Boswellia Side Effects, Warnings & Drug Interactions

Boswellia serrata, which is also known as “Indian Frankincense,” is used for a variety of purposes in alternative medicine. While it does demonstrate some medicinal benefits, this supplement also poses a risk of side effects to users.

Boswellia side effects are generally mild when it is used properly. Some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort. High doses also pose a risk of more serious side effects.

Boswellia serrata is a branching tree found the mountains of the Middle East, Northern Africa and India. For medicinal purposes, the resin of this plant is used. It is extracted from the trunk of the tree, solidified and processed for the production of supplements, beverages, food, soaps and cosmetics.

In traditional medicine, Boswellia is used for a number of different conditions, including cancer, pimples, painful menstruation, syphilis, sore throat, allergic rhinitis, asthma, abdominal pain, ulcerative colitis, tendonitis, bursitis, rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis.

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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How Does Boswellia Work?

Components of Boswellia have an analgesic effect, allowing the drug to relieve certain types of pain. Boswellia also has mild sedative effect, and it reduces inflammation.

In addition, this substance has been shown to stimulate the immune system, lower cholesterol and improve skin health.

Studies have shown that Boswellia Serrata is typically safe when it is used according to the manufacturer’s directions and for no more than six months at one time.

However, it may cause side effects in some people. Some of the possible Boswellia Serrata side effects and risks are detailed below.

Boswellia Serrata Extract Side Effects

The most common side effects of Boswellia are gastrointestinal in nature and include nausea, acid reflux, diarrhea and stomach pain. When used topically, Boswellia creams may cause a rash.

At this time, is does not seem that Boswellia causes side effects for the liver when taken as directed. It is sometimes used as an alternative to NSAIDs for some patients dealing with inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.

However, it is important to note that studies have found evidence of Boswellia’s potential to cause liver damage when the supplement is consumed in extremely high doses.

Boswellia Serrata Dangers

Clinical trials have not found many adverse effects associated with Boswellia serrata extract consumed orally at normal doses. In one clinical trial, for example, blood, urine and liver tests showed no major adverse events.

Likewise, in an experiment where healthy volunteers received a single dose of 333 mg of Boswellia, no adverse events were reported. Studies have not found any serious adverse events associated with the topical application of Boswellia serrata, either.

There is a warning that Boswellia serrata toxicity may be possible if too much of the supplement is consumed or if it is used for extended periods of time.

Studies have shown that the median lethal dose of this substance in rats and mice was more than 2 g per kg. Mouse research has also shown that extremely high doses of Boswellia can lead to liver toxicity and fatty liver.

Studies have not yet found any side effects associated with the use of Boswellia serrata in children. However, more research is needed. Unless directed to do so by a doctor, do not administer Boswellia to a child.

Preventing Boswellia Side Effects

To avoid any side effects associated with the consumption of Boswellia serrata, consumers should take no more than the recommended dosage. The dosage recommended depends on the intended use of a Boswellia serrata supplement.

Below are some dosage guidelines derived from recent studies involving Boswellia serrata.:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis – Up to 3,600 mg of standardized Boswellia serrata daily for up to 12 weeks.
• Osteoarthritis – Up to 333 mg of standardized Boswellia serrata three times daily for up to eight weeks.
• Crohn’s Disease – Up to 1,200 mg of standardized Boswellia serrata three times daily for up to eight weeks.
• Colitis – Up to 400 mg of standardized Boswellia serrata three times daily for up to eight weeks.
• Brain Tumor – Up to 126 mg per kg has been taken daily for a median of nine months.
• Asthma – Up to 300 mg three times daily for up to six weeks.

All of these dosages assume the use of a standardized Boswellia serrata product with a concentration of no more than 40 percent Boswellic acids.

Several standardized versions of Boswellia serrata are available. When choosing a product, make sure that your supplement includes the proper amount of active ingredient. If it does not, the dosage must be adjusted appropriately.

The dosages above are recommended for adults only. Because the safety of the drug has not been evaluated for pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, patients who fall into this category should not take Boswellia serrata unless directed to do so by a physician.

As with any supplement, you should always talk to your doctor before beginning Boswellia serrata.

Although the risk of Boswellia side effects is low, people who consume this supplement should still watch for adverse effects. If you experience severe side effects at any time while taking this supplement, seek medical attention immediately.

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