Home Ingredients AlvioLife® (Boswellia + Bengal Quince for Respiratory Health — PLT Health)
Respiratory Health

AlvioLife® (Boswellia + Bengal Quince for Respiratory Health — PLT Health)

Boswellia serrata + Aegle marmelos
Evidence Level
Limited
1 Clinical Trial
6 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

AlvioLife® is a branded respiratory ingredient sold by PLT Health Solutions and made by Laila Nutraceuticals (code LI13109F). It is a fixed 1:1 blend of Boswellia serrata gum resin extract (standardized to 30% AKBA, 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid) and Bengal quince (Aegle marmelos, also called bael) fruit extract. Bengal quince is a citrus-family fruit, not common quince (Cydonia oblonga). One manufacturer-funded trial has been published in full: 56 days at 200 mg/day in 36 randomized adults with mild to moderate asthma, in which an asthma quality-of-life questionnaire (the primary outcome) and peak expiratory flow improved more than placebo, while FEV1 did not differ between groups. A second placebo-controlled study in 105 healthy adults who reported sensitivity to air pollution, two of whose three authors work for the seller, exists only as a conference abstract and poster. Studied dose: 200 mg/day.

Studied Dose 200 mg/day.
Active Compound Boswellia serrata gum resin standardized to 30% AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid) by HPLC, plus Aegle marmelos (Bengal quince) dried fruit extract.

Benefits

Breathing-related quality of life improved versus placebo

In a 56-day double-blind trial of 200 mg/day in 36 randomized adults with mild to moderate asthma (29 completed), the asthma quality-of-life questionnaire, the primary outcome, improved more than placebo on all four domains, and emotional function (p=.0305) and symptom scores (p=.0002) separated from placebo by day 14. The trial was small and funded by the manufacturer.

Supported by Trial 1

Lung function: peak flow rose more than placebo, FEV1 unchanged

In the same 56-day trial, peak expiratory flow rose 90.0 L/min from baseline on the blend versus 43.9 L/min on placebo (p=0.019), so the placebo group gained about half as much on its own. FEV1, the standard spirometry measure, did not differ between groups (+0.05 L versus −0.03 L, p=0.41).

Supported by Trial 1

Lung function and walking distance in pollution-sensitive adults

A 42-day study, two of whose three authors work for the seller, randomized 105 healthy adults who reported air-pollution sensitivity to 200 mg/day, the blend plus licorice extract, or placebo (87 completed). The poster reports better FEV1, FVC and six-minute walk results than placebo, but placebo FEV1 was already lower at baseline, and the study exists only as a conference abstract and poster.

Supported by Trial 1

Upper respiratory symptom and well-being scores in pollution-sensitive adults

In the same abstract-only study, Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey scores fell by about 40% from baseline on 200 mg/day while placebo scores worsened, and well-being scores (PGWBI) improved more than placebo, according to the authors' poster. These are self-reported questionnaires in a seller-authored study not published in full or peer reviewed.

Supported by Trial 1

Cytokine markers shifted (IFN-γ up, IL-4 down)

In the published 56-day trial, serum IFN-γ rose (22.0 versus 15.4 pg/ml, p=0.0014) and IL-4 fell (1.09 versus 1.44 pg/ml, p=0.0497) compared with placebo. These are laboratory markers measured in 29 people, not measures of infections or illness. The abstract-only pollution study reported similar marker changes but no difference from placebo in CD4+ or CD8+ cells.

Supported by Trial 1

5-LOX inhibition in laboratory testing

In a cell-free enzyme assay, the 1:1 blend inhibited 5-lipoxygenase at a lower concentration (IC50 11.6 µg/ml) than its Boswellia extract (14.8 µg/ml) or Bengal quince extract (22.1 µg/ml) alone, and it lowered 5-LOX protein in cultured human monocytes. 5-LOX activity has not been measured in people taking the blend, so this lab result does not show an effect in the body.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibition

AKBA and related boswellic acids inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, the enzyme that makes leukotrienes, in laboratory assays, and leukotrienes contribute to airway inflammation. A pharmacology review notes, however, that boswellic acids failed to block leukotriene formation in human whole blood and that plasma AKBA levels after oral intake are far below the concentrations active in the lab, so this mechanism is uncertain in people.

2

Boswellia plus Bengal quince activity in the lab

In an isolated-enzyme assay the 1:1 combination inhibited 5-LOX at a lower concentration (mean IC50 11.6 µg/ml) than the Boswellia gum resin extract (14.8 µg/ml, p=0.0135) or the Aegle marmelos fruit extract (22.1 µg/ml, p<0.0001) on its own. The difference was seen only in vitro, and no human study of this blend has measured 5-LOX activity or leukotriene levels.

3

Th1/Th2 cytokine balance shift

In the published trial, IFN-γ (a Th1 cytokine) rose and IL-4 (a Th2 cytokine) fell compared with placebo, a shift away from the Th2 pattern linked with allergic airway inflammation. Whether that shift changes airway responsiveness was not measured, and the cytokine and symptom changes, recorded in the same 29 completers, cannot show that one caused the other.

4

IL-8 and T-cell markers in the pollution-sensitivity study

The conference poster of the 105-person pollution-sensitivity study reports lower serum IL-8, a chemokine that recruits neutrophils, on the blend than on placebo. CD4+ cell percentage rose from baseline in the supplement groups but did not differ from placebo, and CD8+ cells did not change. These data have not been published in full.

Clinical trials

1
AlvioLife (LI13109F) 200 mg/day for 56 days in adults with mild to moderate asthma
PubMed

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center trial in India of the LI13109F Boswellia serrata gum resin plus Aegle marmelos fruit blend that the paper identifies as AlvioLife, registered as CTRI/2016/10/007393. Funded by the manufacturer, Laila Nutraceuticals, with one author based at its research center. The primary outcome was the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire; lung function and serum cytokines were secondary outcomes (Yugandhar et al. 2018, Phytother Res).

36 adults with mild to moderate asthma randomized (18 per arm); 29 completed (16 supplement, 13 placebo). 56-day intervention.

All four quality-of-life domains improved more than placebo at day 56, and emotional function (p=.0305) and symptom scores (p=.0002) separated from placebo by day 14. Peak expiratory flow rose 90.0 L/min from baseline versus 43.9 L/min on placebo (p=0.019). FEV1 did not differ between groups (+0.05 L versus −0.03 L, p=0.41). Serum IFN-γ rose (p=.0014) and IL-4 fell (p=.0497) versus placebo. Minor stomach upset, mild fever and weakness occurred in both groups, with no serious adverse events. Small, maker-funded, with uneven dropout.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

In the one published 56-day trial at 200 mg/day (29 completers), minor diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, mild fever and general weakness were reported in both the supplement and placebo groups, with no serious adverse events and no abnormal routine laboratory results. The abstract-only pollution-sensitivity study reports no clinically significant changes in vital signs or safety tests over 42 days. Safety beyond 56 days has not been tested.
Boswellia extracts: a systematic review of randomized trials found mostly minor adverse effects, with diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea reported in more than one study, and noted that nausea, acid reflux and stomach upset may occasionally occur.
Boswellia gum resin extracts slowed blood clotting and blocked platelet clumping in laboratory tests, and a review of warfarin and herb interactions lists Boswellia serrata among herbs involved in reported cases. People who take blood thinners or have surgery planned should speak with their clinician first.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: neither study of this blend reports data in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so its safety in those groups is unknown. Avoid unless a clinician advises otherwise.
Bengal quince fruit is eaten as a food and used in processed foods, but a review of the plant notes that more research is needed to balance its pharmacological and toxic effects. Food use of the fruit does not establish the safety of a concentrated extract.

Important Drug interactions

Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (for example warfarin or clopidogrel): Boswellia extracts affected clotting and platelets in laboratory tests, and Boswellia serrata appears in reviews of warfarin and herb interaction reports. Ask your clinician before combining, and expect closer INR monitoring with warfarin.
Leukotriene-modifying asthma drugs (zileuton, montelukast, zafirlukast): Boswellic acids act on the same leukotriene pathway in lab studies. No interaction has been demonstrated in people; tell the prescribing clinician before combining.
Prescribed respiratory medicines, including rescue and controller inhalers: do not reduce or stop them in favor of a supplement.
General: a systematic review of Boswellia trials found no evidence of serious drug interactions, while noting that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.

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Frequently asked questions about AlvioLife® (Boswellia + Bengal Quince for Respiratory Health — PLT Health)

What is AlvioLife used for?

AlvioLife is a Boswellia serrata and Bengal quince fruit extract blend marketed for respiratory health. In its one fully published trial, 200 mg/day for 56 days improved a breathing-related quality-of-life questionnaire and peak expiratory flow more than placebo in adults with mild to moderate asthma, while FEV1 did not change. The trial was small and funded by the manufacturer, and a second study in healthy adults has appeared only as a conference abstract. It is not a substitute for prescribed respiratory care.

What is the recommended dosage of AlvioLife?

Both human studies used 200 mg once a day, for 56 days in the published trial and 42 days in the abstract-only study. No other doses have been tested in people. Follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is AlvioLife safe, and does it have side effects?

In the published 56-day trial, minor stomach upset, mild fever and weakness occurred in both the supplement and placebo groups, with no serious adverse events, but only 29 people completed it and nothing beyond 56 days has been studied. Boswellia extracts affect clotting in lab tests, so people on blood thinners or facing surgery should ask a clinician first. There are no data in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Is the Bengal quince in AlvioLife the same fruit as common quince?

No. Bengal quince, also called bael, is Aegle marmelos, a tree in the citrus family (Rutaceae) native to India. Common quince is Cydonia oblonga, a different genus. They share a common name only, so research on one does not apply to the other.

What is AlvioLife?

AlvioLife® is a branded respiratory ingredient sold by PLT Health Solutions and made by Laila Nutraceuticals (code LI13109F). It is a fixed 1:1 blend of Boswellia serrata gum resin extract (standardized to 30% AKBA, 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid) and Bengal quince (Aegle marmelos, also called bael) fruit extract.

Does AlvioLife interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (for example warfarin or clopidogrel): Boswellia extracts affected clotting and platelets in laboratory tests, and Boswellia serrata appears in reviews of warfarin and herb interaction reports. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for AlvioLife?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for AlvioLife as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 1 study summary and 12 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(12 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Yugandhar P, Rao KM, Sengupta K. A novel herbal composition containing extracts of Boswellia serrata gum resin and Aegle marmelos fruit alleviates symptoms of asthma in a placebo controlled double-blind clinical study. Phytother Res. 2018;32(1):140-150. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5963.PubMedUsed to support: Manufacturer-funded (Laila Nutraceuticals, grant C090001), double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the LI13109F Boswellia serrata gum resin plus Aegle marmelos fruit blend sold as AlvioLife, registered as CTRI/2016/10/007393. Thirty-six adults with mild-to-moderate asthma were randomized (18 per arm) and 29 completed 56 days at 200 mg/day (16 supplement, 13 placebo). The primary endpoint, the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, improved more than placebo on all four domains, with emotional function (p=0.0305) and symptom score (p=0.0002) separating by day 14. Peak expiratory flow rose 90.0 L/min from baseline versus 43.9 L/min on placebo (p=0.019), so the placebo group gained roughly half as much on its own. FEV1 did not differ significantly between groups (+0.05 L versus −0.03 L, p=0.41). Serum IFN-gamma rose (22.0 versus 15.4 pg/ml, p=0.0014) and IL-4 fell (1.09 versus 1.44 pg/ml, p=0.0497). The paper also reports 5-LOX inhibition by the blend in a cell-free enzyme assay (IC50 11.6 µg/ml versus 14.8 for Boswellia extract and 22.1 for Aegle marmelos extract), in cultured human monocytes, and in a Sephadex-induced rat airway inflammation model. Small, single-center, sponsor-funded, and conducted in people with a diagnosed respiratory condition.
  2. Gupta I, Gupta V, Parihar A, Gupta S, Lüdtke R, Safayhi H, Ammon HP. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study. Eur J Med Res. 1998;3(11):511-4..PubMedUsed to support: Double-blind, placebo-controlled 6-week study in which 40 adults with bronchial asthma took 300 mg of Boswellia serrata gum resin three times daily (900 mg/day) and 40 took lactose placebo. Seventy percent of the treated group versus 27% of the placebo group were classed as improved, with reported gains in FEV1, FVC and peak expiratory flow and falls in eosinophil count and ESR. This is borrowed evidence where AlvioLife is concerned: a plain gum resin at 4.5 times the daily dose, not the 200 mg standardized Boswellia-plus-Aegle-marmelos blend, and the result is reported as a proportion of responders rather than as a between-group effect size.
  3. Clark CE, Arnold E, Lasserson TJ, Wu T. Herbal interventions for chronic asthma in adults and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Prim Care Respir J. 2010;19(4):307-14. doi: 10.4104/pcrj.2010.00041.PubMedUsed to support: Systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 randomized placebo-controlled trials covering 20 herbal preparations for chronic asthma, including Boswellia. Only two of the six trials reporting a change in FEV1 were positive. Single studies of Boswellia, Mai-Men-Dong-Tang, Pycnogenol, Jia-Wei-Si-Jun-Zi-Tang and Tylophora indica showed potential to improve lung function, but the authors concluded that improvements in symptoms were not strongly supported by objective changes, that most trials were small, short and of poor methodology, and that no recommendation for herbal treatment of asthma can be made from the current evidence. Provides the wider context for single small botanical respiratory trials.
  4. Rajaram A, Vanaja GR, Vyakaranam P, Rachamallu A, Reddy GV, Anilkumar K, Arunasree KM, Dhyani A, Prasad NK, Sharma S, Chandra Joshi M, Kimothi GP, Brindavanam NB, Reddanna P. Anti-inflammatory profile of Aegle marmelos (L) Correa (Bilva) with special reference to young roots grown in different parts of India. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2018;9(2):90-98. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2017.03.006.PubMedUsed to support: Laboratory screen of 191 extracts of Aegle marmelos roots, stems and leaves (four solvents, six growing regions in India) against isolated cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase. Forty-four extracts inhibited COX-2 and 38 inhibited COX-1, while none inhibited 5-LOX. Anti-inflammatory activity varied markedly with the part of the plant used and the region where it was grown. This study tested roots, stems and leaves rather than the fruit used in the AlvioLife blend, so it does not contradict that blend's own enzyme data, but it does show that 5-LOX inhibition is not a general property of the plant.
  5. Salter D, Murphy J. P08-019-23 An Herbal Blend of Boswellia serrata and Aegele Marmelos, With and Without Glycyrrhiza glabra, Improves Functional Respiratory Outcomes and Indices of Well-Being Curr Dev Nutr. 2023;7:101154. doi: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.101154.SourceUsed to support: Conference abstract (not PubMed-indexed), read through the abstract text republished by PLT Health and the authors' poster, which adds a third author (Maurya RS) and lists two authors at PLT Health Solutions, the seller. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 42-day study (CTRI/2020/10/028721) in 105 healthy adults with self-reported air-pollution sensitivity, randomized to 200 mg/day of the blend, the blend plus 200 mg licorice root extract, or placebo; 87 completed. Both supplement groups improved more than placebo on FEV1, FVC and six-minute walk distance (p<0.05 at days 21 and 42) and on upper respiratory symptom (WURSS-21) and well-being (PGWBI) scores, with lower IL-4 and IL-8 and higher IFN-gamma; CD4+ and CD8+ cells did not differ from placebo. Baseline FEV1 was lower in the placebo group (2.5 versus 2.8 L, p<0.001). No full peer-reviewed paper has been published.
  6. PLT Health Solutions. PLT Health Solutions Granted New Health Claims from Health Canada Based on New Clinical Study Results PLT Health Solutions (press release). 2023;September 26, 2023 (accessed 2026)..SourceUsed to support: Company press release, not PubMed-indexed. States that Health Canada's Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate expanded the AlvioLife license to permit four lower respiratory tract health claims, based on the company's 2022 six-week placebo-controlled study in healthy adults with self-reported air-pollution sensitivity. A license of this kind authorizes Canadian label wording; it is not an independent replication.
  7. Ernst E. Frankincense: systematic review. BMJ. 2008;337:a2813. doi: 10.1136/bmj.a2813.PubMedUsed to support: Systematic review of seven randomized trials of single-ingredient Boswellia serrata extracts (asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, osteoarthritis, collagenous colitis), including the 1998 asthma trial. The author judged the evidence encouraging but not compelling, with little independent replication. Adverse effects were minor; diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea were reported in more than one study, and nausea, acid reflux and gastrointestinal upset may occasionally occur. No evidence of serious drug interactions had been noted, which the author cautions is not evidence of absence. Not a review of AlvioLife.
  8. Abdel-Tawab M, Werz O, Schubert-Zsilavecz M. Boswellia serrata: an overall assessment of in vitro, preclinical, pharmacokinetic and clinical data. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2011;50(6):349-69. doi: 10.2165/11586800-000000000-00000.PubMedUsed to support: Pharmacology review of Boswellia serrata gum resin extract. Reports that boswellic acids, including AKBA, failed to inhibit leukotriene formation in human whole blood and that plasma AKBA and KBA concentrations after oral intake are far below those active in vitro, with poor AKBA absorption, so 5-lipoxygenase inhibition as the mode of action in people is questionable. Beta-boswellic acid reaches about 100-fold higher plasma levels and acts on other enzymes.
  9. Ferrara T, De Vincentiis G, Di Pierro F. Functional study on Boswellia phytosome as complementary intervention in asthmatic patients. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2015;19(19):3757-62..PubMedUsed to support: Other product, not AlvioLife: 32 people with asthma on inhaled corticosteroid plus long-acting beta-agonist therapy were randomized to Casperome (a Boswellia phytosome) at 500 mg/day or no added treatment for 4 weeks, with no placebo group. The Casperome group needed fewer inhalations, with mild to moderate adverse events. Shows that evidence for other Boswellia preparations in breathing is small and not placebo-controlled.
  10. Kokkiripati PK, Bhakshu LM, Marri S, Padmasree K, Row AT, Raghavendra AS, Tetali SD. Gum resin of Boswellia serrata inhibited human monocytic (THP-1) cell activation and platelet aggregation. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;137(1):893-901. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.07.004.PubMedUsed to support: Laboratory study: water and hydroalcoholic Boswellia serrata gum resin extracts blocked ADP-induced platelet aggregation, prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time, and the hydroalcoholic extract inhibited clotting factors Xa and XIa in vitro. Not a human study; it is the basis for the bleeding caution, not proof of an effect at supplement doses.
  11. Milić N, Milosević N, Golocorbin Kon S, Bozić T, Abenavoli L, Borrelli F. Warfarin interactions with medicinal herbs. Nat Prod Commun. 2014;9(8):1211-6..PubMedUsed to support: Review of published warfarin and herb interaction reports, which lists Boswellia serrata among the herbs assessed in case reports of serious events such as bleeding with concomitant warfarin use. Supports the anticoagulant caution; it does not establish how often such interactions occur.
  12. Venthodika A, Chhikara N, Mann S, Garg MK, Sofi SA, Panghal A. Bioactive compounds of Aegle marmelos L., medicinal values and its food applications: A critical review. Phytother Res. 2021;35(4):1887-1907. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6934.PubMedUsed to support: Review of Aegle marmelos (bael, Bengal quince), a fruit tree of the Rutaceae family with nutrient-rich fruit used in foods and food processing and in traditional medicine. Most reported health effects come from in vitro and animal studies, and the authors conclude that further research is needed to balance the plant's pharmacological and toxic effects.