Boswellia is an herbal extract derived from the gum resin produced from the bark of the Boswellia tree and is also known as frankincense or olibanum. The trees are native to India, North Africa, and the Middle East. There are several species of Boswellia trees with medicinal properties. The bioactive boswellic acids contained in the resin vary by species, but generally have anti-inflammatory properties. Pilot clinical studies show small benefits for memory, but the effects are minor because it is poorly absorbed. Boswellia has a long history of safe use as part of Ayurvedic medicine.
FAQs
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.
Does Boswellia cross the blood-brain barrier? ›Furthermore, when considering a complementary therapy for brain tumors, it must cross the blood-brain barrier. Boswellia appears to meet these criteria. Boswellia serrata (also known in Hindi as salai and salai guggul) grows in India, North Africa, and the Middle East.
What should you not take Boswellia with? ›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.
Is Boswellia good for nerves? ›In vitro, animal, and clinical studies have confirmed that Boswellia species contain bioactive components that may enhance cognitive activity and protect against neurodegeneration.
Is Boswellia good for brain tumors? ›The supplement 5-Loxin (Boswellia serrata) is an extract of Indian frankincense that inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor expression and has been shown to reduce perilesional edema in brain tumor patients undergoing fractionated radiation.
Can frankincense heal the brain? ›Frankincense has long been used for its therapeutic properties. It is believed to help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and enhance cognitive function. Studies suggest that frankincense can also reduce inflammation related to brain injury.
What supplements repair the blood-brain barrier? ›B vitamins.
Several B vitamins support the health of the blood-brain barrier: Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency disrupts the blood-brain barrier and supplementation can restore it. Vitamins B12, B5, and B9 (folate) can restore blood-brain barrier integrity.
Boswellia is an herbal extract made from the bark of the boswellia tree. It is also known as frankincense. The resin (sticky substance found in trees and plants) is used to make an extract. Boswellia resin is used in Ayurvedic (traditional Indian) medicine.
What's the best time of day to take Boswellia? ›Research suggests that taking boswellia 800 mg daily after a meal improves levels of blood sugar and cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Does 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.
What is the best form of Boswellia to take? ›
The Arthritis Foundation recommend taking approximately 300–400 milligrams (mg) of boswellia three times per day to deliver boswellic acids to the body. They recommend looking for capsules that contain 60% boswellic acid, as it is the active ingredient.
What effects does Boswellia have on the brain? ›It is indicated that Boswellia resins attenuates memory deficits and the major component of Boswellia serrata (Bs) gum resin, beta boswellic acid increased neurite outgrowth and branching in hippocampal neurons.
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.
Does Boswellia help hair growth? ›Frankincense oil, derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, has been used for centuries due to its medicinal properties. Beyond its traditional uses, the oil has gained attention for its ability to support hair growth and address common hair concerns.
Does Boswellia affect memory? ›Consequently, our findings indicated that Boswellia extracts improve spatial memory retention irrespective of the treatment period.
What does Boswellia do for the human body? ›Boswellia serrata is a tree prevalent in India, the Middle East and North Africa. The gummy exudate or resin obtained by peeling away the bark is commonly known as frankincense or olibanum. Boswellia is used widely in Ayurveda for treating arthritis, ulcerative colitis, coughs, sores, wound healing, and asthma.
Is Boswellia psychoactive? ›The psychoactivity of Boswellia was already recognized in ancient times. Dioscorides (first century C.E.) writes that it causes madness (7).
How does Boswellia affect the heart? ›Oral administration o Boswellia statistically suppressed the heart rate acceleration and decline of mean blood ... ...