Boswellia (2024)

FAQs

Does Boswellia actually work? ›

Due to its potential anti-inflammatory properties, boswellia may help with inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma. The treatments for these conditions tend to revolve around reducing inflammation.

Overdose. Boswellia does not appear to have any serious toxic effects and overdose may cause gastrointestinal symptoms. In case of overdose, discontinue boswellia and if symptoms don't resolve, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.

General dosing guidelines suggest taking 300–500 milligrams (mg) by mouth two to three times a day. The dosage may need to be higher for IBD. The Arthritis Foundation suggests 300–400 mg three times per day of a product that contains 60 percent boswellic acids.

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.

Out of these four boswellic acids, acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid is the most potent inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme responsible for inflammation.

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

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.

Research suggests that taking boswellia 800 mg daily after a meal improves levels of blood sugar and cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes.

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.

Ginger is one of the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory herbs used for centuries in traditional medicine. This herb contains several bioactive compounds, including gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone, which have been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Is it safe to take turmeric and Boswellia together? ›

Synergy of the beneficial anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects from both curcumin and boswellic acids has been suggested both in vitro and in vivo, and pharmaco*kinetic and clinical studies in humans reported no major safety concerns when these two natural ingredients are combined.

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.

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.

There's some evidence to suggest Boswellia may help with arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel conditions. There are few side effects associated with taking Boswellia, and it is generally considered to be a safe supplement to use.

Boswellia serrata Extract, 5-Loxin®, Prevents Joint Pain and Cartilage Degeneration in a Rat Model of Osteoarthritis through Inhibition of Inflammatory Responses and Restoration of Matrix Homeostasis.

Transition Phase: Boswellia Starts to Make Its Mark

Week 3-6: During this period, many users report a reduction in inflammation and joint discomfort. If you are taking Boswellia for digestive issues, improvements in gut health may also become evident.

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.

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.