[Frankincense, Boswellia, Boswellin, Salai Guggal] Boswellia serrata
Origin: Gum resin from the bark of the Boswellia tree found in India.
Dosage: Capsule or pill; typically 300 mg to 400 mg three times per day. Look for products with 60-percent boswellic acids, the active ingredient.
Claims: Reduces inflammation and treats rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and bursitis symptoms. Indian frankincense may treat symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
What we know: May have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties but evidence is limited and effects are inconsistent.
Studies: In a 2004 study, Indian frankincense was tested as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Researchers recruited 30 people with knee osteoarthritis and gave half the group a daily supplement containing 333 mg of Indian frankincense; others got placebo. People who took Indian frankincense reported less knee pain, better mobility and an ability to walk longer distances than those taking placebo.
