What is boswellia?

Boswellia is a resinous gum extracted from trees of the Boswellia genus. Boswellia serrata from India is the best known medicinal species.

It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, where it is known as shallaki. The same plant family also produces frankincense used in ancient religious and ceremonial traditions.

The resin is collected by making small incisions in the tree’s bark. The aromatic gum then seeps out and hardens into tear shaped droplets.

These droplets are collected and processed for use in traditional remedies and modern supplements. Research has identified boswellic acids as the main active compounds in the resin.

Boswellic acids are a family of pentacyclic triterpenes. Acetyl 11 keto beta boswellic acid (AKBA) is one of the most extensively studied forms.

These compounds are thought to contribute to boswellia’s anti inflammatory activity. Research has focused particularly on their effects on pathways involved in inflammatory responses.

Joint comfort and mobility

Boswellia is particularly well researched for supporting joint health, comfort and mobility. It may be useful when everyday joint wear causes stiffness or reduced mobility.

Its mechanism of action has been studied in detail. AKBA inhibits 5 lipoxygenase (5 LOX), an enzyme involved in producing inflammatory compounds called leukotrienes.

Leukotrienes are involved in inflammatory processes that can affect joint comfort and swelling. Boswellia therefore works through a different pathway from nutrients such as curcumin and omega 3 fatty acids.

Clinical studies have reported improvements in joint comfort, morning stiffness and walking ability with standardised boswellia extracts. However, study results have varied and more research is needed.

Boswellia does not work by inhibiting prostaglandin production. This differs from some conventional anti inflammatory medicines and may explain its different gastrointestinal effects.

Boswellia can therefore provide a complementary option for long term joint support. If you take medicines regularly, speak to a health professional before using concentrated extracts.

Respiratory and gut health

The same 5 lipoxygenase pathway involved in boswellia’s joint effects may also support respiratory health. Leukotrienes can contribute to airway inflammation and narrowing.

By reducing leukotriene production, boswellia may help support comfortable breathing and healthy airway function. Research has explored standardised boswellia extracts for respiratory comfort.

Some studies have reported improvements in lung function and respiratory symptoms. However, evidence remains limited and further research is needed.

Boswellia has also attracted interest for digestive health. Research suggests that boswellic acids may help support the integrity of the intestinal lining.

They may also influence inflammatory processes within the gut. This makes boswellia an interesting option for supporting a healthy and comfortable digestive system.

Choosing and using boswellia

The quality of boswellia supplements can vary, so standardisation is important for consistent potency. Look for extracts standardised to their total boswellic acid content.

High quality extracts often contain 65% or more total boswellic acids. Products may also specify their AKBA content, which is one of the key boswellic acids studied.

Some branded extracts, including AprèsFlex and Casperome, use delivery systems designed to improve boswellic acid absorption. These may provide greater bioavailability than standard boswellia extracts.

Take boswellia with food to support absorption. Its effects may develop gradually over several weeks of consistent use.

Boswellia is generally well tolerated when used as directed. It can also be combined with curcumin as part of a broader approach to joint health.