Boswellia Serrata Plant Medicinal Benefits & Negative Effects

Boswellia serrata is a resin derived from the Indian Frankincense plant. The history of this herb’s use in medicine is long, with roots in Ayurvedic treatments and African traditional medicine.

Today, a purified extract of the resin is commonly used in holistic medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. Boswellia is able to provide anti-inflammatory effects without the stomach irritation that can be caused by NSAIDs.

Boswellia serrata extract has been well-researched for its effects on arthritis pain and functionality. According to the Natural Medicines Database (NMD), it is rated as Possibly Effective for osteoarthritis as well as for ulcerative colitis.

Boswellia supplements are also promoted for anti-aging benefits, skin health, brain health, headaches and Crohn’s disease. According to NMD, there is not enough reliable evidence to rate its efficacy for these uses.

Boswellia Serrata

Anti-Inflammatory

Anti- Inflammatory

Joints

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Effective natural anti-inflammatory
• Improves blood flow to the joint for better functionality
• Exhibits pain-relieving properties

Dosage:

Between 200 - 400 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Boswellia Serrata

In laboratory analysis, boswellia serrata extract was found to contain boswellic acid. This is the substance that scientists believe causes its biological activity.

In animal trials, boswellic acid inhibited an enzyme that is known to cause inflammation. In in vitro tests, it also caused cancer cells to replicate more slowly and also cause the death of some cancer cells.

Boswellia is not like other anti-inflammatory substances, as it does not appear to reduce fever or pain in lab animals.

According to NMD, this medicinal resin is taken for a number of conditions, including:

• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Joint pain
• Bursitis
• Tendonitis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Abdominal pain
• Asthma
• Hay fever
• Sore throat
• Syphilis
• Pimples
• Cancer
• Cluster headaches
• Crohn’s disease
• As a stimulant
• Increasing urine flow
• Stimulating menstruation and treating painful menstruation

Additionally, the resin oil and extract is used in cosmetics, soap, food and drinks.

Boswellia Serrata Research Studies

There is a great deal of clinical research on taking boswellia serrata for arthritis. In two clinical trials, individuals who had osteoarthritis took a dose of either 100 mg or 250 mg daily during a study that lasted 90 days.

Participants given the treatment saw their pain scores drop between 32% and 65%. They saw improvement within seven days of starting treatment.

Research on the use of boswellia for rheumatoid arthritis has conflicting outcomes. In one study, people who took boswellia three times per day in combination with turmeric, ashwagandha and zinc showed improvements in pain, stiffness and grip strength.

However, in another study combining boswellia with ginger, turmeric and ashwangandha, patients did not see significant results.

Clinical trials support the use of boswellia serrata for ulcerative colitis. Two clinical trials demonstrated that boswellia serrata, taken orally, can help improve ulcerative colitis symptoms.

In one study, people who took 350 mg boswellia three times per day saw significant improvement in symptoms. In another, 82% of individuals who were taking boswellia went into remission. In a third study, 90% of those taking 300 mg three times per day saw significant improvements and 70% went into remission.

Preliminary studies on boswellia serrata showed that it can help reduce the pain and frequency of cluster headaches, although more research is needed.

In one clinical trial, people who took powdered boswellia serrata resin extract experienced fewer acute asthma attacks and also had better breathing overall.

How to Take Boswellia

Boswellia serrata can be found in a number of forms. Many different supplements in capsule or softgel form are available. Some contain just boswellia serrata, others offer the resin in combination with other herbs and minerals.

You can also find boswellia in a number of topical creams that are used for joint pain or as an anti-aging treatment. Boswellia can also be purchased in liquid extract form or as a raw resin, either in lumps known as “tears” or crushed into a powder.

Boswellia has been used in the following dosages for specific conditions:

• For osteoarthritis, individuals took 100 mg, 250 mg or 333 mg per day.
• For bursitis, doctors recommend taking boswellia serrata with turmeric and willow in combination with a topical ointment that contains cayenne.
• For rheumatoid arthritis, 200 mg boswellia serrata was taken with 100 mg turmeric, 100 mg zinc and 900 mg ashwagandha three times day.
• For ulcerative colitis, 350 mg was taken three times per day. In another study, 500 mg was taken three times daily for a period of six weeks.
• As an anti-aging cream, a solution of .5% boswellia was applied to reduce fine surface lines and skin roughness.
• For asthma, 300 mg was taken three times daily. In another study, 400 mg was administered twice per day.
• For Crohn’s disease, 1,200 mg was taken three times daily. In another study, 800 mg was taken three times per day after meals.
• In a study on brain tumors, 4200 mg boswellia was taken daily in conjunction with radiation therapy. This high dosage should only be used under medical supervision.

Boswellia Serrata Side Effects

Boswellia serrata is rated as Likely Safe by the Natural Medicines Database. They note that it has been used safely in clinical trials with a duration of up to six months.

Some side effects have been observed in individuals taking this supplement. Boswellia serrata extract side effects can include:

• Nausea
• Skin rashes
• Acid reflux
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain

People who are taking drugs that are substrates of P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) should not take boswellia, as the substances can interact.

Women who are pregnant or lactating should avoid taking boswellia serrata at medicinal dosages. However, it is rated as likely safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women in amounts commonly found in foods.

There is a lack of research on the safety of boswellia serrata in children. In one instance, a 17-year-old girl who was taking large quantities of boswellia serrata developed a gastric bezoar. Symptoms included vomiting and pain in the abdomen, and abated after the bezoar was surgically removed.

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