
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Boswellia serrata is an anti-inflammatory herb containing 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) that inhibits 5-lipoxygenase enzyme activity. This mechanism reduces inflammatory mediators like leukotrienes, providing relief from joint pain, digestive inflammation, and respiratory issues.

Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Boswellia Serrata, also known as Indian Frankincense, is a tree native to India and the Middle East. The resin is extracted and standardized to contain AKBA, a key active component.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Clinical trials have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in osteoarthritis. Meta-analyses confirm its efficacy in reducing joint pain.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
- Standardized to 30% AKBA (Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid). - Contains essential oils and terpenes. - Rich in boswellic acids.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
AKBA specifically inhibits 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzyme by binding to its active site, blocking the production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes. This inhibition reduces inflammatory cascade activation and decreases cytokine production including TNF-α and IL-1β. Additionally, boswellic acids modulate NF-κB signaling pathway, further suppressing inflammatory gene expression.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrate boswellia's anti-inflammatory effects, with studies showing 65-90% improvement in joint function scores in osteoarthritis patients taking 100-250mg AKBA daily. A 12-week trial with 60 participants found significant reduction in inflammatory markers and pain scores compared to placebo. Studies on inflammatory bowel conditions show promising results, though sample sizes remain relatively small (30-100 participants). Evidence is strongest for joint health, with moderate support for digestive and respiratory applications.
Also Known As
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