Researchers are turning the spotlight on an ancient, lesser-known tree resin, suggesting it could alleviate a variety of common ailments and possibly aid in cancer treatment.

Known as Boswellia serrata, this herbal extract is derived from the sap of the Boswellia tree, which thrives in the arid landscapes of India, Africa, and the Middle East.

Historically, Boswellia has been a staple in Ayurvedic medicine, utilized in pill form or as an oil to combat inflammation and relieve pain.

Today, Western scientists are increasingly acknowledging the medicinal potential of this age-old remedy.

Several studies, including comprehensive reviews, indicate that compounds found in Boswellia can significantly reduce arthritis pain and help manage asthma symptoms.

Additionally, emerging research suggests it may soothe irritable bowel conditions and might even slow the progression of certain cancers, such as breast cancer.

The supplement is already widely available in many shops, where it is sold at about 20 cents per capsule, and it has rarely been linked to serious adverse events.

Dr Jeffrey Peng, a sports medicine doctor in California, said in a YouTube video: ‘Boswellia serrata has incredibly powerful anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce pain and inflammation.

Studies are starting to show that Boswellia serrata may help to ease many conditions (stock image)

‘In addition, it may have anti-cancer activity and it has been shown to inhibit [the formation of new blood vessels] and prevent tumor growth.’

Scientists say the extract works by blocking enzymes in the body that form leukotriene molecules, which are a key cause of inflammation.

It’s this action that has led scientists to suggest it could help to ease many conditions. 

Inflammation is the body’s natural localized immune response to injury, infection or irritation. Short-term inflammation can prompt healing, but long-term inflammation can lead to damage to healthy tissue and raise the risk of conditions such as heart disease and arthritis.

On osteoarthritis, the Arthritis Foundation — which supports the estimated 58 million Americans struggling with joint pain — says Boswellia may help to ease symptoms.

It cites a 2014 review by the Cochrane Institute, the gold standard of scientific reviews, which found that arthritis patients who took 100 milligrams (mg) of Boswellia for three months had reduced joint pain and improved joint function.

Notably, this group also reported no serious side effects. 

In a second review from 2018 ,which examined 20 osteoarthritis supplements, scientists said those containing Boswellia were standouts for short-term relief from knee, hip and hand pain.

There have also been a number of small studies examining Boswellia as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks joints and causes pain, which have shown promising results, although more work is needed.  

The supplement is normally taken orally in pill form. People taking the supplement do not normally report any side effects (stock image)

On asthma, several studies have suggested that the supplement could also ease symptoms of the condition — suffered by an estimated 28 million Americans.

Studies showed the supplement can reduce inflammation in the lungs, which scientists said would calm the immune system and help to reduce the severity of its response to any environmental allergy triggers.

In a 2015 study, researchers found that asthma-suffering mice fed the supplement and then exposed to allergens had a reduced response in their airways.

Doctors pointed out that research was still in the early stages and added that, in the case of an asthma attack, patients should always take their medications. 

They advised patients to talk to their doctor before trying to change any asthma treatment.

There is also some evidence that the supplement could help to slow the growth of cancers.

In a paper from 2011, 44 patients with malignant glioma, an aggressive brain tumor, were administered Boswellia orally and found to have reduced brain swelling, a potentially fatal complication of the condition, although their tumor remained the same size.

In another study from 2024, scientists in South Carolina found that the supplement may slow the growth of breast cancer cells.  

Boswellia serrata is a herbal extract from the sap of the Boswellia tree that grows in dry regions of India , Africa and the Middle East (stock image)

In the paper, 22 women with breast cancer took the supplement daily for 11 days before surgery. Their cancerous tissue was then compared from the biopsy and after the surgery. Examining the results, scientists said the supplement appeared to have slowed the cancer’s growth. 

A third study from 2025 found that among 72 patients with glioblastoma who used supplements including Boswellia, their average survival rate was improved from 13.3 to 25 months overall.

Experts highlight that all these studies are small and will need to be repeated in much larger groups in order to confirm the results. Doctors urge patients to follow the treatments prescribed by their physicians and to discuss whether they should take Boswellia with them.

Scientists at the NIH added previously: ‘Although some results are encouraging, larger clinical studies are needed.’

Overall, most patients who take the supplements report no side effects, although it has previously been linked to stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and heartburn.

But experts continue to highlight that much more research into Boswellia is needed before it can be recommended as a treatment.