Boswellia Serrata + Esomeprazole, Naproxen
Esomeprazole, Naproxen brand name: Vimovo.
Esomeprazole, Naproxen falls into 4 drug categories that Boswellia Serrata can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, Boswellia serrata might increase the levels of CYP2C19 substrates.
Read the full interaction reportBoswellia Serrata and Esomeprazole, Naproxen
These two interact in 4 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.
Why Are There 4 Interactions?
Boswellia Serrata interacts with whole categories of medication. Esomeprazole, Naproxen falls into 4 of those categories, so it can interact with Boswellia Serrata in 4 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).
CYTOCHROME P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) SUBSTRATES
1 of 4Why this applies to Esomeprazole, Naproxen
Esomeprazole, Naproxen falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) SUBSTRATES — the group Boswellia Serrata interacts with.
In vitro research shows that Boswellia serrata gum resin inhibits CYP2C19 enzymes.
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.
Vimovo combines two medicines: esomeprazole (a stomach acid reducer) and naproxen (an anti-inflammatory pain reliever). The esomeprazole part is partly handled by a liver enzyme called CYP2C19. In lab tests only, boswellia appears to slow that enzyme down. In theory, that could let esomeprazole build up a bit, which usually just means a stronger acid-lowering effect rather than anything dangerous.
Here's my honest take: this is theoretical, based on test-tube data, not real people. For most folks it's unlikely to cause a problem. Esomeprazole is generally well tolerated, with occasional headache or upset stomach. Naproxen isn't really affected here. Still, it's worth a quick word with your pharmacist or doctor before combining them, especially if you take them daily.
- 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 PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES
2 of 4Esomeprazole, Naproxen also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research shows that Boswellia serrata gum resin inhibits CYP1A2 enzymes.
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.
Vimovo combines naproxen (an anti-inflammatory pain reliever) with esomeprazole (a stomach acid blocker that protects your gut). The thinking here is pretty mild: in test-tube studies, boswellic acids appear to slow down an enzyme called CYP1A2, which is one of the pathways your body uses to clear certain medicines. If that pathway slows, a bit more of the drug could linger, which in theory might nudge up naproxen-related effects like stomach upset, heartburn, or a higher chance of irritation or bleeding in the gut.
I want to be honest, though, this is only a lab-based, theoretical concern, and naproxen isn't mainly handled by CYP1A2. So real-world risk is likely small. Still, since both ingredients already affect the stomach, it's worth a quick chat with your pharmacist before pairing them.
- 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 PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES
3 of 4Esomeprazole, Naproxen also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research shows that Boswellia serrata gum resin inhibits CYP2C9 enzymes.
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.
Vimovo is a combo pill: naproxen (an anti-inflammatory pain reliever) plus esomeprazole (a stomach acid blocker). The naproxen part is cleared by a liver enzyme called CYP2C9. In a lab dish, boswellia appears to slow that enzyme down. If that happened in real life, naproxen could build up a bit and hang around longer.
What that might look like with naproxen: more stomach upset, heartburn, fluid retention, higher blood pressure, or in some folks kidney strain. Keep in mind this is theoretical, based only on test-tube data, so we don't actually know it matters in people. Still, since both boswellia and naproxen target inflammation and can be hard on the stomach, it's worth a quick chat with your pharmacist or doctor before combining them.
- 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 PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES
4 of 4Esomeprazole, Naproxen also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research shows that Boswellia serrata gum resin inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes. Other in vitro research shows that Boswellia serrata extract inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes at most concentrations, although it may modestly induce enzyme activity at low concentrations.
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.
Vimovo combines naproxen (an anti-inflammatory pain reliever) with esomeprazole (a stomach-protecting acid reducer). Both are processed in part by a liver enzyme called CYP3A4, and lab studies hint that boswellia may slow that enzyme down. In theory, that could let a little more of these drugs build up in your body. Neither is a prodrug, so more drug would mean slightly stronger effects, possibly more stomach upset, heartburn, or, with naproxen, fluid retention or kidney strain.
Here's the honest part: this is purely theoretical, based on test-tube work, not real patients. For most people it won't cause noticeable trouble. Still, since boswellia is also used for joint pain, just like naproxen, it's worth a quick chat with your pharmacist before doubling up.
- 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 PubMed
- Haron MH, Dale O, Martin K, et al. Evaluation of the Herb-Drug Interaction Potential of Commonly Used Botanicals on the US Market with Regard to PXR- and AhR-Mediated Influences on CYP3A4 and CYP1A2. J Diet Suppl 2022. PubMed
What These Ratings Mean
Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.
Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.
Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.
Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.
- LikelyWell-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction.
- ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- PossibleInteraction 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.
- UnlikelyInteraction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
- AHigh-quality meta-analysis (quantitative systematic review).
- BCase-control study.
- CConsensus.
- DAnecdotal evidence.
These ratings are for information only. Never start, stop, or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Boswellia Serrata Also Interacts With Other Medications
Boswellia Serrata has 951 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Esomeprazole, Naproxen one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.
Check Another of Your Medications Against Boswellia Serrata
We haven’t checked that one against Boswellia Serrata yet — ask our pharmacists directly.
Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Boswellia Serrata. Pick one to open its full report.
See Every Supplement That Interacts With Esomeprazole, Naproxen
This page covers Boswellia Serrata only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Esomeprazole, Naproxen page lists 348 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.
The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Asarabacca (major), Beer (major), Danshen (major) and Grapefruit (major).
By severity: 9 major · 283 moderate · 56 minor.
From our pharmacist’s overview on the Esomeprazole, Naproxen page
“Bleeding risk is the thread running through nearly this whole page. Vimovo pairs naproxen, an anti-inflammatory that already makes stomach bleeding more likely, with esomeprazole on board to shield the gut, and most of the supplements flagged here could push that bleeding risk higher still.”
Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026
Taking Boswellia Serrata as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions
We hold 1,914 real supplement products containing Boswellia Serrata, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Boswellia Serrata. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Esomeprazole, Naproxen too, on top of Boswellia Serrata — and those would not show on this page. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:
Where Boswellia Serrata and Esomeprazole, Naproxen Sit Against Everything Else
Out of every supplement and medication people look up on HelloPharmacist, here is where these two land this week — and which way each has been moving.
#87 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#2,099 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days
Position among everything looked up on this site, not a measure of how commonly either one is used or how important it is. A supplement can climb this list because of a news story. It counts every request to the page, automated ones included, and nothing here identifies anyone.
About Boswellia Serrata
What is Boswellia Serrata?
- Osteoarthritis joint pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Inflammation
- Asthma
- Inflammatory bowel conditions
Boswellia serrata is a tree resin used in traditional medicine, mainly for joint pain and inflammation. Some studies suggest it may help with osteoarthritis symptoms, but the overall evidence is limited and more research is needed. It is generally well tolerated, but you should check with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Other Drugs & Boswellia Serrata
Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Boswellia Serrata — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.
No drugs match “”.
951 interactions
- Diclofenac Sodium ›
- Diltiazem ›
- Theophylline ›
- Nifedipine ›
- Ibuprofen ›
- Hydrocortisone ›
- Naproxen ›
- Erythromycin ›
- Estradiol ›
- Propranolol ›
- Lidocaine ›
- Norethindrone ›
- Testosterone ›
- Verapamil ›
- Levonorgestrel ›
- Prednisone ›
- Quinidine ›
- Cyclosporine ›
- Dexamethasone ›
- Glyburide ›
- Triazolam ›
- Zopiclone ›
- Colchicine ›
- Fentanyl ›
- Flurbiprofen ›
- Oxybutynin ›
- Oxycodone ›
- Phenytoin ›
- Prednisolone ›
- Tacrolimus ›
- Temazepam ›
- Triamcinolone ›
- Budesonide ›
- Carbamazepine ›
- Clindamycin ›
- Dextromethorphan ›
- Diclofenac Potassium ›
- Doxorubicin ›
- Fluticasone ›
- Formoterol ›
- Indomethacin ›
- Miconazole ›
- Morphine Sulfate ›
- Trimipramine ›
- Acetaminophen ›
- Amphetamine ›
- Buprenorphine ›
- Conjugated Estrogens ›
- Diazepam ›
- Everolimus ›
- Ivabradine ›
- Lofepramine ›
- Medroxyprogesterone ›
- Medroxyprogesterone Acetate ›
- Meloxicam ›
- Nortriptyline ›
- Propoxyphene ›
- Rifampin ›
- Testosterone Undecanoate ›
- Aripiprazole ›
Showing 60 of 951 moderate interactions — see all 951 on the Boswellia Serrata page.
No interaction 1,878 drugs checked — show the list
We also checked Boswellia Serrata against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.
- Levothyroxine ›
- Methylphenidate ›
- Ivermectin ›
- Aspirin ›
- Rosuvastatin ›
- Escitalopram ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Tirzepatide ›
- Docusate ›
- Sumatriptan ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Metformin ›
- Semaglutide ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Bupropion ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Pregabalin ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Gabapentin ›
- Lamotrigine ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium ›
- Acetylsalicylic Acid ›
- Calcium Oxybate, Magnesium Oxybate, Potassium Oxybate, Sodium Oxybate ›
- Insulin Degludec, Liraglutide ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Rifampin ›
- Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Mannitol ›
- Levetiracetam ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Avatrombopag Maleate ›
- Atenolol, Chlorthalidone ›
- Levodopa ›
- Roxithromycin ›
- Bendroflumethiazide, Rauwolfia Serpentina ›
- Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine ›
- Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) ›
- Spironolactone ›
- Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Canagliflozin, Metformin ›
- Atenolol ›
- Enalapril Maleate ›
- Aspirin, Butalbital ›
- Ceftolozane Sulfate, Tazobactam Sodium ›
- Flutemetamol F-18 ›
- Amobarbital, Ephedrine Sulfate ›
- Acarbose ›
- Ephedrine, Phenobarbital, Theophylline ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,878 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Boswellia Serrata list.
Sources & How We Checked
Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for vitamins, herbs and supplements — the basis for our interaction data.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — NIH consumer drug information, used for the medication overviews.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — Official supplement product labels.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
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.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Esomeprazole, Naproxen Is Linked to Lower Levels of 9 Nutrients
Natural Medicines records Esomeprazole, Naproxen as a medicine that can lower these. This is not an interaction with Boswellia Serrata — it is a separate effect of the medicine, and it is a reason some people are advised to supplement rather than to avoid one:
Read the full Esomeprazole, Naproxen nutrient depletion report ›
Depletion records come from the licensed Natural Medicines database. Do not start a supplement on the strength of this page — ask your pharmacist or doctor whether it applies to you.
Taking Boswellia Serrata and Esomeprazole, Naproxen Together: Common Questions
Can you take Boswellia Serrata with Esomeprazole, Naproxen?
Why are there 4 interactions listed for Boswellia Serrata and Esomeprazole, Naproxen?
How serious is the Boswellia Serrata and Esomeprazole, Naproxen interaction?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Still Have a Question About Esomeprazole, Naproxen and Boswellia Serrata?
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This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.