Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian frankincense, has a history of traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine for inflammatory conditions. In recent decades, scientific interest has grown regarding its potential role in modulating autoimmune and inflammatory pathways. The active constituents, boswellic acids, have been shown in vitro and in animal studies to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are important mediators in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Several small randomized controlled trials and open-label studies have evaluated Boswellia extracts in patients with autoimmune-related conditions. For example, trials in RA and IBD (including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) have demonstrated reductions in symptoms and inflammatory markers compared to placebo or standard therapy, though most studies are limited by small sample sizes and short durations. Systematic reviews have concluded that while Boswellia appears safe and may offer benefit as an adjunctive therapy for some autoimmune conditions, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is moderate at best. More robust, large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish efficacy and clarify its mechanism of action in autoimmune disorders.

In summary, Boswellia use for autoimmune conditions is supported by both traditional practices and a modest but growing body of scientific evidence, particularly for disorders marked by chronic inflammation. However, it should not replace standard medical treatments and should be used with medical supervision.