If you’ve ever dealt with sore or achy joints, digestive discomfort, or that low-grade inflammation that just won’t settle down, you’re not alone.
And you might be surprised to learn that one of the most researched natural compounds for inflammation today comes from a tree that’s been helping humans do exactly this for thousands of years.
That tree is Boswellia serrata.
And its story blends ancient wisdom with modern science.
What Is Boswellia Serrata?
Boswellia serrata is a medium-sized tree native to dry, mountainous regions of India, parts of the Middle East, and Northern Africa. When the bark is carefully tapped, the tree releases a fragrant oleo-gum resin. Once dried, this resin becomes what is commonly known as Indian frankincense or salai guggal.
Several Boswellia species produce frankincense, but Boswellia serrata is the one most closely tied to medicinal use.
The resin was traditionally used to support conditions associated with pain, swelling, and digestive discomfort. Beyond India, frankincense from related Boswellia species was traded widely across the ancient world, from the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean, where it was used in religious rituals, embalming practices, and early medicinal preparations.
That long track record is what first caught the attention of modern researchers, and prompted them to ask: what exactly is in this resin that produces these positive effects?
Key Bioactive Compounds in Boswellia Serrata
Boswellia resin contains a complex mix of active compounds. The most important group is known as boswellic acids (a type of plant compound called pentacyclic triterpenes). These include (we’re keeping it simple):
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AKBA: the most studied and most potent anti-inflammatory compound in Boswellia
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KBA: A closely related compound often studied alongside AKBA
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BBA: a foundational compound that supports and may amplify the overall effect
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Acetylated boswellic acids (such as ABBA)
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Other triterpenes (α-amyrin and β-amyrin), which serve as natural precursors in the plant
Rather than working alone, these compounds appear to work together, creating the full biological activity Boswellia is known for.
Boswellia Serrata and Inflammation
Inflammation isn’t controlled by a single switch; it’s managed through several interconnected chemical pathways.
One especially important pathway involves leukotrienes, signaling molecules that help keep inflammation going.
Research shows that boswellic acids (especially AKBA) help regulate inflammation by interacting with enzymes that control leukotriene production. Most notably, AKBA inhibits an enzyme called 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), which the body needs to produce inflammatory leukotrienes.
By influencing this specific pathway, Boswellia supports a more balanced inflammatory response instead of broadly suppressing the immune system. This targeted approach is one reason Boswellia continues to attract interest in chronic inflammation research.
Check out AKBA’s mechanism in our blog here.
Boswellia Serrata and Joint Health
Joint health is the area where Boswellia serrata has been studied most extensively, particularly in the context of osteoarthritis.
Human clinical trials using standardized Boswellia serrata extracts have reported:
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Reduced joint pain and stiffness
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Improved movement and physical function
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Benefits appear within days to weeks, with continued improvement over time
Some studies using imaging techniques such as MRI have also observed preservation of cartilage structure and reductions in osteophyte formation, suggesting potential benefits beyond symptom relief.
Researchers have also noted decreases in inflammatory markers linked to joint degeneration.
Boswellia Serrata and Gut Health
As science continues to explore the connection between inflammation, gut integrity, and the microbiome, interest in Boswellia’s digestive benefits has grown.
Preclinical research suggests Boswellia and AKBA may support gut health in two key ways:
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Supporting the intestinal barrier: Laboratory studies on human intestinal cells show that Boswellia compounds can help preserve tight junction proteins, which are essential for maintaining the integrity of the gut lining under inflammatory stress.
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Influencing the microbiome: Early animal research suggests AKBA may help promote beneficial gut bacteria associated with metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Clinical research in conditions like ulcerative colitis is promising, with some studies showing similar effectiveness to standard treatments and fewer side effects, though results are still mixed. Evidence for Crohn’s disease remains less consistent.
Boswellia Serrata Matters As Much As Ever
Boswellia serrata stands at a rare intersection of tradition and modern science. Its long history of use is now supported by a growing body of research that helps explain its role in inflammation regulation, joint comfort, and digestive health.
Rather than being a relic of traditional medicine, Boswellia continues to evolve as a subject of scientific inquiry, particularly as interest grows in targeted, plant-based approaches to chronic inflammation.
That’s exactly why we include Boswellia serrata in our Relief F1 topical salve. Along with a thoughtful blend of other supportive ingredients, it’s formulated to help the body manage chronic inflammation-related conditions in a way that feels both effective and balanced.