Evidence supporting the use of: Indian frankincense
For the body system: Skeletal System (Bones)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Indian frankincense, also known as Boswellia serrata, has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly for managing inflammatory conditions that affect the skeletal system, such as arthritis and joint pain. Traditional practitioners have used Boswellia extracts to reduce pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The primary active compounds, boswellic acids, are believed to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes, which can contribute to joint inflammation and degradation. Several small-scale clinical trials and animal studies suggest that Boswellia may help reduce symptoms such as pain and swelling in joint disorders. However, while there is emerging scientific interest and some supportive evidence, the majority of its use for skeletal system support remains rooted in traditional practices rather than robust, large-scale clinical validation. The evidence base is moderate: some clinical trials report mild to moderate improvements in symptoms, but systematic reviews often cite limitations in study design, sample size, and length of follow-up. Thus, while Indian frankincense is widely used traditionally for skeletal health, modern scientific evidence is still evolving and not definitive.

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