The evidence for the effectiveness of B serrata extracts is encouraging but not compelling
OBJECTIVE To assess evidence from r and omised clinical trials about the effectiveness of  extracts of Boswellia serrata ( frankincense ) .
Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee--a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial.
Osteoarthritis is a common , chronic , progressive , skeletal , degenerative disorder , which commonly affects the knee joint . Boswellia serrata tree is commonly found in India . The therapeutic value of its gum ( guggulu ) has been known . It posses good anti-inflammatory , anti-arthritic and analgesic activity . A r and omized double blind placebo controlled crossover study was conducted to assess the efficacy , safety and tolerability of Boswellia serrata Extract ( BSE ) in 30 patients of osteoarthritis of knee , 15 each receiving active drug or placebo for eight weeks . After the first intervention , washout was given and then the groups were crossed over to receive the opposite intervention for eight weeks . All patients receiving drug treatment reported decrease in knee pain , increased knee flexion and increased walking distance . The frequency of swelling in the knee joint was decreased . Radiologically there was no change . The observed differences between drug treated and placebo being statistically significant , are clinical ly relevant . BSE was well tolerated by the subjects except for minor gastrointestinal ADRs . BSE is recommended in the patients of osteoarthritis of the knee with possible therapeutic use in other arthritis
The evidence for the effectiveness of B serrata extracts is encouraging but not compelling
OBJECTIVE To assess evidence from r and omised clinical trials about the effectiveness of  extracts of Boswellia serrata ( frankincense ) .