata tree. This extract contains a complex mixture of compounds, including boswellic acids, volatile oils, and polysaccharides. Its therapeutic efficacy is primarily attributed to the boswellic acids, which inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes like 5-lipoxygenase. The quality and potency of the extract largely depend on its standardization, typically to a certain percentage of total boswellic acids or specific key acids like AKBA.
Pros
- Readily available and widely studied
- Provides a full spectrum of resin compounds
- Can be standardized for consistency
Cons
- Efficacy can vary significantly if not standardized to specific boswellic acid content
- May contain inactive compounds
Per product
Avg$24.16
Med$19.19
Per serving
Avg$0.48
Med$0.52
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.43
Med$0.43
Price distribution
organic Acids (4) 60
In the context of Boswellia, 'organic acids' generally refers to a wide range of acidic compounds naturally present in the plant's resin. While boswellic acids are indeed organic acids, this term on its own is not specific enough to indicate the presence or concentration of the primary therapeutic compounds (boswellic acids, especially AKBA). An extract labeled simply as 'organic acids' from Boswellia might contain boswellic acids, but without further standardization or specification, its potency and therapeutic efficacy would be uncertain compared to forms specifically standardized for boswellic acids.
Pros
- Represents a natural component of the resin
- May contribute to general health benefits
Cons
- Lacks specificity regarding the presence or concentration of active boswellic acids
- Therapeutic efficacy is uncertain without standardization
Per product
Avg$18.56
Med$15.29
Per serving
Avg$0.25
Med$0.27
Per 1000 mg
Avg$0.25
Med$0.27
Price distribution
AKBA (3) 95
AKBA stands for Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, a specific pentacyclic triterpene found in the resin of Boswellia serrata. It is recognized as one of the most therapeutically active and potent boswellic acids, primarily due to its strong and direct inhibitory action on the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). 5-LO is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes, which are potent mediators of inflammation, particularly in conditions like asthma, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Products standardized for high AKBA content are highly valued for their efficacy.
Pros
- Highest known potency among boswellic acids
- Strong scientific evidence for anti-inflammatory effects
- Often standardized for consistent dosage
Cons
- Can be more expensive than general extracts
- May be isolated from other potentially synergistic boswellic acids
Per product
Avg$32.59
Med$26.33
Per serving
Avg$0.80
Med$0.83
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.06
Med$0.06
Price distribution
Alpha Boswellic Acid (3) 78
Alpha-boswellic acid (α-boswellic acid) is another important boswellic acid constituent of Boswellia serrata resin. Like beta-boswellic acid, it is a part of the complex mixture of triterpenoids that give Boswellia its therapeutic properties. While it shares structural similarities with other boswellic acids and contributes to the overall anti-inflammatory action, its specific individual potency and mechanisms of action compared to AKBA or even β-boswellic acid are areas of ongoing research. It is typically found alongside other boswellic acids in extracts.
Pros
- An active component of the Boswellia complex
- Contributes to the overall anti-inflammatory and beneficial effects of the plant
Cons
- Less extensively studied for individual potency compared to AKBA
- Often present in lower concentrations than beta-boswellic acid
Per product
Avg$69.93
Med$62.90
Per serving
Avg$1.59
Med$1.57
Per 1000 mg
Avg$1.33
Med$1.31
Price distribution
Beta Boswellic Acid (3) 80
Beta-boswellic acid (β-boswellic acid) is a significant boswellic acid present in the resin of Boswellia serrata. While it contributes to the overall anti-inflammatory effects of Boswellia, its mechanism and potency differ somewhat from AKBA. Beta-boswellic acid is known to inhibit certain inflammatory enzymes and pathways, though its direct inhibitory effect on 5-lipoxygenase is generally considered less potent than that of AKBA. It often occurs in higher concentrations in general Boswellia extracts compared to AKBA.
Pros
- A key active component of Boswellia
- Contributes significantly to the anti-inflammatory profile
- Well-researched component of the boswellic acid complex
Cons
- Generally less potent than AKBA
- Often found as part of a mixture rather than isolated, which could be a pro or con depending on desired effect
Per product
Avg$69.93
Med$62.90
Per serving
Avg$1.59
Med$1.57
Per 1000 mg
Avg$1.33
Med$1.31
Price distribution
Beta-Boswellic Acids (2) 80
Beta-boswellic acid (β-boswellic acid) is a significant boswellic acid present in the resin of Boswellia serrata. While it contributes to the overall anti-inflammatory effects of Boswellia, its mechanism and potency differ somewhat from AKBA. Beta-boswellic acid is known to inhibit certain inflammatory enzymes and pathways, though its direct inhibitory effect on 5-lipoxygenase is generally considered less potent than that of AKBA. It often occurs in higher concentrations in general Boswellia extracts compared to AKBA.
Pros
- A key active component of Boswellia
- Contributes significantly to the anti-inflammatory profile
- Well-researched component of the boswellic acid complex
Cons
- Generally less potent than AKBA
- Often found as part of a mixture rather than isolated, which could be a pro or con depending on desired effect
Per product
Avg$41.47
Med$41.47
Per serving
Avg$0.96
Med$0.96
Per 1000 mg
Avg$1.19
Med$1.19
Price distribution