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Dietary supplement

Boswellia (90% Boswellic Acid) Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Samsara Herbs

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

Boswellia (90% Boswellic Acid) is a dietary supplement by Samsara Herbs 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. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Boswellia (90% Boswellic Acid) by Samsara Herbs

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 standardized to 90% boswellic acids — the plant's most active compounds. Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is a resin from the Boswellia serrata tree traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine.

The powder form lets you mix it into water, juice, or food.

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: support joint health and healthy digestion.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn disease, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease — and 1 related terms.
  • 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 Crohn disease, Ulcerative colitis, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Boswellia is possibly effective for osteoarthritis — the most established use in our data. For allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, Alzheimer disease, and cluster headache, the evidence we hold is insufficient to know whether it works.

If you're considering it for one of those conditions, talk with your doctor about what the research actually shows and whether it's worth trying.

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 is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth short-term, though quality and dose vary widely between brands — so consistency matters. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, itching, and nausea.

A small number of people in clinical trials reported dizziness or vertigo. Rare but serious: very large amounts of boswellia gum resin can form a bezoar (a mass that blocks your digestive tract), though this is uncommon with typical doses.

Not enough safety data exists to recommend Boswellia during pregnancy, so it's best avoided then. Safety while breastfeeding is unknown, so avoid use in that situation as well.

If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before considering this supplement.

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.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Boswellia if you use any CYP3A4 substrates (Moderate — the largest group, including many heart and immunosuppressant drugs), CYP2D6 substrates (Moderate — including antidepressants and some pain relievers), CYP2C19 substrates (Moderate — including some blood thinners and stomach medications), CYP1A2 substrates (Moderate — including some antipsychotics and caffeine-dependent drugs), CYP2C9 substrates (Moderate — including blood thinners like warfarin), or immunosuppressants (Moderate — drugs after transplant or for autoimmune disease). These are test-tube findings, so the real-world impact is uncertain — but certainty is all the more reason to clear it with your own healthcare provider first.

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 is possibly effective for osteoarthritis and is generally well tolerated short-term, but it affects multiple liver enzymes that break down a huge number of medications — over 950 individual drugs. Before starting it, check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take heart drugs, blood thinners, or antidepressants.

Avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless your healthcare provider says otherwise.

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 Sep 24, 2021.

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 (90% Boswellic Acid), straight from the product label.

Brand Samsara Herbs
Barcode (UPC) X0017DXLQP
Net contents 4 Ounce(s); 114 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 24, 2021
DSLD ID 255334
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Powder
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 (90% Boswellic Acid) by Samsara Herbs, 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:
0.5 Scoop(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.5 Scoop(s)
Servings per container
81
UPC/BARCODE
X0017DXLQP
IngredientAmount% DV
Boswellia1400 mg--

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.
Formulation

Standardized

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

GMP Good Manufacturing Practice

3rd party USA tested USA tested

General Statements

About Us At Samsara Herbs, we believe that all positive change in the world must first begin with positive change from within. We invite you to tap into your own infinite through the use of our potent herbal extracts! We seek out only quality herbs from our trusted sources around the world for use in our herbal extracts. Samsara Herbs, dedicated to empowering your life force!

Formula

Description Boswellia (Frankincense gum extract) has long been an integral part of Indian Ayurvedic history. Traditionally, it has been used to support joint health and healthy digestion. Our water soluble herbal extracts are best mixed in juice or a smoothie, although mixing in water is perfectly find if you can tolerate the taste.

Storage

Storage Cool dry place, out of direct sunlight.

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.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 1/2 scoop 2 times per day or as recommended by your health care professional.

Precautions

Caution: If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or taking medications, consult your health care professional before using this product.

Keep out of reach of children.

See for yourself

Boswellia (90% Boswellic Acid) by Samsara Herbs label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Boswellia (90% Boswellic Acid) by Samsara Herbs

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

Serving size0.5 Scoop(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container81 Amounts shown are per serving.

Boswellia

Interacts with
952 drugs
1400 mg per serving Form: Boswellic Acid

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 monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Boswellia (90% Boswellic Acid) by Samsara Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Boswellia (90% Boswellic Acid)?

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

Boswellia 952

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Boswellia (90% Boswellic Acid) 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.

Boswellia6 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 (90% Boswellic Acid), from the product label.

Samsara Herbs

See all Samsara Herbs products
Name
Samsara Herbs Inc. by Aspen Copacking
Street Address
810 North 2800 West
City
Lindon
State
Utah
ZipCode
84042
Phone Number
1-844-972-6727
Web Address
www.SamaraHerbs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Boswellia (90% Boswellic Acid) by Samsara Herbs: Common Questions

Does Boswellia (90% Boswellic Acid) by Samsara Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Boswellia (90% Boswellic Acid) 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 (90% Boswellic Acid) 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 Boswellia if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Not enough safety data exists for pregnancy, so it's best avoided then. Safety while breastfeeding is unknown, so avoid it in that situation too. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing — they can give you personalized advice.
What are the side effects?
The most common are abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, itching, and nausea. Some people also report dizziness or vertigo. A very rare but serious concern: large amounts can form a mass in your digestive tract, though this is uncommon with typical doses.
Does Boswellia actually work?
It's possibly effective for osteoarthritis. For hay fever, asthma, Alzheimer disease, and cluster headache, the evidence we hold isn't established enough to say whether it works. Your doctor can discuss the actual research for your specific condition.
How much variability is there between products?
Quality and dose vary widely between brands, so consistency matters. That's why it's important to pick a reputable source and stick with it — and why talking with your pharmacist about your specific brand is useful.
Is this powder form easy to take?
Yes, it's a powder you can mix into water, juice, or food, so it's flexible depending on your preference.

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

Not sure if Boswellia (90% Boswellic Acid) is safe with your meds?

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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 (90% Boswellic Acid) label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Boswellia (90% Boswellic Acid)’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Boswellia (90% Boswellic Acid)'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

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