Boswellia is an herbal extract derived from the gum resin produced from the bark of the Boswellia tree and is also known as frankincense or olibanum. The trees are native to India, North Africa, and the Middle East. There are several species of Boswellia trees with medicinal properties. The bioactive boswellic acids contained in the resin vary by species, but generally have anti-inflammatory properties. Pilot clinical studies show small benefits for memory, but the effects are minor because it is poorly absorbed. Boswellia has a long history of safe use as part of Ayurvedic medicine.
Small proof-of-principle trials in different neurological conditions suggest that Boswellia may modestly protect against neuroinflammation, but confirmatory trials are needed.
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The combination of Boswellia serrata with the herb lemon balm was associated with improved memory scores in a small clinical study of older adults [1]. After taking the combination for one month, participants showed minor improvements in immediate memory and working memory, relative to the placebo group. Since inflammation is linked to brain aging, Boswellia may modestly help cognitive function by reducing age-related inflammation. In pilot clinical trials ranging from 60 to 80 patients, Boswellia extract was found to mitigate declines on some measures of cognitive function in the context of neurological disease or injury, but the overall effects were minor [2; 3; 4; 5]. Benefits to brain function were associated with its anti-inflammatory activity.
One study including 85 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease found that treatment with Boswellia serrata extract for six months led to an improvement on a rating scale of dementia severity, however, additional details about the study and the potential clinical significance have not yet been disclosed [6].
Boswellia extracts have been safely used for hundreds of years as part of traditional Ayurvedic and Persian medicine [7]. In most clinical trials, the side effect profile of Boswellia was similar to placebo, and is generally well-tolerated. There are no known drug interactions with Boswellia.
NOTE: This is not a comprehensive safety evaluation or complete list of potentially harmful drug interactions. It is important to discuss safety issues with your physician before taking any new supplement or medication.
Boswellia is available as an herbal supplement, and is generally standardized according to levels of the two major bioactive boswellic acids, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA), and acetyl-11-keto-boswellic acid (AKBA), containing at least 1% each [7]. The use of phytosome technology, or the complexing of an active ingredient with lipids, increases the ability of the boswellic acids to be absorbed and used in the body [8]. Doses of standard Boswellia extract range from 300 to 500 mg two or three times per day, while the lipid-complexed forms use lower dosages of 100 to 250 mg once per day [9]. Taking Boswellia with food also increases its absorption.
For more information on the history, use, and safety see Drugs.com
Full scientific report (PDF) on Cognitive Vitality Reports