Boswellia Serrata Extract (30% AKBA)

Botanicalanti-inflammatoryModerate dose evidence

Also known as: 5-Loxin, AprèsFlex, AKBA, 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid, Boswellia AKBA extract

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A boswellia gum resin extract enriched to 30% AKBA, the boswellic acid considered most active against 5-lipoxygenase. Because it is more concentrated than 65% extracts, it is used at far lower doses. A 90-day randomized trial of the 5-Loxin extract at 100 and 250 mg per day reported improvements in knee pain and function scores, with the higher dose showing effects within a week. Branded versions include 5-Loxin and AprèsFlex.

Research summary

AKBA inhibits 5-lipoxygenase and matrix metalloproteinase-3, reducing leukotriene production and cartilage-degrading enzyme activity.

Dosage

Daily amounts, of extract.

Lowest studiedTypical rangeHighest studiedUpper limit
100 mg100–250 mg250 mg

100 to 250 mg once daily with a meal. In the 90-day trial the 250 mg group reported benefit as early as day 7, while 100 mg took longer. Low dose makes it easy to fit into multi-ingredient joint capsules.

Standardization: 30% AKBA

Source material: gum resin extract

Forms of Boswellia

FormTypical doseElement %FormatsPrice
Boswellia Serrata Extract (30% AKBA)100–250 mgCapsule, Tablet, Softgel, Powderhigh
Boswellia Serrata Extract (65% Boswellic Acids)300–500 mgCapsule, Tablet, Softgel, Powdermid

Format suitability

  • Capsule
  • Powder
  • Tablet
  • Softgel
  • Gummy
  • Liquid

Bitter resin; small dose makes it manageable in most formats.

Formulation notes

Often stacked with curcumin, collagen, or hyaluronic acid. Absorption improves with dietary fat.

Sources

  1. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. (Sengupta 2008)PubMed
  2. Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (Yu 2020)PubMed

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