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Dietary supplement

Boswellia AKBA Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Pure Encapsulations

Boswellia AKBA label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Boswellia AKBA against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Boswellia AKBA is a dietary supplement by Pure Encapsulations 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 5-LOXIN Boswellia serrata extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Boswellia AKBA by Pure Encapsulations

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Boswellia AKBA by Pure Encapsulations — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Boswellia AKBA by Pure Encapsulations

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 23, 2026

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: a Boswellia serrata extract standardized to 5-LOXIN, a compound thought to support joint and immune function. Boswellia serrata, also called Indian frankincense, is a resin from a tree native to India and has been used traditionally for joint comfort.

The capsule itself contains inactive ingredients — hypoallergenic plant fiber, cellulose, water, and ascorbyl palmitate — which serve as fillers and preservatives but have no active effect.

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 and inflammatory support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Knee pain, Asthma, Crohn disease, Ulcerative colitis — and 3 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 Asthma, Crohn disease, Ulcerative colitis, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and more.

Boswellia serrata extract is possibly effective for osteoarthritis, meaning some research supports its use but evidence isn't conclusive. For allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Alzheimer disease, asthma, and cluster headache, the evidence we hold is insufficient to rate whether it works — these aren't confirmed uses.

If you're considering this for osteoarthritis, talk with your doctor about whether it might fit into your care plan.

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 serrata extract is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth, though quality and dose vary widely between products — one reason to stick with a trusted brand. The most common side effects are mild: abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, itching, and nausea.

Dizziness and vertigo have also been reported in some trial participants. Rarely, very large amounts of boswellia gum resin have caused bezoar formation (a blockage in the digestive tract).

Do not use this product during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — safety data is insufficient in pregnancy and unknown during lactation. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

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 this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take medications metabolized by liver enzymes — antidepressants, heart drugs, blood thinners, statins, certain cancer medications, antifungals, and immunosuppressants are common examples. Boswellia may raise levels of these drugs, potentially causing side effects or reducing how well they work in the case of immunosuppressants.

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 AKBA may be worth considering if you have osteoarthritis, but its broad interactions with liver enzymes make it important to clear with your own doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you take any prescription medications. The product is generally well tolerated short-term, and it's not for use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Run your medication list through the interaction checker on this page before you start.

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 May 24, 2023.

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 AKBA, straight from the product label.

Brand Pure Encapsulations
Barcode (UPC) 766298008677
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 24, 2023
DSLD ID 293914
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free
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 AKBA by Pure Encapsulations, 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
60
UPC/BARCODE
766298008677
IngredientAmount% DV
5-LOXIN Boswellia serrata extract100 mg--

Other ingredients: hypoallergenic Plant Fiber, Cellulose, Water, Ascorbyl Palmitate

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.
Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendations: As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule daily, with a meal.

Precautions

Warning: Not to be taken by pregnant or lactating women. If you have any health condition or are taking any medication, consult your health professional before use.

Keep out of reach of children.

Use only if safety seal is intact.

General Statements

Contents may not fill package in order to accommodate required labeling. Please rely on stated quantity. Scan to learn about our hypoallergenic supplements

Seals/Symbols

GFCO.org (Gluten-Free Certification Organization)

Formulation

GFCO.org (Gluten-Free Certification Organization Certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, www.gluten.org

Support for musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and immune health Gluten-free, non-GMO & hypoallergenic

Gluten-free, non-GMO & hypoallergenic

Formula

5 Loxin

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

5 Loxin is a registered trademark of PL Thomas - Laila Nutra, LLC and is used under license. International Patents Pending.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Boswellia AKBA by Pure Encapsulations label

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

Boswellia AKBA label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Boswellia AKBA by Pure Encapsulations

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 container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

5-LOXIN Boswellia serrata extract

Interacts with
952 drugs
100 mg per serving Form: Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) extract

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

5-LOXIN Boswellia serrata extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypoallergenic Plant Fiber, Cellulose, Water, Ascorbyl Palmitate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Boswellia AKBA by Pure Encapsulations Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Boswellia AKBA?

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

5-LOXIN Boswellia serrata extract 952

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Boswellia AKBA interact with 952 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Boswellia AKBA interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. 5-LOXIN Boswellia serrata extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Boswellia AKBA 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.

5-LOXIN Boswellia serrata 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
5-LOXIN Boswellia serrata extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Pure Encapsulations

See all Pure Encapsulations products
Name
Pure Encapsulations
Street Address
490 Boston Post Road
City
Sudbury
State
MA
Phone Number
1-800-753-2277
Web Address
www.PureEncapsulations.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Boswellia AKBA by Pure Encapsulations: Common Questions

Does Boswellia AKBA by Pure Encapsulations interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Boswellia AKBA 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 AKBA 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.
What is 5-LOXIN, and why is it in this product?
5-LOXIN is a standardized compound from Boswellia serrata extract. It's included because research suggests it may support joint comfort and immune function, which is why Boswellia is often used for osteoarthritis.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the safety data advises against use during pregnancy, and safety is unknown while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing before you take it.
What side effects might I experience?
Most people tolerate it well, but common mild side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, nausea, and itching. Dizziness and vertigo have also been reported. Rarely, very large amounts can cause a digestive blockage.
Is Boswellia serrata proven to work for osteoarthritis?
It's possibly effective, meaning some research supports its use but the evidence isn't conclusive. If you're interested in trying it for joint comfort, discuss it with your doctor to see if it makes sense for you.
Why does this product interact with so many medications?
The Boswellia extract slows down liver enzymes that break down a broad range of drugs — including heart medications, antidepressants, blood thinners, and others. This can cause those medications to build up to higher levels in your blood, raising the risk of side effects.
Can I take this if I'm on an immunosuppressant medication?
Possibly, but Boswellia may theoretically change how well these drugs work. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it, especially if you take immunosuppressants after a transplant or for an autoimmune condition.

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

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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 AKBA label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Boswellia AKBA’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Boswellia Serrata

Interacts with 952 drugs

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 evidenc...

Read the full Boswellia Serrata monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Boswellia AKBA'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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