Supplements
boswellia improves asthma
In plain terms: Does boswellia help asthma?
Part of: 🧪 boswellia
Too little evidence. One small 1998 trial suggested benefit, but it hasn't been repeated — nowhere near enough to rely on.
📅 Last reviewed: 2026-07-15 ⓘ
Evidence ladder
How far up the ladder this claim has climbed. A high consensus on a low rung means "consistent so far," not "proven in people."
Top evidence so far: Human trials (RCT / n-of-1)
How the studies fall
What the evidence shows
Rests on a single small, old trial. A 1998 RCT reported symptom improvement in asthma with boswellia gum resin, but it hasn't been replicated in modern controlled trials — nowhere near enough to recommend. (Re-surveyed 2026-07-15: 62 candidates, 0 testing boswellia on asthma/airway outcomes — evidence base remains the single 1998 Gupta RCT (PMID 9810030) already in-vault.
The evidence (2)
| Source | Grade | Stance | Quality | Finding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Yasiry 2016 · Postepy Hig Med Dosw | observational | mixed | low | Review: anti-asthma use of frankincense is traditional with only limited, dated clinical support. |
| Gupta 1998 · Eur J Med Res | RCT | supports | low | Small RCT (1998): boswellia gum resin improved bronchial-asthma symptoms and signs versus placebo. |
Disagree, or know a study we missed?
We grade by evidence, not opinions. The way to weigh in is to point us to a study we haven't cited (check the evidence table above first), or to flag a problem with one we have. Every submission is reviewed; if it holds up, the grade updates and shows in Science Changes Its Mind.
Opens a short form. You'll sign in with Google so submissions are tied to a real account — we don't display your identity, and we only accept a link we can verify (PubMed, DOI, ClinicalTrials.gov).
Educational only, not medical advice. Grades and scores reflect published evidence weighted by study design and quality; see the methodology.