Frankincense (Supplement) for Joint Health

Research suggests that Boswellia serrata extract, the active ingredient in frankincense supplements, may support joint health by reducing pain, stiffness, and physical limitation in people with knee osteoarthritis, with several studies also noting decreases in circulating inflammatory markers such as TNF-α, hs-CRP, and IL-6. The available evidence comes primarily from small randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials and one non-randomized registry study, all of which point in a supportive direction, though the studies tested different formulations, doses, and combinations, making direct comparisons difficult. Studies indicate that improvements in validated pain and function measures were observed across these trials, and adverse events were generally not reported as significant concerns. Limitations worth noting include small sample sizes, short study durations, industry-adjacent recruitment methods in at least one trial, and the fact that some studies tested frankincense as part of a multi-ingredient formulation rather than as a standalone ingredient, which makes it harder to attribute effects to Boswellia serrata alone.