What is Frankincense Extract (Boswellia serrata)?

Frankincense extract is a supplement made from the resin of Boswellia serrata. It is typically standardized for boswellic acids, compounds linked to anti-inflammatory effects.

What are the main benefits of Boswellia serrata extract?

It is most commonly used to support joint comfort in osteoarthritis and to help manage inflammation-related symptoms. Some evidence also suggests potential support for inflammatory bowel disease and asthma symptoms.

What is a typical dose for Frankincense Extract?

A common supplemental range is about 900–1500 mg per day, depending on the product’s standardization and serving size. Follow the label directions and consider medical guidance for chronic conditions.

How long does Boswellia take to work?

Effects are often assessed after consistent daily use for several weeks. Response can vary by condition, dose, and the extract’s boswellic acid content.

What are the side effects and interactions of Frankincense Extract?

Possible side effects include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, reflux, or diarrhea. If you use anti-inflammatory medicines, blood thinners, or have a chronic medical condition, consult a clinician before starting.

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Frankincense
Extract

Moderate study situation·7/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

Standardized frankincense (Boswellia serrata) extract is primarily used for its anti-inflammatory effects, with evidence for osteoarthritis, IBD, and asthma relief.

Digestion & Gut Health Anti-inflammatory Joint Healt Respiratory Health

dose range

900–1500 mg

300–500 mg taken 2–3 times daily

Consumption

Take with food to enhance absorption.

Fat-soluble: take with fat.

Best time

Divided doses with the first and/or second meal of the day are common.

Description

Frankincense extract, derived from the resin of Boswellia serrata trees, contains boswellic acids that modulate inflammation and have been used in traditional medicine for arthritis, gut, and respiratory health.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Moderate

Note on evidence

Clinical studies support benefits for osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma, though larger, longer-term trials are needed and products vary in boswellic acid content.

May reduce joint pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis

Moderate

Supplementation with Boswellia serrata extract can significantly reduce pain and improve knee function in osteoarthritis patients compared to placebo.

Particularly relevant for: Adults with joint pain · Older adults

S3 · Kimmatkar N, Thawani V, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee – a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial

May support symptom relief in inflammatory bowel disease

Moderate

Boswellia serrata extract has shown higher remission rates versus placebo for ulcerative colitis, likely via immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory action.

Particularly relevant for: Adults with IBD

S4 · Gupta I, Parihar A, et al. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis – a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

May improve lung function and reduce symptoms in asthma

Moderate

Boswellia serrata extract may reduce airway inflammation and improve asthma symptoms in clinical studies.

Particularly relevant for: People with mild-to-moderate asthma

S5 · Gupta I, Gupta V, et al. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma – results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Frankincense extract is generally well-tolerated in clinical studies, but may cause digestive symptoms and poses specific risks for pregnancy, liver disease, and those on certain medications.

warning notices

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and acid reflux.
Rare allergic reactions may occur.
Liver function abnormalities have been reported, particularly at high doses.
Avoid use during pregnancy due to potential uterine effects.
Consult a healthcare provider if you are taking anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs or NSAIDs due to possible increased bleeding risk.
People with liver disorders should use only under medical supervision.
Discontinue use if signs of allergic reaction, jaundice, or persistent digestive upset occur.

Known interactions with medications

anticoagulants
NSAIDs
drugs metabolized by liver enzymes

Contraindications / special precautions

Pregnancy
Active liver disease

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Frankincense extract may interact with blood-thinning medications, NSAIDs, and liver-metabolized drugs.

Potential for increased bleeding risk with anticoagulant use.

drug · anticoagulants

CautionModerate

Why

Boswellic acids may have additive effects with drugs that affect blood clotting.

recommendation

Monitor for signs of bleeding; avoid unsupervised combination.

S2 · WebMD: Boswellia Serrata S5 · Gupta I, Gupta V, et al. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma – results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study

Possible increased bleeding or GI side effect risk with NSAIDs.

drug · nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

CautionLimited

Why

Potential additive effects due to overlapping anti-inflammatory and GI actions.

recommendation

Use together only under clinical supervision.

S2 · WebMD: Boswellia Serrata

Potential interaction with drugs metabolized in the liver.

drug · drugs metabolized by the liver

CautionLimited

Why

Some data suggest Boswellia may affect liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism.

recommendation

Monitor liver function and adjust doses if necessary.

S7 · EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS); Scientific Opinion on the safety of boswellic acids as food ingredients S8 · Jin M et al. The Pharmacological Properties of Boswellia Serrata: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies.

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase and leukotriene synthesis

Boswellic acids inhibit the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzyme, reducing production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes central to inflammation in arthritis and respiratory conditions.

S8 · Jin M et al. The Pharmacological Properties of Boswellia Serrata: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies.

Immune modulation

Frankincense extract modulates immune cell activity and cytokine production, potentially decreasing inflammatory responses in bowel disease and asthma.

S4 · Gupta I, Parihar A, et al. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis – a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study S5 · Gupta I, Gupta V, et al. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma – results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study

Sources & References

Primary literature and reviews on which these statements are based

8 sources

NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): Boswellia Serrata

WebMD: Boswellia Serrata

Kimmatkar N, Thawani V, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee – a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial

Gupta I, Parihar A, et al. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis – a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Gupta I, Gupta V, et al. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma – results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study

Examine.com: Boswellia Serrata

EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS); Scientific Opinion on the safety of boswellic acids as food ingredients

Jin M et al. The Pharmacological Properties of Boswellia Serrata: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies.

Last updated: February 7, 2026

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.