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2024's Top 5 Boswellia Serrata Supplements For Better Joints

We'll discuss the incredible benefits of boswellia serrata, what to look for, and top 3 things to avoid

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Boswellia, a large branching tree native to India and tapped for its resin, also known as frankincense, has been used in herbal preparations for thousands of years. This resin also contains the primary active components boswellic acids found in recent clinical trials to provide numerous health benefits. 1

Due to boswellia's new popularity, we have seen a growing number of companies flooding the market with inferior versions of this supplement. That's why Smarter Reviews has compiled months of research about this extract. We’ll show you what to look for and what to avoid in a Boswellia serrata supplement, and how it can help transform your health.

Understanding Boswellia Serrata: What's It All About?

Extracts derived from the boswellia tree have been used for a long time to reduce occasional body discomfort.

New research has given us a better understanding of how boswellic acids may benefit our flexibility and mobility,2 and boost the systemic health on multiple levels. 

With so many advantages to its use documented, it's no wonder why Boswellia serrata supplements are gaining momentum as a household name in health support. Here at Smarter Reviews, we set out to do the research and pinpoint the abilities that Boswellia serrata uses to support the body. This is what we found:

Boswellia Serrata Possesses The Ability to:

  • Reduce Everyday Joint Discomfort 4
  • Support Knee Flexion and Mobility 4
  • Promote Cognitive Functioning and Mood 5
  • Support Healthy Arterial Function 6
  • Fight Everyday Oxidative Stress 9
  • Help Regulate the Digestive System 7
  • Provide Antioxidant Health Benefits 8
  • Empower Positive Overall Well-being

What You Need in a Boswellia Serrata Supplements

Longvida Optimized Curcumin

There are so many curcumin supplements on the market today, each with varying levels of effectiveness. To ensure optimal performance, look for curcumin that is highly bioavailable. One great example is Longvida® Optimized curcumin, which uses a special technology to increase absorption 285 times more efficiently than other types of curcumin. 

Powerful Potency of Boswellia Serrata

Boswellia, commonly known as frankincense, has been used for its beneficial properties for many centuries. When Boswellia serrata is paired with curcumin, its individual benefits rise exponentially. Benefits of this powerful duo include, but are not limited to: helping decrease everyday joint discomfort, supporting cognitive function, and regulating the digestive system. 

Top 3 Things To Avoid

Relying on Amazon Reviews

Millions of Americans look to Amazon reviews before purchasing their products, but most don’t realize that up to 60% are written by individuals paid to leave positive feedback. Risking your health with reviews that are likely false is too dangerous a game to play when you're choosing an ingestible supplement.

Cheap Fillers

Too many health brands have been cutting costs by including cheap and harmful additives in their Boswellia serrata supplements. The top culprits are: glycerin, caramel, and assorted oils.

Gelatin Capsules

These capsules are known to cause allergic reactions in many users. Worse, they’re formulated from cows who may have been exposed to pesticides and antibiotics. Instead, try to find a Boswellia serrata formulated with vegetable capsules.

The 5 Best Boswellia Serrata Supplements On The Market

Based on our own extensive research, the metrics provided by our Smarter Reviews Ranking System, and consideration of numerous reviews by Smarter Shoppers just like you, we've compiled a list of what we've found to be the top five products in this category, on the market today.

1. CurcuminMD® Plus

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a bottle of medicine

Total Ranking

9.7/10

A+

Overall Grade

PROS

  • Formulated with Longvida® Optimized Curcumin Extract
  • 285 times more bioavailable than standardized 95% turmeric curcumin
  • High potency Standardized 65% Boswellia Serrata Extract
  • 90-day, risk-free, money-back, product guarantee

CONS

  • Frequently out of stock
The Bottom Line

Formulated with both Longvida® Optimized Curcumin Extract and boasting 65% Boswellia serrata Extract, 1MD Nutrition's CurcuminMD® Plus ranks as #1 on our list because 1MD Nutrition™ uses groundbreaking technologies to optimize the bioavailability of active ingredients, boosting results.11,12,14,15 Longvida® is formulated to cross the blood-brain barrier so it is effective in targeting specific issues.13 In addition, 1MD Nutrition™ is backed by exemplary customer service satisfaction ratings and is formulated by a highly respected doctor who specializes in natural nutrition.

Their return policy was also top of its class - a comprehensive, 90-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee, proving the company stands behind its products. This was a huge advantage versus the competition, along with total effectiveness projections that rivaled any other supplement we found. All in all, 1MD Nutrition™ is our #1 pick.

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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2. Turmeric Strength for Joint

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a jar of food

Total Ranking

9.2/10

A-

Overall Grade

PROS

  • Formulated with organic whole foods and herbs
  • Full 100% warranty
  • 300 mg of curcuminoids from organic Turmeric Root & Turmeric Extract
  • Includes Healthy Joint and Mobility Blend with Devil’s Claw and Boswellia

CONS

  • Does not list Boswellia's percentage, which is key to determining potency
  • BioPerine® may present health risks with long-term use
  • Less bioavailable generic ingredients
The Bottom Line

MegaFoods Turmeric Strength for Joint is formulated with Turmeric Strength Blend, which contains curcumin, as well as a proprietary Healthy Joint & Mobility Blend of Boswellia Gum Resin Extract and Devil’s Claw Root Extract. BioPerine® Black Pepper Extract increases the bioavailability of the curcumin.

MegaFoods Turmeric Strength for Joint also has a 100 percent guarantee. However, although the addition of BioPerine® increases absorption, the bioavailability doesn't compare to Longvida®. This product did not list Boswellia serrata's boswellic acid percentage, which leads us to believe it was not formulated to maximize boswellic acid effectiveness. Overall, we liked this product and it was an easy choice for our #2 spot.

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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3. INFLAMA-CARE™ TURMERIC BOSWELLIA COMPLEX

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bottle

Total Ranking

8.9/10

B+

Overall Grade

PROS

  • Contains concentrated turmeric, Boswellia, and ginger extracts
  • Meriva® turmeric complex
  • Enhanced with antioxidants and Bromelain

CONS

  • Does not list Boswellia serrata's percentage, so potency of this ingredient is unknown
  • Only available through retailers
The Bottom Line

Planetary Herbals Inflama-Care™ Turmeric Boswellia Complex is formulated with highly concentrated extracts of turmeric, Boswellia, and ginger.

The supplement delivers curcumin through Meriva® turmeric complex, Turmeric Rhizome Extract (95% curcuminoids), and Turmeric Rhizome. Meriva® is 29 times more bioavailable than standard curcumin.

The formula contains various antioxidants, including Willow Bark extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, quercetin, and Grape Seed Extract. Planetary Herbals are not available directly from manufacturer, but offers a 100% return policy earning it the bronze.

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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4. Boswellia-Turmeric Complex

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packaged goods

Total Ranking

8.2/10

B-

Overall Grade

PROS

  • Contains both Boswellia serrata and turmeric root extract
  • Enhanced with Devil’s Claw
  • No artificial additives or ingredients

CONS

  • Less bioavailable generic ingredients
  • 30-day pre-authorized return policy
The Bottom Line

Douglas Laboratories Boswellia-Turmeric Complex is formulated with a combination of two standardized botanical extracts, Boswellia serrata and turmeric root, with the addition of Devil’s Claw root.

The formula is described as providing normal recovery support to muscles and joints after exercise or activity, supporting joint health and providing immune support. The Boswellia serrata extract is standardized to 65%; the Turmeric Root is standardized to 95% total curcuminoids.

Douglas Laboratories offers a 30-day pre-authorized return policy.

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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5. Organic Turmeric Complex for Inflammation

number
label

Total Ranking

7.9/10

C+

Overall Grade

PROS

  • Contains organic turmeric
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee
  • High potency boswellia
  • Doctor recommended

CONS

  • Less bioavailable generic turmeric
The Bottom Line

Olivia Naturals Organic Turmeric Complex for Inflammation contains a synergized blend of high potency Ginger and Boswellia extracts to complement the organic Turmeric 95% curcuminoids, boosted by the bioavailability enhancer BioPerine®.

Olivia Naturals provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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‡ Measured using AUC normalized

CITATIONS

  1. Siddiqui, M. Z. (2011). Boswellia serrata, Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 73(3), 255–261. 
  2. Kimmatkar N et al. Phytomedicine. 2003. 10: 3-7.
  3. Nam DE et al. J Korean Soc Food Sci Nutr. 2014 Apr 2. 43(5).
  4. Sayed, A.S., Gomaa, I.E.O., Bader, M. et al. Mol Neurobiol (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-017-0801-2.
  5. De Caterina R, Zampolli A. N Engl J Med. 2004 Jan 1;350(1):4-7.
  6. Catanzaro, D., Rancan, S., Orso, G., Dall’Acqua, S., Brun, P., Giron, M. C., … Montopoli, M. (2015). PLoS ONE, 10(5), e0125375. 
  7. Hartmann R. M., Fillmann H. S., Morgan Martins M. I., Meurer L., and Marroni N. P. (2014), Phytother. Res., 28, 1392–1398.
  8. Chilelli, N. C., Ragazzi, E., Valentini, R., Cosma, C., Ferraresso, S., Lapolla, A., & Sartore, G. (2016). Curcumin and Boswellia serrata Modulate the Glyco-Oxidative Status and Lipo-Oxidation in Master Athletes. Nutrients, 8(11), 745. http://doi.org/10.3390/nu8110745
  9. McFarlin et al. Reduced inflammatory and muscle damage biomarkers following oral supplementation with bioavailable curcumin. University of North Texas. BBA Clinical. 18 Feb 2016. 5: 72-78.
  10. Sharma S et al. Pharmacokinetic study of 11-keto β-boswellic acid. Phytomedicine. 2004 Feb. 11: 255-260.
  11. Gota P et al. Efficacy of solid lipid Boswellia serrata particles (SLBSP) in OA of knee. J Pharm Sci Tech Mgmt. Vol 1(Issue 2) 2015 Jul. 70-76. 13
  12. Koronyo, Y et al. Retinal amyloid pathology and proof-of-concept imaging trial. JCI Insight. 2018. 2(16). DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.93621
  13. Gota et al. Safety and pharmacokinetics of a solid lipid curcumin particle formulation in patients and healthy volunteers. Tata Memorial Cancer Centre. J Ag Food Chem. 2010. 58(4): 2095-2099.
  14. Eidenberger T et al. Investigation of the lymphatic transport of solid-lipid curcumin particles (Longvida®) in comparison to curcumin extract in rats. University of Applied Sciences, Upper Austria. Poster in 252nd ACS National Meeting: Philadelphia, PA. 2016 Aug. P55.