Administration of a nontoxic Boswellia serrata (frankincense) supplement 5-Loxin rescued acute radiation neurological effects in patients after stereotactic radiosurgery (N=3), and led to a discontinuation of the initial steroid treatment.
Warnick 2023
Scientific Name:
Boswellia serrata
Family Name:
Burseraceae
Common Name:
frankincense, Indian
Evidence for Efficacy (Human Data)
Evidence of Activity
Other Information
Safety Data
Formulas/Blends
Dynamic Updates
Evidence for Efficacy (Human Data)
Observational Studies/Case Reports
Oral supplementation of nutraceuticals containing Boswellia serrata and Bromelain in combination with a standard treatment significantly improved symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection after 20 or 30 days compared to standard treatment alone in pediatric patients (N=120) due to their anti-inflammatory and pain-control capacities.
Della Volpe 2022
Daily oral administration of Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata, Retimix® sachets, significantly improved best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness over time in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and treatment-naïve diabetic macular edema.
Guarino 2022
In this prospective multicenter observational trial, Boswellia serrata resin extract in combination with propolis administered via rectal suppository reduced symptoms in Italian men (N=61) with type IIIa and type IIIb chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
Presicce 2022
In this 30-day one-group longitudinal explanatory study, Boswellia serrata extract, administered in combination with Curcuma longa extract, reduced abdominal pain within 10 days in patients with symptomatic uncomplicated colonic diverticular disease
Giacosa 2020
In a male patient diagnosed with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults who was treated with Boswellia serrata gum resin extract for 9 months, the blood levels of GAD65 autoantibodies linearly decreased approximately 25%.
Franic 2020
In a study of 40 adults with prostatitis symptoms, use of a suppository containing Boswellia resin extract and propolis derived polyphenols was associated with improved Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index scores, particularly involving reduction of pain and quality of life.
Sibona 2020
An 8-wk study of participants between 40-65 years consuming 1000mg/day of Lanconone® (containing Boswellia serrata and other herbs) experienced reduced joint pain severity and stiffness and improved physical function compared to placebo.
Srivastava 2019
Daily application of Proxelan® (a phytocomplex containing Boswellia) suppositories provided pain relief, reduced urinary symptoms, and improved quality of life in a prospective pilot study of 30 patients younger than 50 yo with chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
Di Vico 2019
Complementary treatment with phytosome-based delivery form of boswellic acids extract (from B. serrata) exert a beneficial effect in reducing radiochemotherapy-induced cerebral edema in patients with glioblastoma multiforme treated with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy with temozolomide.
Di Pierro 2019
In 49 patients with osteoarthritis aged 23-92 consuming of a boswellia and bromelain based supplement for 1-6 months, a significant improvement was observed for 7 of 10 quality of life questions, especially in joints that were more strongly affected at baseline.
Italiano 2019
In an open observational study of 27 adults with telogen effluvium hair loss pattern, treatment with Boswellia serrata, Curcuma longa and Vitis vinifera for 3 months showed a non-statistically significant improvement in clinical and subjective evaluations of the disease.
Nistico' 2019
An Anecdote About Arthritis and Boswellia serrata. [No abstract]
Shader 2018
Presented 3 case studies in which "Jinchuang ointment," a traditional Chinese herbal medicine complex (which includes frankincense) was used. In vitro it stimulated angiogenesis, cell proliferation and cell migration, providing scientific basis for its use in treating nonhealing diabetic wounds.
Ho 2016
In an open-label, observational, registry study of participants with ulcerative colitis (UC), a significant beneficial effect of Casperome®, a novel delivery form of B. serrata extract, was observed for all the parameters evaluated. It attenuated symptoms associated with mild UC in remission.
Pellegrini 2016
A retrospective audit of aromastick use by patients with a variety of cancer diagnoses and symptoms found that the most common reasons for their use were to alleviate nausea or to encourage relaxation. Frankincense (B. carterii) was among the essential oils used most commonly.
Dyer 2014
The quality of life of a 63-year-old female patient with end-stage osteoarthritis (Sandhigata Vata) of the left knee joint accompanied by exostoses, was improved by the combined treatment of Sri Lankan traditional medicine and Ayurveda which includes Boswellia serrata Triana and Planch.
Perera 2014
Extract from gum resin of Boswellia serrata decreases IA(2)-antibody in a patient with "Late onset Autoimmune Diabetes of the Adult" (LADA). [No abstract]
Schrott 2014
B. serrata was one of the complimentary and alternative medicines used in pediatric headache patients.
Dalla Libera 2014
A terpene solution of hydro-alcoholic solution derived from frankincense and myrrh resins and hyssop essential oil applied to the Ames test found the formula lacked mutagenicity on Salmonella typhimurium with and without metabolic activator.
Lupi 2009
Limited controlled evidence indicating efficacy of traditional Chinese medicines, aloe vera gel, wheat grass juice, Boswellia serrata and bovine colostrum enemas in ulcerative colitis revealed.
Langmead 2006
Two cases of therapy with frankincense and myrrh in children
Michie 1991
History of Record
ORIGINAL RESEARCH BY: Soaring Bear, PhD
1998
MAJOR REVISION BY: Eli Scheinman, M.ES
January 2018
LATEST UPDATES BY: Antonia Kaz
March 2023