Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine because of its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Today, advanced scientific research confirms that frankincense extracts — particularly those rich in boswellic acids — can significantly help people suffering from arthritis, osteoarthritis, and chronic joint stiffness.
Here is what modern science reveals.
What Is Frankincense and Why Does It Work?
Frankincense contains several active compounds, most notably:
- AKBA (3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid)
- KBA (11-keto-β-boswellic acid)
- β-boswellic acid (BBA)
These compounds inhibit the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), which plays a central role in producing leukotrienes — inflammatory molecules that cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.
➡️ Result: reduced inflammation, reduced joint swelling, less pain, and improved mobility.
Reference: Int J Med Sci. 2011; 8(7): 615–621
https://www.medsci.org/v08p0615.htm
Clinical Evidence Supporting Frankincense
1) Proven benefits for osteoarthritis of the knee
A randomized, double-blind clinical trial (2003) found that frankincense extract significantly:
- reduced pain
- improved knee flexibility
- increased walking distance
- reduced joint swelling
Reference: Phytomedicine. 2003;10(1):3–7
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12622457
2) Improvements can appear in as little as 5 days
A 2024 clinical trial showed that standardized frankincense extract improved symptoms of knee osteoarthritis within 5 days, reducing pain and morning stiffness.
Reference: Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1428440/full
3) Long-term improvement and reduced inflammation
A 120-day randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that frankincense extract:
- reduced pain
- improved mobility
- lowered hs-CRP inflammatory markers
Reference: Clin Interv Aging. 2018;13:2011–2020
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6681146
4) Systematic reviews confirm its effectiveness
A 2020 systematic review concluded that most randomized trials show:
- significant pain reduction
- improved joint function
- excellent safety profile
Reference: BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020
https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6
How Frankincense Helps the Joints
✔️ Inhibits inflammatory enzymes (5-LOX pathway)
✔️ Reduces joint swelling
✔️ Enhances mobility and flexibility
✔️ Protects cartilage from breakdown
✔️ Reduces inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6)
✔️ Supports collagen and aggrecan synthesis
This makes frankincense one of the best-studied natural remedies for joint health.
Benefits for People With Arthritis
Frankincense may help:
- naturally reduce pain and stiffness
- improve range of motion
- reduce inflammation
- support long-term joint health
- minimize reliance on NSAIDs
- avoid stomach irritation typical of anti-inflammatory drugs
Safety reference:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7368679
How to Choose a High-Quality Frankincense Extract
Look for:
- Standardized extract (with stated AKBA percentage)
- Clean formulation (no fillers or contaminants)
- Clinical-grade quality
Raw resin or non-standardized powders often lack therapeutic levels of boswellic acids.
That is why Renarthro® capsules and Ice-gel contain frankincense extract of exceptional quality and purity.
Conclusion
Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) is a perfect example of an ancient natural remedy validated by modern science. Numerous high-quality studies show that standardized frankincense extracts can:
- reduce pain and inflammation,
- improve joint mobility,
- and enhance quality of life in people with arthritis and osteoarthritis.
With its strong safety profile and natural anti-inflammatory action, frankincense stands out as one of the most promising natural options for joint support.
Combined with a healthy lifestyle, gentle exercise, and proper nutrition, frankincense can be a powerful ally in maintaining joint comfort and mobility.
