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Boswellia Serrata is a shrubby tree that grows in hot arid areas. The plant’s resin has been used in medicine in African and India for hundreds of years. This is the same plant that frankincense is made from and it is also used in the making of cosmetics and some food products.
In Ayurvedic medicine, boswellia is part of a group of gums and resins collectively known as “guggals.” Boswellia supplement is made by purifying those resins into an extract.
Boswellia supplement uses include osteoarthritis and ulcerative colitis. It is promoted for its anti-inflammatory benefits and is also used for aging, skin health, headaches and digestive health.
However, the Natural Medicines Database states that there is insufficient reliable evidence to rate any uses other than osteoarthritis and ulcerative colitis. What are the effects of taking Boswellia supplements and is this product safe to use?
Anti- Inflammatory
Joints
Anti- Aging- Effective natural anti-inflammatory
- Improves blood flow to the joint for better functionality
- Exhibits pain-relieving properties
Top Boswellia Products* ❯Boswellia Supplement Uses
Related Topics
Boswellia is rated as Possibly Effective for osteoarthritis, according to the Natural Medicines Database.
In several studies, people taking the supplement daily saw improvements in pain and stiffness. Randomized trials indicate that boswellia is more effective than a placebo in relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Boswellia extract supplements have been used successfully in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. In one study, 90% of participants went into remission after taking boswellia daily.
In traditional medicine, boswellia is taken to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps, although there is currently no scientific evidence to support this use.
Anecdotal research suggests that boswellia may reduce the frequency and intensity of cluster headaches.
A preliminary clinical trial suggests that boswellia applied topically in a cream can significantly reduce fine lines and skin roughness.
There is preliminary evidence examining the effects of boswellia on brain tumors in humans.
In a clinical trial, people who tool 4200 mg per day saw tumors shrink when used in conjunction with radiation therapy. They also saw less edema after taking boswellia daily. The results were noticeably better than the results seen by those in the placebo group.
Boswellia Supplement Dosages
Boswellia supplements are available in capsule, softgel and liquid extract form. This herbal extract has been tested in a number of forms and dosages. Among the dosages tested include the following:
- For ulcerative colitis, a gum resin preparation was taken in 350 mg doses.
- For bronchial asthma, 300 mg to 500 mg was taken each day.
- For osteoarthritis, a number of doses have been tested. Some subjects took 333 mg per day. In other tests, people took anywhere from 100 mg to 250 mg per day.
- To treat symptoms of Crohn’s disease, 800 mg was taken after meals three times per day. In another study on Crohn’s, participants took 1200 mg per day.
- For bursitis, boswellia has been used in a supplement stack that also contains turmeric and willow bark.
Taking boswellia with turmeric may be even more effective. In a study where boswellia was taken with ashwagandha, zinc and turmeric three times daily over a period of three months, patients with osteoarthritis saw their pain and disability scores drop dramatically.
In a second study with a different combination of boswellia, ginger, turmeric and ashwagandha, patients did not see strong results. More research is needed to show the effectiveness of taking boswellia supplements alone for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Boswellia Supplement Adverse Effects
In most studies, the reported incidence of Boswellia side effects is minimal. The side effects that were most common consistent of gastrointestinal issues. The most common issues were nausea, diarrhea, acid reflux and stomach pain.
Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported after using skin creams that contain boswellia.
Boswellia may interact with a handful of other medications and herbal preparations. Boswellia was found, in in vitro tests, to inhibit the activity of P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp). It modulated the activity of MRP2. It also modulated the activity of OATP1B3, which is an anion transporter.
One report of an individual having severe adverse effects exists. A 17-year-old ulcerative colitis patient developed a bezoar (a hard build-up of hair, vegetable fiber or other substances) in her stomach after taking large quantities of boswellia for an extended period of time. She suffered abdominal pain and vomiting. These symptoms abated once the bezoar was removed.
Boswellia Supplement Reviews
Boswellia supplement reviews can be seen on a number of online outlets including Amazon. Superior Labs Boswellia Extract supplement, which contains 600 mg boswellia extract, is the supplement that, at this writing, has the highest number of reviews.
Out of 655 reviews, 83% are five star reviews. Several five-star reviewers say that taking boswellia has helped improve joint stiffness and increase mobility. Many report a reduction in joint pain.
A one-star reviewer stated that they experienced an allergic reaction in the form of a rash on their face after taking boswellia capsules. Another experienced headache.
Still others stated that the supplement was not effective in managing their arthritis and joint pain. One experienced greater joint pain after taking a boswellia supplement.
- Boswellia - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Indian Frankincense – Natural Medicines Database
- Turns out you can grow frankincense in the U.S. - The Bulletin
Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment