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Boswellia Serrata

Evidence: ★★★☆☆ · Status: OTC Supplement

💡 Did you know? Boswellia is frankincense — the resin from the nativity story — and it calms inflammation through a different enzyme (5-LOX) than ibuprofen does.

In plain English

Frankincense extract that blocks a specific inflammation pathway NSAIDs miss — good for joint pain, often paired with curcumin.

How it works

Boswellic acids (AKBA) inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5), blocking pro-inflammatory leukotrienes — a different anti-inflammatory pathway from NSAIDs.

Molecular target & official sources

ALOX5 5-lipoxygenase (NCBI Gene) · AKBA (PubChem CID 11168387)

Protocol

100–250 mg AKBA-standardised.

Bottom line

Solid anti-inflammatory for joints; stacks with curcumin.

Helps with: Endurance · Recover Faster · Joint Health

Stacks with

Shares a pathway — often paired with: Omega-3 (EPA/DHA), Statins (Atorvastatin/Rosuvastatin), SGLT2 Inhibitors (Empagliflozin / Canagliflozin), Saffron (Crocus sativus).

Availability & where to buy

Available over the counter. Widely available OTC — e.g. iHerb (ships worldwide); in Singapore also Guardian, Watsons, GNC, Shopee / Lazada. Look for a third-party-tested / GMP mark and check the dose per serving.

How it works: the NF-κB / Inflammation pathway →

Used in these protocols

Common questions

Does Boswellia Serrata actually work?

Human-evidence rating: 3 of 5. Solid anti-inflammatory for joints; stacks with curcumin.

How do you take Boswellia Serrata?

100–250 mg AKBA-standardised.

Is Boswellia Serrata legal or approved?

Regulatory status: OTC Supplement.