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Dietary supplement

Boswellia Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Genestra Brands

Boswellia 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 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 is a dietary supplement by Genestra Brands 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 ApresFlex Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) Gum Oleoresin std. 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 by Genestra Brands

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Boswellia by Genestra Brands

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: boswellia serrata gum oleoresin, a standardized extract. It's the resin that oozes from the boswellia tree and has been used traditionally for inflammation.

The capsule also holds inactive ingredients — cellulose, hypromellose, and silica — which are fillers and binders that help hold the capsule together.

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: Boswellia for joint health and inflammation.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Asthma, Crohn disease, Ulcerative colitis, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — 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 is possibly effective for osteoarthritis — the data suggests it may help with that condition. For allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, cluster headache, and Alzheimer disease, we don't have enough reliable evidence yet to say whether it works.

If you're considering it for one of those other uses, talk with your doctor about what the research 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 serrata taken by mouth is generally well tolerated short-term, though quality and dose vary widely between brands — so you're not guaranteed the same strength product to product. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, itching, and nausea.

In one study, about 11% of people taking a specific boswellia extract reported headache; dizziness and vertigo were less common. Rarely, very large amounts of the gum resin can form a bezoar (a hard mass in the stomach), so stick to the label dose.

There isn't enough safety data to use boswellia during pregnancy, so it's best avoided. Safety during breastfeeding is unknown, so avoid it then too.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding and want to know about boswellia.

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 boswellia product, check with your doctor or pharmacist about any medications you take that are broken down by your liver — especially drugs metabolized by CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4 enzymes (all Moderate severity interactions). Use the interaction checker on this page for your exact medications, or ask your pharmacist to review them.

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, but it interacts with hundreds of medications through liver enzymes, so you need to check your exact drugs before starting. It's generally well tolerated but can cause stomach upset and headache.

Avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see if it fits your situation.

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 Feb 24, 2017.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand Genestra Brands
Barcode (UPC) 883196150502
Net contents 60 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 24, 2017
DSLD ID 70859
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, 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 by Genestra Brands, 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
883196150502
IngredientAmount% DV
ApresFlex Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) Gum Oleoresin std. extract100 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Hypromellose, Silica

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended adult dose: Take one capsule daily or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner.

Precautions

Risk information: Consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication, or have any health condition.

Hypersensitivity (e.g. allergy), mild gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting have been known to occur; in which case, discontinue use.

Quality assurance: Safety-sealed for your protection and for product freshness. Do not use if outer seal is missing or broken.

Keep out of reach of children.

Formulation

Guaranteed to contain no added wheat, starch, yeast, gluten, corn, soy, sugar, artificial coloring or flavoring, antimicrobial preservatives, dairy or animal products.

Ideal for vegans.

The capsules are made from 100% pure vegetable sources, free of preservatives and additives.

Formula

The capsules are made from 100% pure vegetable sources, free of preservatives and additives.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General

V1 644-60U

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

ApresFlex is a registered trademark of Laila Nutraceuticals. U.S. Patent # 8,551,496 and other patents pending.

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

See for yourself

Boswellia by Genestra Brands label

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

Boswellia 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 by Genestra Brands

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.

ApresFlex Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) Gum Oleoresin std. extract

Interacts with
952 drugs
100 mg per serving Form: 3-Acetyl-11-Keto-Beta-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...

ApresFlex Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) Gum Oleoresin std. extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Boswellia by Genestra Brands Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Boswellia?

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

ApresFlex Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) Gum Oleoresin std. extract 952

Individual Drug Interactions

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

1 of the 1 ingredient in Boswellia interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. ApresFlex Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) Gum Oleoresin std. extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Boswellia 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.

ApresFlex Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) Gum Oleoresin std. 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
ApresFlex Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) Gum Oleoresin std. extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Genestra Brands

Name
Seroyal USA
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15275
Phone Number
1-888-737-6925
Web Address
seroyal.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Boswellia by Genestra Brands: Common Questions

Does Boswellia by Genestra Brands interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Boswellia 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 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 boswellia and what does it do?
Boswellia is a resin from the boswellia tree, used traditionally for inflammation. The research shows it's possibly effective for osteoarthritis, but evidence for other uses like asthma or hay fever isn't solid enough yet to say whether it works.
Can I take boswellia if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to use boswellia during pregnancy, so it's best avoided. Safety during breastfeeding is also unknown, so avoid it then too. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about this if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
What are the most common side effects?
Most often, people report abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, itching, and nausea. In studies, about 11% of people on a specific boswellia extract reported headache; dizziness and vertigo were rarer.
Does boswellia interact with many medications?
Yes — boswellia interacts with hundreds of medications because it affects several liver enzymes that break down drugs. You need to check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Why do different boswellia products feel different?
Quality and dose vary widely between brands, so you're not guaranteed the same strength from one product to the next. That's why it matters to stick with the dose on the label and to be consistent with the brand you choose.
Is boswellia safe to take long-term?
The safety data we have is for short-term use. If you're thinking about taking boswellia for a long time, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether that's right for you and how to monitor for any issues.

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 label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Boswellia’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'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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