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Dietary supplement

Boswellia Extract 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Secrets

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

Boswellia Extract 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Herbal Secrets 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 Gum Resin Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Boswellia Extract 500 mg by Herbal Secrets

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 gum resin extract from the boswellia serrata plant, a traditional botanical used in Ayurvedic medicine. The inactive ingredients that make up the softgel capsule are gelatin, glycerin, purified water, and boswellia extract (as part of the formulation).

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 pain and inflammatory support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Asthma, Crohn disease, Ulcerative colitis, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — and 2 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 extract is possibly effective for osteoarthritis—meaning there's some evidence it may help, though more research would strengthen that claim. For hay fever, asthma, Alzheimer disease, and cluster headaches, we don't yet have enough reliable evidence in our data to say whether it works.

If you're considering this for one of those conditions, talk with your doctor about what the research currently supports and whether a trial makes sense for you.

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 in the short term, though quality and dose vary widely between products. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, itching, nausea, dizziness, and vertigo—a small number of trial participants reported these, with headache appearing in roughly 11% of people taking one specific extract.

Very rarely, large amounts of boswellia gum resin can form a bezoar (a hard mass in the gut). 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 pregnancy, 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.

Check before taking this product if you use CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4 substrate drugs (a category that includes many antidepressants, blood pressure medications, blood thinners, antihistamines, and diabetes drugs), or immunosuppressants. Your pharmacist or doctor can confirm whether any of your medications fall into these groups.

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 extract may help with osteoarthritis symptoms, but it interacts with a wide range of medications through liver enzymes and potentially immunosuppressants. Anyone taking prescription drugs—especially antidepressants, blood pressure or blood-thinning medications, or immune-suppressing drugs—needs to check their specific medications with their doctor or pharmacist before starting this supplement.

It's generally well tolerated, but side effects like digestive upset and headache do occur.

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 Jan 23, 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 Extract 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Secrets
Barcode (UPC) 819209020494
Net contents 120 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 23, 2023
DSLD ID 282814
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Extract 500 mg by Herbal Secrets, 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 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
819209020494
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Calories from Fat5 Calorie(s)--
Total Fat0.5 Gram(s)1%
Boswellia Gum Resin Extract500 mg--

Other ingredients: Boswellia Extract, Gelatin, Glycerin, Water, Purified

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.
Formula

Known as Indian frankincense, Boswellia serrata derives from a tree native to India and Arabia. For hundreds of years Boswellia serrata has been used in the ancient practice of Ayurveda, the traditional system of Indian medicine. Herbal Secrets Boswellia Extract supports muscle and joint health, helping to maintain mobility function and healthy connective tissues. In addition, Boswellia Extract promotes healthy inflammation response.

Contains 65% boswellic acids

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, adults take one (1) softgel daily, preferably with a meal or as directed by a health care professional.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication(s) or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

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

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

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.

General Statements

Visit us online @ amazingnutrition.com

Formulation

100% Natural

Supports muscle & joint health Helps maintain healthy connective tissues Promotes healthy inflammation response

Contains no: artificial preservatives, colors, flavors or sweeteners, sugar, starch, milk, lactose, soy, gluten, wheat, yeast, fish or sodium.

Seals/Symbols

Made in the USA

Good Manufacturing Practice GMP Quality Product

FDA Statement of Identity

Natural Dietary Supplement

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

See for yourself

Boswellia Extract 500 mg by Herbal Secrets label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Boswellia Extract 500 mg by Herbal Secrets

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

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Boswellia Gum Resin Extract

Interacts with
952 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Boswellia serrata Gum Resin 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...

Boswellia Gum Resin Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Boswellia Extract, Gelatin, Glycerin, Water, Purified. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Boswellia Extract 500 mg by Herbal Secrets Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Boswellia Extract 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 Extract 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 Gum Resin 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 Extract 500 mg, from the product label.

Herbal Secrets

See all Herbal Secrets products
Name
Herbal Secrets
Street Address
629 Grove Street
City
Jersey City
State
NJ
ZipCode
07310
Web Address
amazingnutrition.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Boswellia Extract 500 mg by Herbal Secrets: Common Questions

Does Boswellia Extract 500 mg by Herbal Secrets interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Boswellia Extract 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 Extract 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.
What is boswellia and what's it used for?
Boswellia is a gum resin from the boswellia serrata plant, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. This product provides 500 mg per softgel capsule. It's possibly effective for osteoarthritis, though evidence is still building for other conditions like hay fever and asthma.
What side effects might I notice?
Most common are abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, nausea, dizziness, and itching. Headache was reported in roughly 11% of people taking one specific extract in trials. These are usually mild, but if they don't ease or worry you, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data during pregnancy, so it's best avoided then. While breastfeeding, safety is unknown, so avoid it as well. If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this supplement.
Why do I need to check my medications before taking this?
Boswellia can slow how your liver breaks down many common drugs, potentially raising their levels in your body. This affects over 950 individual medications, including antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and blood thinners. Your doctor or pharmacist needs to review your specific list first.
Is boswellia well tolerated overall?
Yes, it's generally well tolerated in the short term when taken by mouth. The main caution is that product quality and doses vary widely between brands, so consistency can be an issue. Also, very rarely, large amounts can cause a hard mass to form in the gut, though this is uncommon.

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

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

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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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 Extract 500 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Boswellia Extract 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

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