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Joint & Skin Health

Boswellia

Frankincense extract — nature's most powerful 5-LOX inhibitor

Evidence Grade: B — Good clinical evidence Joint & Skin Health
B
Evidence Grade B: Good clinical evidence Based on the volume and quality of published human clinical trials.

Boswellia serrata is an Ayurvedic resin from the Boswellia tree — the source of frankincense. Boswellic acids (particularly AKBA — 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid) are potent inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), the enzyme that produces pro-inflammatory leukotrienes. Unlike NSAIDs (which inhibit COX enzymes), boswellia targets a complementary pathway, making the combination synergistic and allowing for NSAID reduction in some patients.

Key Benefits

  • Osteoarthritis pain & function
  • Rheumatoid arthritis inflammation
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, UC)
  • Asthma and respiratory inflammation
  • Brain tumour oedema reduction

Best Form

AKBA-enriched extract (ApresFlex, 5-LOXIN); minimum 10% AKBA content; better absorbed with fat

Dosage

100–400 mg AKBA/day; or 900–1,200 mg standard 65% boswellic acid extract

⚠ Safety Notes

Well-tolerated. Mild GI effects. May reduce warfarin efficacy. Significant anti-inflammatory — may allow NSAID dose reduction (do so under medical supervision). Rare liver enzyme elevation reported at very high doses.

This page is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.