SAFE
Frankincense (Boswellia resin)
Boswellia sacra/carterii
Possibly Safe
V4 Verified
Herbs & Botanicals
Upper Safe Limit
No UL established; 300-400mg AKBA/day equivalent
PubChem CID
About
Frankincense resin from Boswellia sacra/carterii (distinct from Boswellia serrata which is the supplement standard). Used in traditional medicine for pain, inflammation, and respiratory conditions. Primarily studied in arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
How it works (mechanism of action)
Alpha-boswellic acid and AKBA specifically inhibit 5-lipoxygenase and cathepsin G. Reduces leukotriene formation. Anti-inflammatory without COX inhibition. May modulate gut microbiome.
📊 Effectiveness
Knee osteoarthritis
Evidence Grade A · 11 studies · n=640 · Meta-analysis available
Evidence grades: A=Strong RCT evidence · B=Good clinical trials · C=Limited trials · D=Preliminary/traditional
👥 Safety by Population
🚫 Contraindications & Warnings
Well-tolerated. Mild GI effects. CYP3A4 inhibition — potential drug interactions. Advise taking with food. No significant serious adverse effects in clinical trials.
🏷️ Other Names
Boswellia sacra/carterii