Boswellia serrata
Scientific names: Boswellia serrata
Family: Burseraceae
Alternate names: Arbre à Oliban Indien, Boswella, Boswellin, Boswellin Serrata Resin, Encens Indien, Gajabhakshya, Indian Frankincense, Oliban Indien, Salai Guggal, Salai Guggul, Sallaki Guggul, Shallaki
Actions: Anti-arthritic, Anti-asthma, Anticancer, Dermatological, Immunomodulatory, Organ beneficial
Background
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.
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.
Safety Safety definitions
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.
For information on using Boswellia serrata on the skin or as aromatherapy, see Frankincense.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
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.Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
- Osteoarthritis. Taking certain Boswellia serrata extracts alone or together with other ingredients can somewhat reduce pain and improve movement in people with osteoarthritis.
Dosing & administration
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.
For information on using Boswellia serrata on the skin or as aromatherapy, see Frankincense.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
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)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
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)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
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)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
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)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
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)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
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.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Products
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Practitioner product
Per tablet:
- Boswellia serrata (Boswellia) ext. 228 mg equiv. boswellic acid 148.2 mg
- Salix alba ext. 200 mg
- Eleutherococcus nodiflorus ext. 100 mg
- Eucommia ulmoides ext. 66.67 mg
- Gentiana macrophylla ext. 75 mg
- Angelica pubescens ext. 55 mg
- Saposhnikovia divaricata ext. 187.5 mg
- Atractylodes macrocephala ext. 20 mg
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Practitioner product
Per tablet:
- Boswellia serrata (Boswellia) ext. 104 mg equiv. boswellic acid 67.5 mg
- Glucosamine sulphate potassium chloride 498 mg equiv. glucosamine sulphate 375 mg
- Sodium chondroitin sulphate (bovine) 330 mg equiv. chondroitin sulphate 300 mg
- Cholecalciferol 6.25 μg equiv. vitamin D3 250 IU
- Manganese amino acid chelate 18.8 mg equiv. manganese 3.75 mg
- Borax 6.29 mg equiv. boron 712.5 μg
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Practitioner product
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Per capsule:
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RRP: $61.95$45.85Save: 26%
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RRP: $61.95$42.13Save: 32%
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Per 7.7 g (Lemon Lime):
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Practitioner product
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Practitioner product
Per tablet:
- Boswellia serrata (Boswellia) ext. 66.7 mg
- Glucosamine sulphate potassium chloride 663 mg equiv. glucosamine sulphate 500 mg
- Curcuma longa ext. 4 mg
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 200 mg
- Sodium ascorbate (Vitamin C) 112.5 mg equiv. ascorbic acid 100 mg
- Magnesium orotate dihydrate 103.6 mg equiv. magnesium 6.6 mg
- Manganese amino acid chelate 50 mg equiv. manganese 5 mg
- Cholecalciferol 2.5 μg equiv. vitamin D3 100 IU
- Silybum marianum ext. 5 mg
- Vitis vinifera ext. 1 mg
Practitioner product
Practitioner product
Per tablet:
- Boswellia serrata (Boswellia) ext. 57.1 mg
- Glucosamine sulphate potassium chloride 663 mg equiv. glucosamine sulphate 500 mg equiv. potassium chloride 163 mg
- Cholecalciferol 2.5 µg equiv. vitamin D3 100 IU
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 200 mg
- Sodium ascorbate (Vitamin C) 112.5 mg equiv. ascorbic acid 100 mg
- Lecithin 100 mg
- Magnesium orotate dihydrate 103.58 mg equiv. magnesium 6.7 mg
- Manganese amino acid chelate 25 mg equiv. manganese 5 mg
- Silybum marianum ext. 5 mg
- Vitis vinifera ext. 1 mg
- Curcuma longa ext. 4 mg
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This monograph was last reviewed on 17/06/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 07/11/2022 07:41:50. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
