Boswellia serrata (AKBA)
Sleep & Recovery · Boswellic acid / 5-LOX inhibitor
Tier B+
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Boswellia serrata (AKBA) as B+ (7.1/10) based on moderate evidence, med benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.
Distinct mechanism from NSAIDs allows combination.
Typical use: 100-500 mg/day standardized extract (30-65% boswellic acids; AKBA 10-30%) — OTC.
What this is
Distinct mechanism from NSAIDs allows combination. 5-Loxin (high-AKBA) trials most impressive for knee OA. Less GI bleeding risk than NSAIDs. Often combined with curcumin for synergy.
Mechanism
Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is the principal active; selective non-redox 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor; reduces leukotriene production; anti-inflammatory with distinct mechanism from NSAIDs
Dose & route
100-500 mg/day standardized extract (30-65% boswellic acids; AKBA 10-30%)
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18667054/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29657381/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7711410/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37373663/
- https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/9558225
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Common questions
- Does Boswellia serrata (AKBA) work?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Boswellia serrata (AKBA) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as med, producing an overall grade of B+ (7.1/10). Distinct mechanism from NSAIDs allows combination.
- Is Boswellia serrata (AKBA) safe?
- Boswellia serrata (AKBA) has a low risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Boswellia serrata (AKBA)?
- 100-500 mg/day standardized extract (30-65% boswellic acids; AKBA 10-30%)
- How does Boswellia serrata (AKBA) work?
- Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is the principal active; selective non-redox 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor; reduces leukotriene production; anti-inflammatory with distinct mechanism from NSAIDs
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.