Overview

Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian frankincense, is a tree. The resin (sap-like substance) from the tree is used to make dietary supplements. People take Boswellia serrata for many conditions that are caused by inflammation, but its benefits for most uses are not well defined. Common side effects include constipation, diarrhea, and an upset stomach. Before taking Boswellia serrata, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is Boswellia serrata used for?

Boswellia serrata is used for many reasons, although its benefits for most uses are not well defined. Some common reasons for using Boswellia serrata include the following.

• Asthma
• Inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Osteoarthritis
• To help with side effects from chemotherapy
• To improve joint health
• To improve gut and digestive health

Note: The FDA has not reviewed Boswellia serrata for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does Boswellia serrata work (mechanism of action)?

Boswellia serrata is a tree. The resin (sap-like substance) underneath the bark of the tree is used to make dietary supplements. Since this tree grows in India, it is sometimes called Indian frankincense. It has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is known as shallaki.

Boswellia serrata is a type of incense tree. When the tree’s resin is used to make essential oil, it is called frankincense. Frankincense is commonly used as incense. It is sometimes applied to the skin. The chemicals in Boswellia serrata supplements, which are taken by mouth, can have different effects and side effects compared to those in frankincense oil. See Frankincense for more information.

Boswellia serrata contains chemicals known as boswellic acids that may help reduce swelling (inflammation) in the body. This has led to interest in using Boswellia serrata for conditions that involve inflammation, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Some studies show that taking Boswellia serrata may help with some of the symptoms of these conditions. But Boswellia serrata may interact with other medicines that are used to treat these conditions. It is important to speak with a health care provider before taking Boswellia serrata.

Herbal products such as Boswellia serrata naturally contain many chemicals, such as boswellic acids. The amounts of each chemical in a specific Boswellia serrata product may vary. Different amounts of boswellic acids may change the effects of Boswellia serrata on the body. Some Boswellia serrata dietary supplements are made to contain a certain amount of these substances. There are also some dietary supplements made from Boswellia serrata that only contain boswellic acids.

How should I store Boswellia serrata?

You should store Boswellia serrata according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Boswellia serrata?

The most common side effects of Boswellia serrata are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

There may be other side effects of Boswellia serrata that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Boswellia serrata?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Boswellia serrata are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions.****Boswellia serrata may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Boswellia serrata and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use Boswellia serrata?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Boswellia serrata.

• Boswellia serrata
• Indian frankincense
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Boswellia serrata products they stock.

What should I know about Boswellia serrata before using it?

Boswellia serrata is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep Boswellia serrata out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as Boswellia serrata, naturally contain many chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific Boswellia serrata product can change for many reasons, including the area where the tree was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that it was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested Boswellia serrata products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Boswellia serrata?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Boswellia serrata is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Allergies to Certain Plants.People who have an allergy to other Boswellia trees or products made from these trees, such as frankincense, may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to Boswellia serrata. If you have an allergy to frankincense or any Boswellia trees, talk to your health care provider before taking Boswellia serrata.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Bleeding problems
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements.Boswellia serrata may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Boswellia serrata, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Boswellia serrata could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Boswellia serrata passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does Boswellia serrata interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Boswellia serrata and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Boswellia serrata.

Does Boswellia serrata interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Boswellia serrata.

• A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
• An antiplatelet medicine, such as aspirin/dipyridamole, cilostazol, clopidogrel (Plavix), or ticagrelor (Brilinta), which is a medicine used to prevent blood clots
• A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever

The interactions between Boswellia serrata and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with Boswellia serrata is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking Boswellia serrata with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Boswellia serrata?

If you or someone else has used too much Boswellia serrata, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take Boswellia serrata safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.