Reviews and Information for Boswellia
Joint Health Supplements
We tested the leading joint health supplements to find the best products containing glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, boswellia, turmeric, and collagen. Four failed to pass our tests. Find out which were best and if these products can really help with joint pain, knee pain, or osteoarthritis and get information about dosage, safety, side effects, and drug interactions.
Joint Health Supplements Review
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Product Review
Joint Health Supplements for Pets Review (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM & Boswellia)
See Which Pet Supplements for Joint Health Passed Our Tests and Which Didn't!
CL Answer
Does taking curcumin and boswellia together increase their individual anti-inflammatory effects?
Find out if taking boswellia and curcumin together can increase their individual anti-inflammatory effects. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Does Arthrozene help with joint pain, and is it safe?
Arthrozene by Fisico is promoted for joint stiffness, soreness and discomfort. Find out if it is likely to help and if it is worth the cost.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help for ulcerative colitis?
Find out what supplements & vitamins can help with ulcerative colitis, such as VSL#3, curcumin, aloe or boswellia.
CL Answer
Which supplements help with arthritis?
Learn more about supplements for joint health, including products such as Wobenzym and Zyflamend and ingredients such as collagen, curcumin, glucosamine and chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), SAMe, and others.
Clinical Update
12/23/2024
Boswellia for Knee Osteoarthritis?
Did taking Boswellia extract (Aflapin/AprèsFlex — as found in Life Extension ArthroMax tested by ConsumerLab) reduce pain and improve function, joint space, and cartilage thickness in people with knee osteoarthritis? Find out what a recent study showed in the Boswellia section of our Joint Health Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for Boswellia and other joint health supplements.
Also see: Which supplements help with arthritis?
CL Answer
Can any supplements be used to reduce inflammation in people sensitive to NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, high-dose aspirin, or naproxen?
Find out if supplements such as turmeric, fish oil, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine), boswellia, ginger, white willow bark or arnica may, or may not, be helpful to people sensitive to NSAIDs.
Clinical Update
3/09/2019
Boswellia for Osteoarthritis
Boswellia extract may reduce the pain and stiffness of knee osteoarthritis. See results of a recent study in the What It Does section of the Joint Health Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for Boswellia and other joint health supplements.
Clinical Update
11/18/2024
Supplement for Hand Osteoarthritis?
Does taking a combination of Boswellia extract, curcumin, MSM, and pine bark extract reduce pain or improve function and quality of life among people with hand osteoarthritis? Find out what a recent study showed in the Boswellia section of our Joint Health Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for boswellia.
Also see: Which supplements help with arthritis?
Clinical Update
2/23/2022
Boswellia for Knee Pain?
Can Boswellia extract reduce knee pain and stiffness in people with knee osteoarthritis? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of our Joint Health Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among products containing Boswellia, glucosamine, chondroitin, and/or MSM.
See our answer to the question: Which supplements can help with arthritis?
Clinical Update
6/10/2022
Top Pick for Boswellia (Anti-Inflammatory)
We just tested two Boswellia extract supplements (containing the anti-inflammatory compound AKBA). One failed testing but the other passed and is now our Top Pick for Boswellia. The results are in our Joint Health Supplements Review, which include our tests of supplements with glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and other ingredients.
CL Answer
I have to be careful about my sodium intake. Could my glucosamine and chondroitin supplement contain hidden sodium?
Find out if glucosamine and chondroitin supplements contain hidden sodium and why.
CL Answer
Is it true that taking glucosamine might make my glaucoma worse?
Learn if taking glucosamine may make glaucoma worse, including overall impact on eye health.
CL Answer
What are the side effects of glucosamine and chondroitin?
Learn the side effects of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for joint health and joint pain, including stomach upset, headache, and many others. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Does glucosamine raise "bad" LDL cholesterol?
Learn more about the link between glucosamine and cholesterol, including evidence from clinical studies.
CL Answer
With herbal supplements, what is the difference between root powder and root extract? Does it matter?
Learn more about the different forms of herbal supplements, including aloe, boswellia, ginkgo, green tea, and milk thistle.
Clinical Update
9/16/2024
Boswellia for Knees?
Did taking Boswellia extract, which is often promoted to reduce inflammation, reduce knee pain or improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis in a recent study? Find out in the What It Does section of our Joint Health Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick among supplements for joints.
Also see our articles about supplements for arthritis and topical pain products with menthol.
CL Answer
Which supplements help for osteoarthritis of the hip?
Supplements for hip pain and osteoarthritis, such as SAMe, ginger and collagen, may help or reduce pain.
News Release
February 24, 2023
Probiotics Rise in Popularity as Vitamin C, Melatonin, and Others Dip in Latest ConsumerLab Survey of Supplement Users
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2023 —A recent survey of 8,600 people who regularly use dietary supplements shows that probiotics (+3.04 percentage points), quercetin (+2.3 pts), and vitamin K (+1.
CL Answer
Which supplements should be taken with food?
Find out which supplements should be taken with food, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, fish oil, and CoQ10.
Clinical Update
6/13/2014
Contaminated Chondroitin
A chondroitin ingredient on the market has been found to be contaminated with an inexpensive industrial compound. Get the details, along with our tests and comparisons of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for joint health, in the update to the Review of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Boswellia Supplements for Joint Health>>
Clinical Update
4/26/2016
Knee Supplements Studied
A recent clinical trial evaluated glucosamine with chondroitin versus placebo for reducing pain and improving function in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. See the details, along with results of our tests of popular supplements, see our Review of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Boswellia Supplements for Joint Health >>
Clinical Update
6/07/2017
Chondroitin Matches Celebrex for Knee Pain
A type of chondroitin was found to reduce the pain of knee osteoarthritis as much as the drug Celebrex, although not as quickly. Due to potential side-effects with Celebrex, the researchers suggested that this form of chondroitin be considered a first-line therapy for knee osteoarthritis. For details, including dosage, see the "What It Does" section of the Joint Supplements Review (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Boswellia), which includes CL's tests and comparisons of products.
Clinical Update
1/09/2018
Curcumin for Knee Osteoarthritis
A type of curcumin that has been Approved for Quality by ConsumerLab.com was found to be modestly effective in treating symptoms of knee osteoarthritis in a recently published study. For details see the Osteoarthritis section of the Turmeric & Curcumin Supplements Review.
The same study found that combining curcumin with boswellia may be advantageous. Learn more about this and other popular supplements for joint health in the Joint Supplements Review >>
Clinical Update
5/15/2019
Glucosamine and Heart Disease
Does taking glucosamine affect your risk of developing cardiovascular disease? See what a large study recently found in the What It Does section of the Joint Health Supplements Review (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Boswellia). Also see our Top Picks among joint health supplements.
Clinical Update
12/07/2019
Glucosamine & Chondroitin – How They May Work
A recent study suggests that one way glucosamine and chondroitin may work is through the gut. For details, see the What It Does section of the Joint Health Supplements Review (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Boswellia). Also see our Top Picks among products.
Clinical Update
2/08/2020
Glucosamine and Blood Sugar
Glucosamine (used to treat osteoarthritis) is a type of sugar, so does its daily use affect blood sugar levels and one's risk of developing diabetes? Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Joint Health Review. Also see our Top Picks for Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Boswellia supplements.
Clinical Update
7/23/2017
Does MSM Help Joints and Muscles?
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is commonly in supplements for joint and muscle pain, although the evidence behind it has been limited. Its effectiveness in reducing pain, muscle damage, and oxidative stress was recently evaluated in people running a half-marathon. See the results in the "What It Does" section of the Joint Health Supplements Review (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Boswellia), which includes our Top Picks among products.
Clinical Update
11/11/2024
Joint Chew for Dogs?
Did a popular chew with Boswellia and collagen improve mobility or reduce joint pain among dogs with osteoarthritis? See what a recent study found in our Review of Joint Health Supplements for Pets, which includes our Top Picks among products. (Also see our Top Picks among joint health supplements for people.)
Learn more about ConsumerLab’s tests of supplements for pets.
News Release
February 24, 2022
Consumers Returned to Pre-Pandemic Supplement Usage in 2021, ConsumerLab Survey Reveals
White Plains, New York, February 24, 2022 —A survey of 8,049 people who use dietary supplements shows many supplements that declined in use in 2020 began bouncing back in 2021, such as magnesium (+2.4 percentage points), and CoQ10 (+2.7 pts).
Clinical Update
3/08/2014
Glucosamine & Chondroitin Help Maintain Knee Joint
A 2-year study in people with osteoarthritis of the knee found that those who took a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin had only half the amount of narrowing of the knee joint space as those who took placebo. This beneficial finding differs from that of another large study published several years ago which did not find a benefit on joint space. The new study used a different form of glucosamine than the previous study. Get the details, as well as our tests of supplements with these ingredients, in the updated Joint Health Supplements Review (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Boswellia) >>
CL Answer
Are there any supplements I should avoid when taking acetaminophen (Tylenol)?
Find out if there are any supplements that should be avoided when taking acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Product Review
Green Coffee Bean Extract Supplements Review (for Weight Loss)
Choose the Best Green Coffee Bean Extract. 50% of Green Coffee Bean Extract Supplements Don't Deliver Expected Ingredients.
News Release
August 27, 2021
ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Best Joint Health Supplements for People and Pets
White Plains, New York, August 27, 2021 — Joint health supplements with ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, boswellia, collagen and turmeric are often promoted to relieve joint pain or slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
CL Answer
Does collagen taken as a supplement help with arthritis? I'm seeing it in products for joint health.
Learn more about collagen supplements, including evidence from clinical studies on arthritis and muscle strength and safety.
Product Review
Prostate Supplements Review (Saw Palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol)
Find the Best Prostate Supplement for Symptoms of BPH. See Which Prostate Supplement Passed or Failed CL's Tests of Quality.
News Release
February 26, 2021
COVID Changed Supplement Popularity in 2020, ConsumerLab Survey Reveals
White Plains, New York, February 26, 2021 — A survey of 9,647 people who use dietary supplements shows that the supplements which experienced the greatest growth in popularity in 2020 were those being promoted to prevent or treat infection with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
CL Answer
Which supplements help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer?
Find out which supplements may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, including folate, fiber, selenium, and vitamin D.
Recalls & Warnings
December 09, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Curcumin, Lion's Mane, Quercetin & More
On November 9, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Synaptent, LLC because it found statements on the company's website about its products, including Berberine HCL, Curcumin, Lion's Man, Milk Thistle, Quercetin, Boswellia Serrata Extract, and Garlic Extract to be ...
CL Answer
Which vitamins and minerals should be taken together or separately?
Find out the best way to take vitamins and minerals and which vitamins and minerals should be taken together or separately for proper absorption. ConsumerLab answer explains the best way to take vitamins and minerals.
CL Answer
Can biotin supplements really strengthen nails or improve hair? Can other supplements help?
Learn more about strengthening brittle nails with vitamin B-7 (biotin), based on clinical evidence.
CL Answer
Butyrate Supplements for Gut Health: Does butyric acid really work and is it safe?
Can butyrate supplements improve gut health or help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn's disease? Find out what the clinical evidence shows, learn about the different forms of butyrate, including sodium butyrate, calcium-magnesium butyrate, and tributyrate, and get details about products such as BodyBio Sodium Butyrate and Healus Complete Biotic Tributyrin, dosage, safety and cost.
Recalls & Warnings
February 22, 2024
Pacific BioLogic Co. Warned by FDA for Manufacturing Violations
On December 21, 2023, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Curtis Jacquot, dba Pacific BioLogic Co.
News Release
October 02, 2018
Best Joint Health Supplements Identified -- ConsumerLab Tests Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Boswellia Supplements for People and Pets
White Plains, New York, October 2, 2018 — Do joint health supplements with ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, Boswellia, and MSM really relieve joint pain or slow the progression of osteoarthritis? If so, which products are best? To find out, ConsumerLab recently tested popular ...
News Release
June 03, 2016
What Works for Joint Health? ConsumerLab.com Reviews Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Boswellia Supplements for People and Pets
White Plains, New York, June 3, 2016 — Do popular joint health supplements with ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, Boswellia, and MSM really work to relieve pain or slow the progression of osteoarthritis? And, with so many to choose from, which supplements are best? To find out, ...
Recalls & Warnings
September 08, 2020
Holistic Healthy Pet Warned for Drug Claims
On August 25, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Savvy Holistic Health dba Holistic Healthy Pet following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about some of the company's products, including Doctor's Best for Your Pets, Savvy Holistic Health Pet Essences, ...
CL Answer
Which vitamins and supplements should be stopped before getting blood work, laboratory tests, or medical imaging?
Find out which vitamins and supplements can interfere with blood, urine or stool tests, and imaginging tests, like bone scans and MRIs. Learn how B vitamins such as biotin, niacin and riboflavin, as well as calcium supplements, St. John’s wort, vitamin C, and others supplements can affect test results, as well as common foods that may interfere with tests.
CL Answer
Risks of Too Many Vitamins & Supplements
Taking too many vitamin supplements -- or taking too much of a particular supplement -- can have short and long-term adverse effects.
Recalls & Warnings
April 17, 2020
Seller of Vitamin D, MSM, Selenium & More Warned for Drug Claims
On March 31, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to KetoKerri LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about some of the company's products, including Dr.
Recalls & Warnings
January 12, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Joint and Hair Loss Products
On December 22, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Speedwinds Nutrition, Inc. following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Synotrex and Sephren to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
January 12, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Glucosamine, and More
On December 18, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Reddy Naturals following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Glycostasis, Glucosamine Curcumin, Turmeric 50, Turmeric Curcumin, Cetyl Curcumin, Ashwagandha, Huruli, ...
Recalls & Warnings
December 08, 2020
FTC Sends Refund Checks to Consumers of Deceptive Joint Pain Supplement Synovia
On December 1, 2020, the FTC announced it is mailing 13,221 checks totaling nearly $775,000 to consumers who bought Synovia, a supplement intended to treat joint pain and arthritis.
Recalls & Warnings
September 19, 2018
Seller of Curcumin, Garcinia, Glucosamine and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations
On September 7, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to Best Nutrition Products, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
March 30, 2019
FDA Warns Seller of Reishi, Joint Supplements, Ginseng & More for Pesticides, Other Violations
On March 12, 2019, the FDA issued a warning letter to Yanqing "Michael" Li and Chang Su, owners of the website http://www.woohoonatural.
News Release
March 05, 2015
ConsumerLab.com Shows Chinese Consumers What's Really in Foods and Supplements -- U.S. Testing Company Expands to China, Launches cn.ConsumerLab.com
White Plains, New York, March 5, 2015 — Since 1999, American consumers and doctors have turned to ConsumerLab.com (CL) to find out which nutritional products are highest in quality based independent testing. Today, CL launched a Chinese-language website cn.ConsumerLab.
News Release
February 26, 2014
Mislabeling of Some Joint Health Supplements with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Boswellia, and MSM According to ConsumerLab.com -- 38 Supplements Tested, Including Products for Dogs and Cats --
White Plains, New York, February 26, 2014 — Glucosamine, chondroitin, Boswellia, and MSM are popular dietary supplement ingredients for treating symptoms of osteoarthritis — worn joint cartilage.
Recalls & Warnings
January 30, 2018
Limbrel for Osteoarthritis Recalled Due to Risk of Adverse Effects
On January 26, 2018, Primus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of Scottsdale, Arizona issued a recall of all unexpired lots of Limbrel products.
Recalls & Warnings
August 29, 2017
FDA Warns Seller of Supplements for Allergies, Joint Pain, Bone Health, and More
On August 16, 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to Total Nutrition, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
May 24, 2016
Seller of Joint Health, Omega-3 Supplements & More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
On May 13, 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to Rocky Fork Formulas, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
May 02, 2015
Maker of Garcinia, Joint Supplements and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
On March 25, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to JW Nutritional LLC, following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Vanish V2 Domestic, Mr.
Recalls & Warnings
March 28, 2015
Settlement Restricts Label Claims for Certain Glucosamine Supplements
On March 23, 2015 a federal judge approved a settlement agreement which will require the maker of glucosamine products (Perrigo Co.
Recalls & Warnings
September 17, 2013
Seller of Omega-3 and Joint Supplements Warned for Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
On August 29, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Y.S. Health Corp.
Recalls & Warnings
May 10, 2013
Maker of Concentration, Pain, Immune, Cholesterol Supplements Warned For Drug Claims
On April 24, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to EuroPharma Co., Inc., following a review of the company's website which found statements made about Calm Kids, CholestCaps, CuraMed 375 mg, CuraMed 750 mg, Curamin, Mental Advantage, Tri-Iodine, and Viragen to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
October 24, 2012
FDA Seizes Many Supplements from New York Company Due To Drug Claims
On October 23, 2012, U.S. Marshalls, acting on behalf of the FDA, seized dietary supplements and unapproved drugs from Confidence, Inc., a supplement manufacturer in Port Washington, N.Y. The products included dietary supplements Dr.
Recalls & Warnings
February 25, 2017
Radio "Infomercials" for Cognitive and Joint Health Supplements Deceived Consumers, Says FTC
On February 22, 2017, the Federal Trade Commission and the Maine Office of the Attorney General announced a complaint the marketers of CogniPrin and FlexiPrin, charging that they made misleading claims about the supplements in radio infomercials deceptively formatted as talk shows.
