Boswellia Serrata Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Boswellia Serrata

Boswellia Serrata

Also known as
  • Boswellia serrata
  • Arbre à Oliban Indien
  • Boswella
  • Boswellin
  • Boswellin Serrata Resin
  • Encens Indien
  • Gajabhakshya
  • Indian Frankincense
  • Oliban Indien
  • Salai Guggal
  • Salai Guggul
  • Sallaki Guggul
  • Shallaki
Boswellia Serrata Boswellia serrata is a tree that is native to regions of India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is also known commonly as Indian frankincense or simply, boswellia. The tree is known for producing a resin, which is used in traditional medicine and in the production of incense and perfumes. The gum resin and the bark of Boswellia serrata are used in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for a variety of health conditions, including inflammation, joint pain, and asthma. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be useful in reducing inflammation and swelling in the joints.
There are 902 drugs known to interact with Boswellia Serrata

Frankincense Vs. Boswellia Vs. Boswellic Acids

There is often confusion about what the difference is between frankincense, boswellia and boswellic acids.

First off, boswellia is a genus of trees native to regions of the Arabian Peninsula, northeastern Africa, and India. There are a number of different kinds of boswellia trees, including Boswellia sacra, Boswellia carterii, Boswellia frereana and Boswellia serrata. Boswellia serrata is generally the most utilized for its medical properties.

Boswellia trees produce frankincense resin. This resin contains boswellic acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects and are commonly used in dietary supplements and topical creams.

So, in other words, frankincense is a resin that comes from the Boswellia tree, while boswellic acids are specific chemical compounds found in the resin. Although frankincense contains boswellic acids, it also contains many other compounds, and studies show that different types of frankincense contain different chemical compounds.

To sum up:

  • Boswellia: A genus of trees for which there are many (e.g., Boswellia serrata)
  • Frankincense: A resin obtained from boswellia trees
  • Boswellic Acids: Compounds found in frankincense resin that are thought to have anti-inflammatory effects

Additional Details

Is Boswellia Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Experts have cautioned that Boswellia serrata may affect the body's immune and inflammatory response against COVID-19, but there is no strong evidence to support this claim. It is also not recommended to use Boswellia serrata for COVID-19. Instead, focus on adopting a healthy lifestyle and proven prevention methods.

How Does Boswellia Work?

Boswellia serrata is believed to work by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase, reducing leukotriene synthesis, and inhibiting leukocyte elastase. These actions contribute to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-arthritic effects. The main active constituents in Boswellia serrata are boswellic acids, especially 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), which have been found to have these therapeutic properties.

Pharmacokinetics

When taken orally, Boswellia serrata extract is generally safe and well-tolerated. It is absorbed poorly by the body, but its bioavailability can be improved when taken with a high-fat meal. The extract reaches peak plasma levels within 1-2 hours and is metabolized through oxidation. It has an elimination half-life of approximately 6 hours and is mainly excreted through urine.

Interaction Overview (See Below For Full List)

  • Boswellia serrata might increase the levels of certain drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 substrates.
  • It may also alter the effects of immunosuppressive drugs.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

When taken orally, common side effects of Boswellia serrata may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, itching, and nausea. Large amounts of Boswellia serrata gum resin can rarely cause bezoar formation, which is a serious adverse effect.

Drugs that interact with Boswellia Serrata

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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