Home / Ingredients / Boswellia
OPTISOLV® ingredient for joint and gut health
OPTISOLV® Boswellia: high-absorption boswellia for joint and gut health formulations
Boswellia is a key ingredient for joint and gut health, yet boswellic acids are hard to dissolve and native extracts need high doses. OPTISOLV® Boswellia changes that: over 110× higher water solubility, compared to native boswellia extract.
>110×
Higher water solubility vs. native extract
Saturation solubility in water
44×
More boswellic acid release during digestion
Simulated intestinal fluid
250-500 mg
Recommended dose, once a day
Specification
The challenge
A proven resin that is hard to formulate
Joint and gut health products address large consumer groups, and brands are looking for convenient daily formats.
Native boswellia extract is crystalline and hydrophobic. It dissolves poorly, needs doses of 900-1,500 mg and is usually taken 2-3 times a day, which limits both formats and consumer compliance.
Native boswellia vs. OPTISOLV® Boswellia
Native boswellia
OPTISOLV® Boswellia
Daily dose
900-1,500 mg per day
250-500 mg per day
Intake
2-3 doses a day
1 dose a day with stable release
Water solubility
Poor solubility
Over 110× higher water solubility
Dosage forms
Limited dosage forms
Stick packs, sachets, gummies, chewing tablets
OPTISOLV® dual-coating enables the next generation of joint and gut health products. How OPTISOLV® works
Visual comparison
See the difference
Native boswellia extract (left) and OPTISOLV® Boswellia (right) added to water side by side.
Native boswellia vs. OPTISOLV® Boswellia
Added to water side by side: native boswellia extract stays on the surface as a compact layer, while OPTISOLV® Boswellia disperses evenly into the water.
EVANIUM lab, Regensburg. Measured results in Our data below.
Our data
Measured in our lab in Regensburg
Solubility in water
The OPTISOLV® Technology increases water solubility over 110× compared with native boswellia extract.
Method: saturation solubility of KBA and AKBA in distilled water after 2 h, HPLC; comparator native Boswellia serrata extract.
44×
Improved boswellic acid release during simulated digestion
1×
Daily dose thanks to stable, controlled release
Dissolution during simulated digestion
OPTISOLV® Boswellia dissolves significantly faster, with up to 44× improved release of KBA and AKBA.
Method: fasted state simulated intestinal fluid (FaSSIF), 37 °C, 4 h, bioaccessible boswellic acids (AKBA + KBA) by HPLC; comparator native Boswellia serrata extract.
Full data package available for formulation partners on request.
Mechanism of action
How boswellic acids act on inflammation, cartilage and the gut
Scientific literature describes five main pathways through which boswellic acids support inflammatory balance, joint and gut health.
Click to enlarge. Mechanism of action of Boswellia serrata, based on published literature. Illustration: EVANIUM.
Scientific references
- Gomaa, A A et al., Inflammopharmacology, 2021.
- Matho, K et al., Inflammopharmacology, 2025.
- Gilbert, N C et al., Nature Chemical Biology, 2020.
- Safayhi, H et al., The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 1992.
- Safayhi, H et al., The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 1997.
- Kosikowska, P and Lesner, A, Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents, 2013.
- Choi, Y-J et al., International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024.
- Reddy, G K et al., Biochemical Pharmacology, 1989.
- Raja, A et al., BMC Microbiology, 2011.
- Kiczorowska, B et al., Annals of Animal Science, 2016.
- Suther, C et al., Nutrients, 2022.
- Catanzaro, D et al., PLoS One, 2015.
Reduces inflammatory reactions
Boswellic acids, especially AKBA, reduce inflammation-inducing reactions, for example via 5-lipoxygenase.1-4
Blocks tissue degradation
Boswellic acids inhibit human leukocyte elastase, which degrades cartilage matrix.5-6
Protects cartilage structure
They reduce matrix-damaging proteins and preserve stabilising carbohydrate structures.7-8
Supports the gut microbiome
Boswellic acids show antimicrobial function and may shift the gut microbiome to beneficial species.9-11
Stabilises the intestinal barrier
Boswellia ensures epithelial barrier integrity by stabilising tight junctions.12
Specification
Ready for your formulation
Source
Active content
N.L.T. 25 % total boswellic acids
Other ingredients
Gamma-cyclodextrin, Boswellia serrata extract, lecithin (sunflower)
Appearance
White/beige free-flowing powder
Recommended dose
250-500 mg once a day
Dosage forms
Powders, capsules, tablets, stick packs, sachets, gummies, chewing tablets
Shelf life
24 months, stored cool and dry, protected from sunlight
Pack size
10 kg PE in an aluminium bag
Origin
Developed in Germany, produced in France
Quality & regulatory
Documented for every batch.
Production in an FDA-registered facility, FSSC/ISO 22000, HACCP and cGMP compliant. Every batch is tested for heavy metals, contaminants, content, identity and microbiology, with full traceability.
Detailed statements (allergens, BSE/TSE, contaminants, Novel Food, origin, flow chart) on request.
FAQ
Questions from formulators
What is OPTISOLV® Boswellia?
OPTISOLV® Boswellia is a free-flowing boswellia ingredient for nutraceuticals and functional foods, made from Boswellia serrata resin and standardised to at least 25 % total boswellic acids. It is encapsulated with EVANIUM’s OPTISOLV® dual-coating technology: a gamma-cyclodextrin inner layer and a sunflower lecithin outer layer.
How much better does OPTISOLV® Boswellia dissolve than native boswellia extract?
The saturation solubility of KBA and AKBA in water is over 110x higher than with native Boswellia serrata extract (6.40 vs. 0.058 µg/mL after 2 hours, HPLC). In simulated intestinal fluid it releases up to 44x more boswellic acids.
What is the recommended dose?
250-500 mg OPTISOLV® Boswellia once a day. Native boswellia extracts are typically dosed at 900-1,500 mg, split over 2-3 doses a day.
Does it contain synthetic emulsifiers or allergens?
No. The other ingredients are gamma-cyclodextrin, Boswellia serrata extract and sunflower lecithin. The ingredient is vegan, non-GMO, free from EU-listed allergens and not irradiated or treated with ethylene oxide.
Formulate with OPTISOLV® Boswellia
Samples, specification and the full data package for your product development, plus formulation support from our lab.
This page is intended for professionals in the food supplement, food and pharmaceutical industry. The ingredient is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Descriptions of the mechanism of action summarise published scientific literature on Boswellia serrata and are not health claims under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 or U.S. FDA regulations. The regulatory status, labelling and suitability for use in finished products are the responsibility of the manufacturer or distributor of the final product.
