Frankincense (Supplement) for Cognitive Function

Research suggests that Boswellia serrata, the botanical source of frankincense, may support cognitive function in middle-aged adults experiencing memory complaints, based on one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in 2025. That study found improvements in verbal learning, memory recall, visual learning, processing speed, and accuracy over 120 days, along with better sleep quality and elevated BDNF levels, with some effects appearing within the first two weeks. However, the supplement tested combined Boswellia serrata with Terminalia chebula, making it difficult to attribute observed benefits to frankincense alone. The available evidence base is limited to a single proof-of-concept trial, and the authors themselves acknowledge that larger confirmatory studies are needed before broader conclusions can be drawn.