Boswellic Acid, derived from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree, has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for inflammatory conditions. Modern scientific research has primarily focused on its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in conditions like osteoarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is not characterized by overt inflammation like IBD, some studies have explored Boswellic Acid’s potential benefit in IBS due to its modulatory effect on gut inflammation and its ability to reduce abdominal pain and improve gut motility in animal models.

A handful of small clinical trials and pilot studies have assessed Boswellia extracts (which contain Boswellic Acids) in IBS patients. Some of these studies reported improvements in IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain and stool frequency compared to placebo. However, the sample sizes are small and the methodologies are often not robust, limiting the strength of the conclusions. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally suggest that, while promising, evidence is insufficient and of low quality to firmly recommend Boswellic Acid for IBS.

In summary, there is some scientific rationale and preliminary clinical data suggesting Boswellic Acid may help reduce symptoms of IBS, likely via its anti-inflammatory and gut-modulating effects. However, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is limited, and more rigorous, larger-scale clinical trials are needed to establish efficacy and safety for this specific indication.