What does the evidence show about Boswellia serrata (AKBA)'s effects?

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.

What safety findings are reported for Boswellia serrata (AKBA)?

Boswellia serrata (AKBA) has a low risk profile in the database. Low (generally well-tolerated; rare GI upset) Legal status: OTC.

What doses or routes are reported for Boswellia serrata (AKBA)?

100-500 mg/day standardized extract (30-65% boswellic acids; AKBA 10-30%) This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.

Rankings / Sleep & Recovery

Boswellia serrata (AKBA)

Sleep & Recovery · Boswellic acid / 5-LOX inhibitor

Tier B+

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed Jun 8, 2026 · How we grade

anti-inflammatoryotc

7.1 / 10

Tier B+

Ev 6 Bn 5 Sf 9

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.

Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 100-500 mg/day standardized extract (30-65% boswellic acids; AKBA 10-30%) — OTC; not individualized guidance.

What the evidence says

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

Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route

100-500 mg/day standardized extract (30-65% boswellic acids; AKBA 10-30%)

This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.

Citations

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Common questions

What does the evidence show about Boswellia serrata (AKBA)'s effects?: 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.
What safety findings are reported for Boswellia serrata (AKBA)?: Boswellia serrata (AKBA) has a low risk profile in the database. Low (generally well-tolerated; rare GI upset) Legal status: OTC.
What doses or routes are reported for Boswellia serrata (AKBA)?: 100-500 mg/day standardized extract (30-65% boswellic acids; AKBA 10-30%) This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
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.