Boswellia

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evidence score

supplement

Boswellia serratafrankincenseIndian frankincense+3 more

Boswellia serrata is a tree resin with the most potent natural 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitor identified — AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid). 5-LOX inhibition reduces leukotriene synthesis, addressing a pro-inflammatory pathway that NSAIDs don't target. Multiple RCTs show significant osteoarthritis pain reduction comparable to celecoxib, with faster onset (1 week vs 8 weeks for celecoxib in one head-to-head trial). Also has evidence for IBD (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), asthma, and neuroinflammation. Aflapin and 5-Loxin are bioavailability-enhanced extracts with better AKBA delivery.

Evidence

No score yet

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

No formal phase listed

Research Sync

Not synced yet

Dosing

Typical

300 mg

100 mgRange400 mg

Frequency1-2x/day with meals

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Pharmacology

Half-life~6-12 hours

OnsetAcute anti-inflammatory effects 1-2 weeks; joint pain reduction 4-8 weeks

DurationOngoing with daily supplementation

Routes

oral

Evidence Score

—

0 studies indexed

Scoring Factors

Volume(40%)—

Quality(30%)—

Sample Size(10%)—

Consistency(10%)—

Replication(5%)—

Recency(5%)—

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Boswellia is currently categorized as a supplement compound.

Evidence scoring has not been fully computed yet, so interpret this profile as preliminary.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

AKBA directly inhibits 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), preventing leukotriene B4/C4/D4 synthesis; reduces inflammatory infiltrate without COX inhibition; MMP inhibition in cartilage

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

No indexed study summaries yet.