Boswellia Serrata - Testosterone Enanthate Interaction

Interaction Details

Testosterone Enanthate is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, Boswellia serrata might increase the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that Boswellia serrata gum resin inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists

Pharmacist Analysis

The evidence on whether boswellia supplements could cause drug interactions by inhibiting the metabolizing enzyme CYP3A4 is mixed.

Although lab studies have shown that the resin extracted from the boswellia tree, known as frankincense, can mildly inhibit the enzyme, this effect has not been observed in humans (only in a lab setting).

It is worth noting that boswellic acids are specific chemical compounds found in frankincense resin, while frankincense itself is the resin obtained from the Boswellia tree.

Boswellic acids are considered to be the primary anti-inflammatory compounds in boswellia supplements, which are usually standardized based on their boswellic acid content.

Recent research suggests that the inhibitory effect of frankincense on CYP enzymes is not due to boswellic acids, so supplements with high amounts of these acids would be expected to have a lower risk of causing drug interactions than frankincense extracts with lower boswellic acid content. In other words, it appears that other compounds in frankincense are thought to cause CYP3A4 inhibition, not boswellic acids.

Overall, it's important to know about the potential interaction between boswellia supplements (especially those that have a high boswellic acid content) and drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, even though it's generally not considered a serious risk.

References

• Frank A, Unger M. Analysis of frankincense from various Boswellia species with inhibitory activity on human drug metabolising cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry after automated on-line extraction. J Chromatogr A 2006;111

Testosterone Enanthate Overview

• Testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone), testosterone enanthate (Xyosted, available generically), testosterone undecanoate (Aveed), and testosterone pellet (Testopel) are forms of testosterone injection used to treat symptoms of low testosterone in men who have hypogonadism (a condition in which the body does not produce enough natural testosterone). Testosterone is used only for men with low testosterone levels caused by certain medical conditions, including disorders of the testicles, pituitary gland (a small gland in the brain), or hypothalamus (a part of the brain) that cause hypogonadism. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your testosterone levels to see if they are low before you begin to use testosterone injection. Testosterone enanthate (available generically) and testosterone pellet (Testopel) are also used to stimulate puberty in males with delayed puberty. Testosterone enanthate (available generically) injection may be used in certain women with a type of breast cancer called mammary cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Testosterone should not be used to treat the symptoms of low testosterone in men who have low testosterone due to aging ('age related hypogonadism'). Testosterone is in a class of medications called androgenic hormones. Testosterone is a hormone produced by the body that contributes to the growth, development, and functioning of the male sexual organs and typical male characteristics. Testosterone injection works by supplying synthetic testosterone to replace the testosterone that is normally produced naturally in the body. When used to treat breast cancer, testosterone works by stopping the release of estrogen.

Boswellia Serrata - More Interactions

Boswellia Serrata interacts with 902 drugs

Interaction Rating Key

These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.