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.
View References

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 circumstances. 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.