Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata) is used in both traditional Ayurvedic medicine and, increasingly, as a complementary therapy for inflammatory bowel conditions, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The primary active components of Boswellia, called boswellic acids, are known to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in leukotriene synthesis and inflammatory processes. This anti-inflammatory action forms the scientific rationale for its use in gastrointestinal disorders characterized by inflammation.

However, most of the robust clinical evidence for Boswellia centers on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, rather than IBS. Several small randomized controlled trials have shown benefits for patients with IBD, demonstrating reduced symptoms and improved histological findings compared to placebo or standard treatments. In contrast, IBS is primarily a functional gastrointestinal disorder with less emphasis on overt inflammation, and clinical trials specifically investigating Boswellia in IBS populations are scarce and of limited quality. Preliminary studies and anecdotal reports suggest that Boswellia may alleviate some IBS symptoms, likely through mild anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, but these findings are neither strong nor consistent.

As a result, while the use of Indian frankincense for IBS is partially supported by its anti-inflammatory properties and some extrapolation from IBD research, direct scientific validation for IBS is limited. The evidence remains modest (2/5), and more high-quality, targeted research is needed to establish its efficacy and safety for IBS specifically.

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