Boswellia
Boswellia is the oleogum resin that seeps from cuts in the bark of Boswellia trees; for supplements the main source is Boswellia serrata from India, while Boswellia sacra and B. carteri resins (frankincense) come from Arabia and East Africa. The dried resin is extracted with solvents and sold as a powder standardized to boswellic acids, measured by titration (total organic acids) or HPLC (individual boswellic acids such as AKBA).
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Solvent extract of B. serrata resin sold with 65% or more boswellic acids, usually by titration.
Extract with a declared content of individual boswellic acids by HPLC, including grades enriched in acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA).
Dried, ground oleogum resin without extraction, used in traditional preparations.
Steam-distilled oil of Boswellia resin used as a flavoring and in cosmetics; it contains little boswellic acid.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Keep extracts sealed in lined drums or foil bags in a cool, dry place away from light; resin extracts can soften and clump when warm. Reseal opened containers promptly. Shelf life or a retest date comes from the supplier's specification, with the boswellic acid assay repeated at retest.
Boswellic acid figures depend heavily on the assay method, so record the method with each lot's result and do not compare titration and HPLC values. Record the species and resin origin, and keep the supplier lot traceable to finished batches.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 172.510 lists olibanum (Boswellia carteri and other Boswellia species) among natural flavoring substances that may be safely used in food.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)The EU Novel Food status Catalogue entry for Boswellia serrata (POL-NF-00194) concerns the gum resin and boswellic acid extracts from it and lists them as not novel in food supplements.
Source: ec.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Frankincense (oral) natural health product monograph lists Boswellia sacra with stem bark resin as the source part.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)A Health Canada multi-ingredient natural health product monograph lists Boswellia serrata with stem bark and trunk bark oleogum resin as source parts.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Hyderabad, India
Botanic Healthcare is a Hyderabad, India, maker of standardized and organic herbal extracts, branded botanical ingredients and liposomal ingredient grades for supplement and food companies.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include standardized resin extract, hPLC-standardized or AKBA-enriched extract, raw resin powder and frankincense essential oil. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect identity and species, boswellic acids assay, heavy metals, microbiology, residual solvents and physical tests, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Keep extracts sealed in lined drums or foil bags in a cool, dry place away from light; resin extracts can soften and clump when warm. Reseal opened containers promptly. Shelf life or a retest date comes from the supplier's specification, with the boswellic acid assay repeated at retest.
21 CFR 172.510 lists olibanum (Boswellia carteri and other Boswellia species) among natural flavoring substances that may be safely used in food. The EU Novel Food status Catalogue entry for Boswellia serrata (POL-NF-00194) concerns the gum resin and boswellic acid extracts from it and lists them as not novel in food supplements. Health Canada's Frankincense (oral) natural health product monograph lists Boswellia sacra with stem bark resin as the source part. A Health Canada multi-ingredient natural health product monograph lists Boswellia serrata with stem bark and trunk bark oleogum resin as source parts.
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