boswellia

Boswellia is an herbal extract derived from the gum resin or bark of the Boswellia serrata tree, a branching tree native to the mountainous regions of Northern Africa, India, and the Middle East. It has a long history of use in Ayurvedic practice, and its resin is also the source of frankincense. As a dietary supplement it is most often taken orally, though the resin is also applied topically or used in aromatherapy.

According to the NCCIH, there is not enough high-quality evidence to determine whether boswellia is useful for any health condition. For osteoarthritis, several studies suggest that taking boswellia orally may help reduce inflammation and pain, but the NCCIH cautions that larger, higher-quality studies are needed and that evidence for topical use is insufficient. A few small studies hint that oral boswellia may reduce asthma symptoms, yet the NCCIH says there is not enough rigorous evidence to know whether it is a useful asthma treatment. Cancer-related research in people is limited and preliminary, and the NCCIH notes that no complementary approach has been shown to cure cancer or cause it to go into remission. There is no evidence that boswellia can prevent or treat COVID-19.

The NCCIH notes that boswellia serrata extract has been used in clinical trials at doses up to 1,000 mg daily for up to 6 months, and at 2,400 mg daily for up to 1 month, with apparent safety. There is no official recommended dose, and product formulations vary widely. Talk with your doctor or another qualified clinician before starting boswellia, especially if you have a health condition or take other medicines.

According to the NCCIH, boswellia is likely to be safe when taken orally, and frankincense may be safe when used topically or for aromatherapy. However, the NCCIH cautions that most studies of its benefits and safety are small and of low quality. Boswellia is likely safe in the amounts commonly found in foods during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, but little is known about whether it is safe to take orally in medicinal amounts, or to use frankincense, while pregnant or breastfeeding, so these groups should be cautious. The NCCIH does not provide specific safety guidance for children.

The NCCIH does not list specific side effects for boswellia, stating that it is likely to be safe when taken orally. Because most safety data come from small, low-quality studies, the full side-effect profile is not well characterized. As with any supplement, stop use and contact a clinician if you notice an adverse reaction.

The NCCIH does not document specific drug interactions for boswellia, but it warns that some herbs and medicines can interact in harmful ways. It specifically advises anyone taking asthma medicine to talk with their health care provider before starting a dietary supplement. If you take any medication, speak with your provider before using boswellia.