The people of India use the gummy resin from boswellia (guggals) for arthritis, diarrhea, dysentery, lung disease, and parasitical worms.

During the last decade, extensive studies have been undertaken to better understand the action of boswellia serrata. Results from these studies show that boswellic acids are very effective in rheumatic conditions and are safe for human use. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like aspirin are the mainstay in treating this condition, but many have serious adverse side effects.
India's council for Scientific and Industrial Research undertook a series of studies to discover herbal based anti-inflammatory products having beneficial effects on rheumatic diseases without any adverse side-effects. They concluded that boswellic acids, as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, are more beneficial, less toxic, and more potent than the standard drug of choice, Ketoprofen.

Modern research has shown that a group of triterpenoids, called boswellic acids, are responsible for these effects.

A comparative study was conducted against known anti-inflammatory agents such as Ketoprofen and Phenylbutazone-examples of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). The trial, involving a mixed group of 175 rheumatoid arthritis patients, ages five through seventy five, resulted in 97% reporting moderate to excellent improvement. The treatment (450-750 mg of boswellic acids per day) was effective in reducing pain, swollen joints, and morning stiffness; grip strength and physical performance also improved. None of these patients complained of any undesirable side effects. The abatement of symptoms was seen after 3-4 weeks of treatment initiation.