Frankincense: systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#boswellia #humans #phytotherapy #plant-extracts #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic

Frankincense: systematic review

Ernst et al., 2008 | BMJ | Systematic Review

Citation

Ernst E. Frankincense: systematic review. BMJ. 2008-Dec-17;337:a2813. doi:10.1136/bmj.a2813

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess evidence from randomised clinical trials about the effectiveness of extracts of Boswellia serrata (frankincense). DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA SOURCES: Electronic searches on Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Amed, and Cochrane Library. Hand searches of conference proceedings, bibliographies, and departmental files. REVIEW METHODS: All randomised clinical trials of B serrata extract as a treatment for any human medical condition were included and studies of B serrata preparations combined with other ingredients were excluded. Titles and abstracts of all retrieved articles were read and hard copies of all relevant articles were obtained. Selection of studies, data extraction and validation were done by the author. The Jadad score was used to evaluate the methodological quality of all included trials. RESULTS: Of 47 potentially relevant studies, seven met all inclusion criteria (five placebo controlled, two with active controls). The included trials related to asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, osteoarthritis, and collagenous colitis. Results of all trials indicated that B serrata extracts were clinically effective. Three studies were of good methodological quality. No serious safety issues were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence for the effectiveness of B serrata extracts is encouraging but not compelling.

Key Findings

Of 47 potentially relevant studies, seven met all inclusion criteria (five placebo controlled, two with active controls). The included trials related to asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, osteoarthritis, and collagenous colitis. Results of all trials indicated that B serrata extracts were clinically effective. Three studies were of good methodological quality. No serious safety issues were noted.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Boswellia
  • Humans
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Technical Report
  • Vertical: boswellia

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09