Frankincense - Mustargen (Mechlorethamine) Interaction
Herbal: Frankincense
Also Known As: Bible Frankincense, Boswellie, Encens, Incense, Oleo-gum-resin, Oliban, Olibanum, Resina Boswelliae, Ru Xiang, Ru Xiang Shu
Drug: Mechlorethamine
Brand names:
Mustargen
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Mechlorethamine and Frankincense. This does not mean the potential for an interaction does not exist, however. There is often a lack of studies and data surrounding traditional medicine, especially concerning drug interactions, so it is important to always consult your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Frankincense Overview
Frankincense is a resin obtained from the Boswellia tree, which is native to the Arabian Peninsula and Africa. In traditional medicine, frankincense has been used for reducing inflammation and pain, as well as improving digestion and immune function. Frankincense essential oil is also used in aromatherapy for its calming and relaxing properties.
It is important to note that both frankincense and Boswellia supplements refer to different forms of the same substance, which is derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree. Frankincense supplements refer to supplements that contain the resin of the Boswellia tree in its natural form, while Boswellia supplements contain an extract from the resin of the Boswellia tree, specifically boswellic acids. These supplements are often standardized to a specific amount of boswellic acids to ensure consistency in the product.
Mechlorethamine Overview
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Mechlorethamine is used to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease) and certain types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (types of cancer that begin in a type of white blood cells that normally fights infection); mycosis fungoides (a type of cancer of the immune system that first appear as skin rashes); certain types of leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells), including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML); and lung cancer. Mechlorethamine is also used to treat polycythemia vera (a disease in which too many red blood cells are made in the bone marrow). It is also used to treat malignant effusions (a condition when fluid collects in the lungs or around the heart) that are caused by cancerous tumors. Mechlorethamine is in a class of medications called alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.
Frankincense - More Interactions
Frankincense interacts with 0 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.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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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.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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