Boswellia (Shallaki) in Ayurveda
Boswellia (shallaki) is an Ayurvedic tree resin taken for joint pain; trials suggest modest benefit in knee osteoarthritis, but the studies are small and of low quality.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
What boswellia is
Boswellia serrata is a branching tree native to the mountainous regions of Northern Africa, India and the Middle East. In Ayurveda it is known as shallaki. Boswellia extract is made from the gum resin or bark and can be taken by mouth or put on the skin.[1] The resin of the bark of Boswellia serrata and other Boswellia species is also the source of frankincense, which is often inhaled for aromatherapy or applied to the skin.[1] Extracts sold as supplements are marketed for joint support, mobility and digestive health.[1]
Traditional use
The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says that, traditionally, boswellia has been used in Ayurveda to improve arthritis, reduce inflammation and pain, and relieve symptoms of some respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and other disorders.[1] Those are traditional claims. I did not read a classical text, so the traditional properties of shallaki in Ayurvedic texts are not described here; for how those texts classify herbs, see how Ayurvedic herbs are classified.
What research has measured
NCCIH's overall summary is cautious: most boswellia studies are small and of low quality, and there is not enough high-quality evidence to say whether boswellia is useful for any health condition.[1]
| Use | What the sources found | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Knee osteoarthritis (by mouth) | A 2018 meta-analysis of 11 trials (1,009 people) of curcumin or boswellia found both beat placebo for pain and function. Study quality was low and most trials had under 100 people. No trial compared boswellia with approved anti-inflammatory drugs.[2] | Promising but limited |
| Osteoarthritis, a later review | A 2020 meta-analysis of 7 trials (545 people) found lower pain and stiffness scores and better function with boswellia than control.[3] A 2024 meta-analysis of 13 trials found no significant overall effect because the studies differed so much, though subgroup analyses favored boswellia.[4] | Mixed |
| On the skin (frankincense) | Topical use for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions has been studied, but there is not enough evidence to show it is effective.[1] | Insufficient evidence |
| Asthma | A few small studies suggest oral boswellia may reduce asthma symptoms, but there is not enough rigorous evidence.[1] | Insufficient evidence |
| Cancer | Limited research; some results are encouraging but larger studies are needed. A small study in brain tumor patients suggested reduced brain swelling, not tumor shrinkage.[1] No complementary approach has been shown to cure cancer.[1] | Preliminary |
| COVID-19 | No evidence that boswellia can prevent or treat it.[1] | No good evidence of benefit |
Why the mixed picture? Many trials test different extracts and enroll few people, as the reviews above note. Pain is also a symptom where expectation matters, so small unblinded or poorly blinded studies can overstate effects. If you want the wider joint picture, see Ayurveda for joint pain and arthritis and our turmeric guide, another herb studied for joint pain.
Frequently asked questions
What is shallaki?
Shallaki is the Ayurvedic name for Boswellia serrata, the tree whose resin is used for joint and inflammatory conditions in traditional practice.[1]
Does boswellia work for knee osteoarthritis?
Meta-analyses of small, low-quality trials suggest modest benefit,[2][3] though a 2024 analysis found no significant overall effect because trials varied so much.[4]
Is boswellia the same as frankincense?
Frankincense is related. The resin of Boswellia serrata or other Boswellia species is the source of frankincense.[1]
Is boswellia safe?
NCCIH says it is likely safe by mouth in trials lasting up to 6 months,[1] but ask a clinician if you take medicines, have asthma, or are pregnant.
Does boswellia treat cancer or COVID-19?
No. There is no evidence it prevents or treats COVID-19, and no complementary approach has been shown to cure cancer.[1]
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
Safety and cautions
- Oral use: NCCIH says boswellia is likely safe when taken by mouth; extract has been used safely in several clinical trials lasting up to 6 months, and for up to 1 month at a higher amount.[1] That does not cover long-term use.
- Skin and aromatherapy: frankincense may be safe to use on the skin or for aromatherapy.[1]
- Asthma: if you have asthma, follow your provider's plan, talk with them before starting a supplement, and do not substitute it for prescribed treatment.[1]
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: amounts found in food are likely safe, but little is known about medicinal amounts or frankincense.[1] See pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Medicines: NCCIH says to talk with your provider before using any herbal product if you take medicine, since some interactions are harmful.[1] I did not find a source I could read that lists specific boswellia-drug interactions.
- Quality: some Ayurvedic preparations contain toxic amounts of lead, mercury or arsenic.[5] Supplements are not approved by the FDA before sale.[1]
- Liver: I did not find a source I could read on boswellia and liver injury. Proper evidence not found; see liver safety and supplements.
When to see a doctor first
Joint pain that is new, severe, swollen, hot, or follows an injury, or pain with fever, needs medical assessment. Do not stop prescribed arthritis treatment for boswellia.