Boswellia serrata, commonly known as Indian frankincense, has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for inflammatory conditions. More recently, scientific research has provided evidence supporting its effects on pathways related to prostaglandin synthesis and inflammation. The active compounds in Boswellia, particularly boswellic acids, have been shown to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in leukotriene production. While leukotrienes are distinct from prostaglandins, both are eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid and play roles in the inflammatory response.

Several in vitro and animal studies, as well as some human clinical trials, suggest that Boswellia serrata extracts can modulate inflammatory mediators, including downregulating the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. Clinical trials, particularly in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, have demonstrated reduced pain and improved function, effects partially attributed to reduced prostaglandin-mediated inflammation.

While the primary focus of research has been on inflammation in general, and not exclusively on prostaglandins, there is a reasonable scientific basis for using Boswellia serrata to support the body's regulation of prostaglandins as part of its anti-inflammatory action. However, it is important to note that while evidence is robust for overall anti-inflammatory effects, direct evidence specifically linking Boswellia to prostaglandin modulation in humans is less extensive.