Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Boswellia 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Absorb Health

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Boswellia 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Absorb Health with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for osteoarthritis joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation.Based on those ingredients, 952 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Boswellia extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Boswellia 500 mg by Absorb Health

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: Boswellia extract, a concentrate from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree. It's included at 500 mg per capsule.

The extract also contains inactive ingredients—maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, and gelatin (the capsule itself)—which are fillers and binders that give the capsule its form and help it dissolve in your digestive tract.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Joint health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Knee pain, joint inflammation, joint stiffness.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Boswellia Serrata is rated "Possibly Effective" for Osteoarthritis (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Boswellia Serrata is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Knee pain.

Boswellia extract is possibly effective for osteoarthritis, based on the evidence we hold. For other uses—hay fever, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, and cluster headaches—the evidence isn't established enough to rate it one way or the other.

If you're considering Boswellia for one of those other conditions, there may not be enough reliable data yet to know whether it'll help.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Boswellia Serrata

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Boswellia extract is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth short-term. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, itching, and nausea.

Dizziness and vertigo have also been reported in clinical studies. One rare concern: very large amounts of Boswellia gum resin can form a bezoar (a solid mass in the stomach), though this is extremely uncommon at typical supplement doses.

During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety data, so it's best avoided. While breastfeeding, safety is unknown, so avoid use.

If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Boswellia Serrata

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Boswellia Serrata.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 953 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Boswellia, double-check any medications that are broken down by liver enzymes—including blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, antihistamines, heart medications, and many others. The supplement may raise their levels in your blood.

Also flag it if you take immunosuppressants (drugs that weaken your immune system after a transplant or for autoimmune disease), as Boswellia might alter how they work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Boswellia may help with osteoarthritis, though evidence for other uses is thin. The main caution is its potential to raise levels of many prescription drugs by slowing how your liver clears them.

Before starting, check your exact medications against the interaction tool on this page, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist if anything flags a concern. Pregnant women and those breastfeeding should avoid it.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 24, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Boswellia 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Absorb Health
Barcode (UPC) 790566999992
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 24, 2020
DSLD ID 215750
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Boswellia 500 mg by Absorb Health, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
100
UPC/BARCODE
790566999992
IngredientAmount% DV
Boswellia extract500 mg--

Other ingredients: Maltodextrin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silica, Gelatin

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.

Storage

Store at room temperature with lid tightly closed.

Formulation

Joint Health

No cutting agents

General Statements

Shop at www.absorbyourhealth.com for all your mind, body, and spirit needs.

See for yourself

Boswellia 500 mg by Absorb Health label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Boswellia 500 mg by Absorb Health

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.

Boswellia extract

Interacts with
952 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Boswellic Acids

Boswellia serrata is a tree resin used in traditional medicine, mainly for joint pain and inflammation. Some studies suggest it may help with osteoart...

Boswellia extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Maltodextrin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silica, Gelatin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Boswellia 500 mg by Absorb Health Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Boswellia 500 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
952Drugs
952 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Boswellia 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Boswellia extract6 drug types · 952 drugs

Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, Boswellia serrata might increase the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that Boswellia serrata gum resin inhibits CYP1A2 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, Boswellia serrata might increase the levels of CYP2C19 substrates.
In vitro research shows that Boswellia serrata gum resin inhibits CYP2C19 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, Boswellia serrata might increase the levels of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research shows that Boswellia serrata gum resin inhibits CYP2C9 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, Boswellia serrata might increase the levels of CYP2D6 substrates.
In vitro research shows that Boswellia serrata gum resin inhibits CYP2D6 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, Boswellia serrata might increase or decrease the levels and clinical effects of 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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, Boswellia serrata might alter the effects of immunosuppressive drugs.
Some in vitro research suggests that Boswellia serrata extracts might inhibit mediators of autoimmune disorders such as leukotrienes and reduce production of antibodies and cell-mediated immunity. However, other in vitro research suggests that, when coupled with calcium ions, boswellic acids containing the keto group have immunostimulant properties within specific cell signaling pathways.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Boswellia 500 mg, from the product label.

Absorb Health

See all Absorb Health products
Name
Absorb Health
Street Address
4705 Southport-Supply Rd., #202
City
Southport
State
NC
ZipCode
28461
Web Address
www.absorbyourhealth.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Boswellia 500 mg by Absorb Health: Common Questions

Does Boswellia 500 mg by Absorb Health interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Boswellia 500 mg has a known interaction with 952 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Boswellia 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There isn't enough safety data during pregnancy, so it's best avoided. While breastfeeding, safety is unknown, so avoid use as well. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing and want to weigh your options.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common ones are abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, itching, and nausea. Dizziness and vertigo have also been reported in clinical studies. A rare but serious concern: very large amounts of Boswellia can form a bezoar (a solid blockage) in your stomach, though this is extremely uncommon at typical doses.
Does this actually work for osteoarthritis?
Boswellia extract is possibly effective for osteoarthritis based on the evidence we hold. It's not a slam-dunk cure, but the data suggests it may help. For other uses—hay fever, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, cluster headaches—the evidence isn't established enough to say whether it works.
Why do I need to check my medications before taking this?
Boswellia can slow how your liver breaks down many drugs, which means they can build up in your blood and become stronger than intended. Lab studies show it inhibits several liver enzymes responsible for clearing hundreds of medications. That's why checking your specific drugs is important.
Is there anything in this product besides Boswellia?
The active ingredient is Boswellia extract only. The capsule also contains inactive ingredients: maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, and gelatin. These are fillers and binders that help form and dissolve the capsule—they don't add a therapeutic effect.
How much Boswellia am I getting per dose?
Each capsule contains 500 mg of Boswellia extract. Keep in mind that product quality and strength can vary widely, so if you switch brands, the actual dose may differ even if the label reads the same.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Boswellia 500 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Boswellia 500 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Boswellia 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 16 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Boswellia Serrata 16 references
  1. Gupta I, Gupta V, Parihar A, et al. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study. Eur J Med Res 1998;3:511-4.
  2. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  3. Kimmatkar N, Thawani V, Hingorani L, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee--a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial. Phytomedicine 2003;10:3-7. PubMed
  4. Liu JJ, Nilsson A, Oredsson S, et al. Boswellic acids trigger apoptosis via a pathway dependent on caspase-8 activation but independent on Fas/Fas ligand interaction in colon cancer HT-29 cells. Carcinogenesis 2002;23:2087-93. PubMed
  5. Wildfeuer A, Neu IS, Safayhi H, et al. Effects of boswellic acids extracted from a herbal medicine on the biosynthesis of leukotrienes and the course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Arzneimittelforschung 1998;48:668-74.
  6. Gupta I, Parihar A, Malhotra P, et al. Effects of gum resin of Boswellia serrata in patients with chronic colitis. Planta Med 2001;67:391-5. PubMed
  7. Sengupta K, Alluri KV, Satish AR, et al. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin. Arthritis Res Ther 2008;10:R85.
  8. Sengupta K, Krishnaraju AV, Vishal AA, et al. Comparative efficacy and tolerability of 5-Loxin and Aflapin against osteoarthritis of the knee: a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical study. Int J Med Sci 2010;7:366-77.
  9. Ernst E. Frankincense: systematic review. BMJ 2008;337:a2813. PubMed
  10. Kirste S, Treier M, Wehrle SJ, et al. Boswellia serratea extract acts on cerebral edema in patients irradiated for brain tumors: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot trial. Cancer 2011;117:3788-95.
  11. 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
  12. Altmann A, Poeckel D, Fischer L, et al. Coupling of boswellic acid-incuded Ca2+ mobilisation and MAPK activation to lipid metabolism and peroxide formation in human leucocytes. Br J Pharmacol 2004;141:223-32.
  13. El Fortia, M., Badi, H., Elalem, Kh, Kadiki, O., and Topov, Y. Olibanum bezoar: complication of a traditional popular medicine. East Mediterr.Health J 2006;12(6):927-929.
  14. Meshkat S, Mahmoodi Baram S, Rajaei S, et al. Boswellia serrata extract shows cognitive benefits in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial in individuals who suffered traumatic brain injury. Brain Inj 2022;36(4):553-559. PubMed
  15. 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
  16. Valente IVB, Garcia D, Abbott A, et al. The anti-proliferative effects of a frankincense extract in a window of opportunity phase ia clinical trial for patients with breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024;204(3):521-530. PubMed

See these in context on the Boswellia Serrata monograph →

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

Keep exploring