Performance
Boswellia (Frankincense)
Also known as: 5-Loxin, ApresFlex, Boswellia (Indian Frankincense), Boswellia serrata
Boswellia serrata extract, standardized to boswellic acids, is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine and has been studied for joint health and inflammatory support. Moderate clinical evidence supports its use for musculoskeletal comfort, though effect sizes are generally modest.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Boswellia (Frankincense) product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne EnteroMend® | 93 A | $1.40 |
| 2 | Thorne Boswellia Phytosome | 92 A | $0.98 |
| 3 | Pure Encapsulations Boswellia | 92 A | $0.30 |
| 4 | Double Wood Boswellia Extract Supplement | 92 A | $0.17 |
| 5 | Nutricost Boswellia Extract 65% Boswellic Acid Capsules | 91 A | $0.20 |
| 6 | Thorne Phytoprofen® | 91 A | $1.37 |
| 7 | NOW Foods Boswellia Extract | 91 A | $0.20 |
| 8 | Thorne Joint Support Nutrients | 87 A | $1.00 |
| 9 | Pure Encapsulations Systemic Enzyme Complex | 86 A- | $1.35 |
| 10 | Pure Encapsulations Phyto UltraComfort | 85 A- | $1.05 |
| 11 | Vital Nutrients Boswellia Extract 400mg | 85 A- | $0.64 |
| 12 | NutraBio Extreme Joint Care | 85 A- | $1.17 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Boswellia (Frankincense) should I take?
The typical range is 150-400mg standardized extract. 2-4 weeks for effects
When should I take Boswellia (Frankincense)?
With meals. Yes.
Which form of Boswellia (Frankincense) is best?
Capsule — Standardized extract. Other forms in the catalog: AKBA-enriched, Standard extract, Standardized to AKBA, 5-Loxin or Akbamax, Tablet, Powder, Standardized extract resin, CO2 extract, Resin, Standardized powder.
Is Boswellia (Frankincense) safe?
Commonly reported: GI upset, Acid reflux. Serious warnings: None significant. No concerns
Which Boswellia (Frankincense) supplement scores highest?
Thorne EnteroMend®, at 93/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Joint health
- Inflammation
- Mobility
- Pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Respiratory
- IBD support
- Anti-inflammatory
- Crohn's disease
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Boswellia (Frankincense) reached a verdict on: 4 with a benefit, 3 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (4)
“stiffness (MD = 9.47, 95% CI: 6.39 254 to 12.74, p < 0.05)” PMID 40806131
“function (MD = 14.00, 95% CI: 7.74 to 20.21, p < 0.05)” PMID 40806131
“BS supplementation is effective OA symptomatic management.” PMID 38365549 · 3 reviews
“Boswellia serrata Roxb. was found to be the most promising, since it shows the best efficacy for the treatment of pain/inflammatory conditions.” PMID 23391017
Not enough to say: knee osteoarthritis pain; collagenous colitis remission; osteoarthritis symptoms.
How it works
- Inhibits 5-lipoxygenase
- Reduces leukotriene synthesis
- Protects cartilage
Dosage
- Typical range
- 150-400mg standardized extract
- Timing
- With meals
- With food
- Yes
- Duration
- 2-4 weeks for effects
- Special populations
- Joint issues, arthritis
Forms
- Capsule
- AKBA-enriched
- Standard extract
- Standardized to AKBA
- 5-Loxin or Akbamax
- Tablet· 70/100
- Powder· 70/100
- Standardized extract resin· 70/100
- CO2 extract· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset
- Acid reflux
Contraindications
- None known
Products containing Boswellia (Frankincense)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Boswellia (Frankincense) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Good evidence for OA pain/function
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
Cited research for Boswellia (Frankincense)
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention boswellia (frankincense). Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.
- Sengupta K, Krishnaraju AV, Vishal AA, et al. (2010)International Journal of Medical Sciences
Comparative efficacy and tolerability of 5-LOXIN and AflapinAgainst osteoarthritis of the knee: a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical study
- Kimmatkar N, Thawani V, Hingorani L, Khiyani R (2003)Phytomedicine
Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with osteoarthritis of knee
Boswellia (Frankincense) compared head-to-head
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.