Boswellia and osteoarthritis

by Nathan Wei, MD, FACP, FACR

Nathan Wei is a board-certified rheumatologist and author of the Second Opinion Arthritis Treatment Kit. It's available exclusively at this website... not available in stores.

Click here: Second Opinion Arthritis Treatment Kit

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) is a popular herb. Boswellia, also known as boswellin or "Indian frankincense," comes from the Boswellia serrata tree that grows in the dry hills of India. For centuries, traditional Indian healers have taken advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties of the tree bark's gummy resin, called salai guggal. Modern preparations made from a purified extract of this resin and packaged in pill or cream form are used to reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike conventional NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen--the accepted early treatments for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis--boswellia doesn't seem to cause stomach irritation. It also may be effective for back pain.

Research has identified specific active anti-inflammatory ingredients in this herb, which are commonly referred to as boswellic acids. In animal studies, these acids have been shown to significantly reduce inflammation in several ways. Boswella appears to be able to inhibit inflammation by blocking the synthesis of leukotrienes. Leukotrienes cause inflammation by promoting free radical damage, calcium dislocation, autoimmune responses, cell adhesion and the migration of inflammation-producing cells to the inflamed body area. They improve blood flow to the joints.

Specifically, boswellia may help to:

• Ease osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Boswellia can be taken internally as well as applied topically to affected joints to relieve inflammation associated with these joint disorders. This may lessen morning stiffness and increase joint mobility. In a study of 175 patients with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, a crippling joint disease, 122 participants experienced reduced stiffness and inflammation two to four weeks after starting on a boswellia regimen.

• Decrease back pain. Boswellia's anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce aching and stiffness, especially when associated with low back pain. Although research indicates that boswellia is best taken orally for this purpose, creams appear to be soothing as well.


For arthritis and most other ailments: Take 210 to 240 mg of boswellic acids three times a day.

For back pain and other areas of aching or stiffness: Take 150 mg boswellic acids three times a day. Or rub a pea-sized amount of cream into the area where the pain is concentrated every four to six hours. Continue as long as needed.

One should look for products standardized to 60% boswellic acids. Boswellia is taken internally for eight to 12 weeks and the cream is used as long as needed.

There are no common drug or nutrient interactions for this herb. All inflammatory joint conditions should be closely monitored by a doctor. Avoid taking boswellia for much longer than the suggested eight to 12 weeks, as much still remains to be learned about this herb and its effects despite its extensive use in India. Don't take more than the recommended daily dosage unless a doctor advises you to do so. Consult your doctor before taking boswellia if you're pregnant or your immune system is compromised in any way.

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