BOSWELLIA SERRATA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

Overview

Boswellia serrata is a tree native to India, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. It is commonly used in the traditional Indian medicine system, Ayurveda.

Boswellia serrata contains chemicals that might decrease swelling and increase the body's immune response. Extracts of the Boswellia serrata sap, bark, and other plant parts have been taken by mouth for therapeutic purposes.

People use Boswellia serrata for osteoarthritis. It is also used for many other purposes, including asthma, diabetes, and stroke, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses. There is also no good evidence to support using Boswellia serrata for COVID-19.

The sap from Boswellia serrata is sometimes used to make Frankincense. Frankincense is typically applied to the skin or inhaled as aromatherapy. For information on those uses, see Frankincense.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Osteoarthritis. Taking certain Boswellia serrata extracts alone or together with other ingredients can somewhat reduce pain and improve movement in people with osteoarthritis.

There is interest in using Boswellia serrata for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Boswellia serrata is likely safe for most adults. Boswellia serrata extract has been used safely in doses up to 1000 mg daily for up to 6 months. It usually doesn't cause major side effects. But some people have reported stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, and itching.

For information on using Boswellia serrata on the skin or as aromatherapy, see Frankincense.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Boswellia serrata is likely safe for most adults. Boswellia serrata extract has been used safely in doses up to 1000 mg daily for up to 6 months. It usually doesn't cause major side effects. But some people have reported stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, and itching.

For information on using Boswellia serrata on the skin or as aromatherapy, see Frankincense. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Boswellia serrata is likely safe when used in amounts commonly found in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if Boswellia serrata is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with BOSWELLIA SERRATA

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Boswellia serrata might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with BOSWELLIA SERRATA

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Boswellia serrata might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with BOSWELLIA SERRATA

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Boswellia serrata might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with BOSWELLIA SERRATA

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Boswellia serrata might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with BOSWELLIA SERRATA

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Boswellia serrata might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with BOSWELLIA SERRATA

    Boswellia serrata can affect the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking Boswellia serrata along with these medications might alter the effects of these medications.

Dosing

Boswellia serrata has most often been used by adults in doses of 100-250 mg by mouth daily, for up to 6 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

For information on using Boswellia serrata on the skin or as aromatherapy, see Frankincense.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

BOSWELLIA SERRATA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

BOSWELLIA SERRATA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews? ›

When taken by mouth: Boswellia serrata is likely safe for most adults. Boswellia serrata extract has been used safely in doses up to 1000 mg daily for up to 6 months. It usually doesn't cause major side effects. But some people have reported stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, and itching.

Who should not take Boswellia serrata? ›

Do not take boswellia if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Boswellia may inhibit the liver enzymes that break down drugs, which can increase the drug effects. Avoid taking boswellia concurrently with other medications unless specifically prescribed by your physician.

Is Boswellia worth taking? ›

It may possess anti-inflammatory properties, which could help with chronic inflammatory conditions. Due to its potential anti-inflammatory properties, boswellia may help with inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma.

How much Boswellia should I take for joint pain? ›

The Natural and Alternative Treatments database, which contains over 12,000 clinical studies, also gives Boswellia high marks for OA pain relief. Dosage: Capsule or tablet; 100 mg daily for OA; between 1200 to 3600 mg for RA.

How does Boswellia affect the heart? ›

Oral administration o Boswellia statistically suppressed the heart rate acceleration and decline of mean blood ... ...

What are the risks of Boswellia? ›

When taken by mouth: Boswellia serrata is likely safe for most adults. Boswellia serrata extract has been used safely in doses up to 1000 mg daily for up to 6 months. It usually doesn't cause major side effects. But some people have reported stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, and itching.

What not to take with Boswellia? ›

Boswellia extract may also interact with medications, including ibuprofen, aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Which is better for joint pain, turmeric or boswellia? ›

Turmeric (and its active compound, curcumin) is widely known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Fewer studies focus on Boswellia, as it is less available and less popular than turmeric. Research, however, has found that long-term use of Boswellia for patients with osteoarthritis is safe and effective.

What is the difference between boswellia and Boswellia serrata? ›

Boswellia is a genus of trees known for their fragrant resin. It grows on dry hilly areas throughout India, North Africa, and the Middle East. Boswellia serrata is a medium to large-sized branching tree of the boswellia genus.

Is boswellia safe for kidneys? ›

However, the results of this study showed that Boswellia caused a little improvement in kidney function. This is indicated by its ability to significantly reduce urea and BUN levels. But it had no significant effect on serum creatinine levels and it also did not reduce lipid peroxidation.

What is the strongest herb for arthritis? ›

The 9 best herbs for joint pain
  • Borage oil.
  • Turmeric.
  • Cat's claw.
  • Eucalyptus.
  • Frankincense.
  • Aloe vera.
  • Cinnamon.
  • Thunder god vine.
Apr 28, 2022

Should Boswellia be taken on an empty stomach? ›

Taking Boswellia extract with a high-fat meal has been shown to increase the absorption of boswellic acids 3.

What does Boswellia do to the brain? ›

Since inflammation is linked to brain aging, Boswellia may modestly help cognitive function by reducing age-related inflammation.

Can you have too much Boswellia? ›

No events of Boswellia overdose or toxicity have been reported. Regardless, it's important to take Boswellia still as directed and avoid taking more than you should. As with other supplements, side effects become more likely with higher doses of Boswellia.

Does Boswellia raise BP? ›

Boswellia species by reducing the resistance to insulin and restoring pancreatic beta cells decrease blood glucose. Also, Boswellia species has antithrombotic and anticoagulant properties that regulate blood pressure.

Does Boswellia cause heart palpitations? ›

What I didn't realize is that for some people, boswellia can cause severe anxiety and increased heart rate. While taking this for a few days, I felt extremely anxious, like my heart was racing at a dangerously high rate, and I felt constant, crushing chest pains.

Will Boswellia raise blood pressure? ›

Boswellia species by reducing the resistance to insulin and restoring pancreatic beta cells decrease blood glucose. Also, Boswellia species has antithrombotic and anticoagulant properties that regulate blood pressure.

Which is better for joint pain, turmeric or Boswellia? ›

Turmeric (and its active compound, curcumin) is widely known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Fewer studies focus on Boswellia, as it is less available and less popular than turmeric. Research, however, has found that long-term use of Boswellia for patients with osteoarthritis is safe and effective.

Does Boswellia have any drug interactions? ›

Boswellia has no known serious interactions with other drugs. Boswellia has no known moderate interactions with other drugs.

Is Boswellia safe for kidneys? ›

However, the results of this study showed that Boswellia caused a little improvement in kidney function. This is indicated by its ability to significantly reduce urea and BUN levels. But it had no significant effect on serum creatinine levels and it also did not reduce lipid peroxidation.

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