--- title: "Boswellia Serrata Extract — Evidence, Benefits & Where to Buy | Magellan" description: "Boswellia Serrata Extract — Boswellia serrata is a branching tree native to India, North Africa and the Middle East whose gum-oleoresin (known as salai…" url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/207.md" canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/207.html" html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/207.html" type: "product" section: "Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers" evidence_grade: "Moderate evidence" evidence_tier: "moderate" citations: 16 product_id: 207 price_usd: 19.95 updated: 2026-09-02 author: "Gabriel Radu, DO" author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765." publisher: "Magellan Longevity" content_format: "markdown" license: "Educational content — not medical advice" --- # Boswellia Serrata Extract [Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/1.md) › Boswellia Serrata Extract **HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/p/207.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/product/207 ## Key facts | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Product | Boswellia Serrata Extract | | Category | [Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/1.md) | | Evidence grade | Moderate evidence (B) | | Peer-reviewed citations | 16 | | Typical listed price | $19.95 (check the live price) | | Where to buy | [Search Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Boswellia%20Serrata%20Extract&tag=magellanlong-20) | | Catalog ID | 207 | ## What it is Boswellia serrata is a branching tree native to India, North Africa and the Middle East whose gum-oleoresin (known as salai guggul and the source of Indian frankincense) has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. Its activity is attributed to pentacyclic triterpenic boswellic acids, notably 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (KBA) and 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), whose anti-inflammatory actions are classically linked to inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase and reduced leukotriene synthesis, while beta-boswellic acid also inhibits microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 and the serine protease cathepsin G. Standardized extracts are sold as dietary supplements for joint health and are commonly standardized to a defined AKBA content. ## Its role in longevity The best-studied use of Boswellia serrata relevant to human aging is knee and hand osteoarthritis, where multiple randomized, placebo-controlled trials and several meta-analyses report reduced pain and stiffness and improved joint function, sometimes within days, alongside a favorable short-term safety profile; some trials also report reductions in inflammatory markers and, in imaging substudies, improved cartilage measures. The evidence should be read cautiously, because many trials are small, industry-sponsored, or test proprietary or combination formulations (e.g., with curcumin or celery), study quality is often low, one meta-analysis found no overall effect once heterogeneity was accounted for, and independent reviewers describe the evidence as encouraging but not compelling. Pharmacokinetic data further caution that key boswellic acids are poorly absorbed, so the specific extract and formulation matter. This evidence describes the Boswellia serrata compound and its boswellic acids, not this specific commercial product. ## Evidence grade: Moderate evidence - **What the grade means:** Curated grade based on the human and mechanistic evidence for this compound. - **What this grade does not say:** Trials and meta-analyses show reduced osteoarthritis pain and stiffness, but results are inconsistent - one meta-analysis found no significant overall effect once trial heterogeneity was accounted for. Many trials are small or industry-sponsored, and key boswellic acids are poorly absorbed, so the formulation matters. ## Where it comes from without a bottle Food, exercise and behaviour routes to the same pathway, each with its citation. | Natural source | How it works | Citation | | --- | --- | --- | | Frankincense (Boswellia gum resin) | There is no common food source: the natural form is the frankincense (Boswellia serrata) gum resin itself, used for centuries as a traditional anti-inflammatory remedy. | Front Pharmacol 2024 [PMID 38239198](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38239198/) | | Boswellia serrata resin extract for joints | The standardized resin extract delivers the same boswellic acids as raw frankincense; in a knee-osteoarthritis trial it eased pain and improved function. | Arthritis Res Ther 2008 [PMID 18667054](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18667054/) | | Boswellia resin (knee osteoarthritis trial) | A purified Boswellia serrata resin extract, the closest natural form of the supplement, reduced joint pain and stiffness versus placebo in a controlled human trial. | Phytother Res 2019 [PMID 30838706](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30838706/) | ### What those papers actually say 1. **Frankincense (Boswellia gum resin)** Front Pharmacol 2024 · [PMID 38239198](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38239198/) · [DOI 10.3389/fphar.2023.1332628](https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1332628) > Frankincense preparations are frequently used as traditional anti-inflammatory remedies in folk medicine with increasing popularity 2. **Boswellia serrata resin extract for joints** Arthritis Res Ther 2008 · [PMID 18667054](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18667054/) · [DOI 10.1186/ar2461](https://doi.org/10.1186/ar2461) > 5-Loxin reduces pain and improves physical functioning significantly in OA patients; and it is safe for human consumption 3. **Boswellia resin (knee osteoarthritis trial)** Phytother Res 2019 · [PMID 30838706](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30838706/) · [DOI 10.1002/ptr.6338](https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6338) > BSE treatment significantly improved the physical function of the patients by reducing pain and stiffness compared with placebo ## In the news - **Boswellia: Usefulness and Safety** — NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) 2025 [Read it](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/boswellia) > Several studies have shown taking boswellia orally may help reduce inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis, but larger, higher quality studies are needed. - **Frankincense Provides Relief To Arthritis Sufferers** — ScienceDaily 2008 [Read it](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080729234300.htm) > AKBA has anti-inflammatory properties, and we have shown that B. serrata enriched with AKBA can be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee ## The research Peer-reviewed studies on the active compound. Quotes are verbatim from the cited abstract. Research describes the active mechanism and is not a claim about this specific product. ### Cited studies 1. **Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis** Br J Sports Med 2018 · [PMID 29018060](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29018060/) · [DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2016-097333](https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-097333) > Of 20 supplements investigated in 69 studies, seven demonstrated large and clinically important effects for [osteoarthritis] pain reduction at short term. 2. **Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.** BMC Complement Med Ther 2020 · [PMID 32680575](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32680575/) · [DOI 10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6) > Compared with the control group, Boswellia and its extract may relieve the pain [VAS: (WMD -8.33; 95% CI -11.19, - 5.46; P<0.00001); WOMAC pain: (WMD -14.22; 95% CI -22.34, - 6.09; P = 0. 3. **Efficacy of Extracts of Oleogum Resin of Boswellia in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.** Phytother Res 2024 · [PMID 39314013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39314013/) · [DOI 10.1002/ptr.8336](https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8336) > Knee osteoarthritis (OA) has recently been ranked as the 11th highest contributor to global disability. 4. **A pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel Boswellia serrata extract in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee.** Phytother Res 2019 · [PMID 30838706](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30838706/) · [DOI 10.1002/ptr.6338](https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6338) > The findings provide evidence that biologically active constituents of BSE, namely, AKBBA and BBA, act synergistically to exert anti-inflammatory/anti-arthritic activity showing improvement in physical and functional ability and reducing the pain and stiffness. 5. **Efficacy evaluation of standardized Boswellia serrata extract (Aflapin) in osteoarthritis: A systematic review and sub-group meta-analysis study.** Explore (NY) 2024 · [PMID 38365549](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38365549/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.001) > BS supplementation significantly reduced VAS (MD: -10.71; p<0.00001), LFI (MD: -2.99; p<0.00001), WOMAC-pain (MD: -10.69; p<0.0001), WOMAC-stiffness (MD: -5.49; p<0.00001), and WOMAC-function (MD: -10.69; p<0.00001) scores compared to control therapy. 6. **Efficacy of curcumin and Boswellia for knee osteoarthritis: Systematic review and meta-analysis.** Semin Arthritis Rheum 2018 · [PMID 29622343](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29622343/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2018.03.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semarthrit.2018.03.001) > Both curcuminoid and boswellia formulations were statistically significantly more effective than placebo for pain relief and functional improvement. 7. **Frankincense: systematic review.** BMJ 2008 · [PMID 19091760](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19091760/) · [DOI 10.1136/bmj.a2813](https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.a2813) > The evidence for the effectiveness of B serrata extracts is encouraging but not compelling. 8. **Efficacy and Safety of Aflapin, a Novel Boswellia serrata Extract, in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Short-Term 30-Day Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study.** J Am Nutr Assoc 2022 · [PMID 35512759](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35512759/) · [DOI 10.1080/07315724.2021.2014370](https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2021.2014370) > Post-trial, VAS, LFI, WOMAC pain, WOMAC stiffness, WOMAC function, and total WOMAC scores decreased in the Aflapin group by 45%, 40.9%, 44.4%, 66.3%, 44.4%, and 48%, respectively. 9. **A Standardized Boswellia serrata Extract Improves Knee Joint Function and Cartilage Morphology in Human Volunteers with Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis in a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study.** J Am Nutr Assoc 2024 · [PMID 39700461](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39700461/) · [DOI 10.1080/27697061.2024.2438894](https://doi.org/10.1080/27697061.2024.2438894) > SN13108F supplementation is safe, and it mitigates joint pain and improves musculoskeletal function and cartilage morphology in KOA. 10. **Efficacy and Safety of Boswellia serrata and Apium graveolens L. Extract Against Knee Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Degeneration: A Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.** Pharm Res 2025 · [PMID 39875757](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39875757/) · [DOI 10.1007/s11095-025-03818-2](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-025-03818-2) > Oral administration of the nutraceutical resulted in prolonged symptomatic relief with reduced pain, stiffness, and swelling. 11. **Effect of a combination of C. longa and B. serrata extracts on hand osteoarthritis. Results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial.** Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2025 · [PMID 40554037](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40554037/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.joca.2025.06.005](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2025.06.005) > CBTIL relieves pain in patients with hand osteoarthritis. Together with its safety, this clinically relevant symptomatic effect suggests that CBTIL may be an alternative to oral NSAIDs and analgesics for managing symptomatic hand osteoarthritis. 12. **Evaluation of the effect of Elaeagnus angustifolia alone and combined with Boswellia thurifera compared with ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial.** Clin Rheumatol 2017 · [PMID 28349271](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28349271/) · [DOI 10.1007/s10067-017-3603-z](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-017-3603-z) > Consumption of E. angustifolia fruit extract either alone or in combination with Boswellia oleo-gum resin extract could decrease pain and improve function in patients with knee osteoarthritis comparable to ibuprofen. 13. **Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee--a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial.** Phytomedicine 2003 · [PMID 12622457](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12622457/) · [DOI 10.1078/094471103321648593](https://doi.org/10.1078/094471103321648593) > All patients receiving drug treatment reported decrease in knee pain, increased knee flexion and increased walking distance. The frequency of swelling in the knee joint was decreased. 14. **Boswellic acids in chronic inflammatory diseases.** Planta Med 2006 · [PMID 17024588](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17024588/) · [DOI 10.1055/s-2006-947227](https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-947227) > The mechanism of this action is due to some boswellic acids. It is different from that of NSAID and is related to components of the immune system. The most evident action is the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase. 15. **Boswellic acids: biological actions and molecular targets.** Curr Med Chem 2006 · [PMID 17168710](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17168710/) · [DOI 10.2174/092986706779010333](https://doi.org/10.2174/092986706779010333) > Approaches in order to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the biological effects of BAs identified 5-lipoxygenase, human leukocyte elastase, toposiomerase I and II, as well as IkappaB kinases as molecular targets of BAs. 16. **Boswellia serrata: an overall assessment of in vitro, preclinical, pharmacokinetic and clinical data.** Clin Pharmacokinet 2011 · [PMID 21553931](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21553931/) · [DOI 10.2165/11586800-000000000-00000](https://doi.org/10.2165/11586800-000000000-00000) > boswellic acids failed to inhibit leukotriene formation in human whole blood, and pharmacokinetic data revealed very low concentrations of AKBA and KBA in plasma, being far below the effective concentrations for bioactivity in vitro. ## Where to buy [Search Amazon for Boswellia Serrata Extract](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Boswellia%20Serrata%20Extract&tag=magellanlong-20) — affiliate search link. ## Structured data ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"ItemPage","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/207.html#page","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/207.html","name":"Boswellia Serrata Extract","description":"Boswellia serrata is a branching tree native to India, North Africa and the Middle East whose gum-oleoresin (known as salai guggul and the source of…","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":{"@type":"WebSite","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Gabriel Radu, DO","jobTitle":"Physiatrist (PM&R)","identifier":[{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NPI","value":"1376861765"},{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NY medical license","value":"275110"}]},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"encoding":{"@type":"MediaObject","encodingFormat":"text/markdown","contentUrl":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/207.md"},"dateModified":"2026-09-02"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/c/1.html"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Boswellia Serrata Extract","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/207.html"}]},{"@type":"Product","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/207.html#product","name":"Boswellia Serrata Extract","category":"Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/207.html","description":"Boswellia serrata is a branching tree native to India, North Africa and the Middle East whose gum-oleoresin (known as salai guggul and the source of Indian frankincense) has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. 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Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases. Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).