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Dietary supplement

Boswellia SAP Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NFH

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

Boswellia SAP is a dietary supplement by NFH 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 SAP by NFH

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.

Boswellia SAP contains one active ingredient: Boswellia serrata, a resin extracted from the boswellia tree, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. The product also includes several inactive ingredients (vegetable magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, vegetable hypromellose, and purified water) that serve as fillers and capsule material.

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: relieve occasional joint pain from exercise or overuse.
  • We looked for evidence on: Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Knee pain, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Joint inflammation, Musculoskeletal pain.
  • 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 Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Knee pain.

The evidence for Boswellia is strongest for osteoarthritis, where it's rated possibly effective based on available research. For other uses we have ratings on—allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Alzheimer disease, asthma, and cluster headache—the evidence isn't established well enough for us to rate it.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work for those conditions; it means we don't have reliable data yet.

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.

Orally, Boswellia serrata is generally well tolerated in the short term. The most common side effects are mild: abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, itching, and nausea.

Some people report dizziness or vertigo—in one study, nearly 11% of participants taking a specific Boswellia extract reported headache. Rarely, very large amounts of the gum resin can cause a bezoar (a mass in your digestive tract), though this is uncommon.

Boswellia is not recommended in pregnancy—there isn't enough safety data. It should also be avoided while breastfeeding.

Quality and dose vary widely between products, so stick to a trusted manufacturer and follow the label dose.

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 SAP, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any drugs that depend on CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4 enzymes to be cleared—these are common pathways for many antidepressants, heart medications, antihistamines, and other drugs. Also flag if you take immunosuppressant medications, since Boswellia may alter their effects.

The search tool on this page can help you verify your specific medications.

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 SAP may be worth considering if you have osteoarthritis and want to explore a plant-based option. However, because it interacts with a large number of medications through liver enzyme inhibition, you'll need to check your exact prescriptions with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it.

If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking multiple medications, talk it over with your healthcare provider first.

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 SAP, straight from the product label.

Brand NFH
Barcode (UPC) 856711111470
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 23, 2023
DSLD ID 273509
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, 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 SAP by NFH, 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:
3 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
856711111470
IngredientAmount% DV
Boswellia1140 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Vegetable Hypromellose, 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.
Formulation

Boswellia SAP helps to relive occasional joint pain due to exercise or overuse.

All ingredients listed for this product lot number have been tested by a third-party laboratory for identity, potency, and purity.

Contains no: Gluten, soy, wheat, corn, eggs, dairy, yeast, citrus, preservatives, artificial flavor or color, starch, or sugar.

This product is non-GMO and vegan friendly.

This product is non-GMO and vegan friendly.

Color, size and smell may vary from one lot to another.

Joint pain relief

Made in Canada

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions for use: Adults: Take 3 capsules daily or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Precautions

Cautions and warnings: Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms worsen.

Known adverse reactions: Hypersensitivity (e.g. allergy) has been known to occur; in which case, discontinue use.

Some people may experience mild gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting; in which case, discontinue use.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Keep out of reach of children.

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

NPN 80074611

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Boswellia SAP by NFH label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Boswellia SAP by NFH

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

Serving size3 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Boswellia

Interacts with
952 drugs
1140 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

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Vegetable Hypromellose, Water, Purified. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Boswellia SAP by NFH Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Boswellia SAP?

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 SAP 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 SAP, from the product label.

NFH

See all NFH products
Name
NFH - Nutritional Fundamentals for Health, Inc.
Street Address
351 Rue Joseph-Carrier
City
Vaudreuil
State
QC
ZipCode
J7V 5V5
Web Address
nfh.ca
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Boswellia SAP by NFH: Common Questions

Does Boswellia SAP by NFH interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Boswellia SAP 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 SAP 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 is it used for?
Boswellia is a resin from the boswellia tree, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. It's best supported for osteoarthritis. Some people use it for hay fever, asthma, Alzheimer disease, and cluster headaches, but we don't have reliable evidence for those uses yet.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No—there isn't enough safety data for pregnancy, so it's best avoided. Safety is also unknown while breastfeeding, so you should avoid it then too. Talk to your doctor if you're considering it while planning a pregnancy.
What side effects might I notice?
The most common are mild: abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, itching, and nausea. Some people report dizziness or vertigo. These usually happen early on. Very large amounts can rarely cause a blockage in your digestive tract, but that's uncommon with normal doses.
How many active ingredients does this product have?
One—Boswellia serrata. The other ingredients listed are fillers and capsule materials.
Does the quality of Boswellia products matter?
Yes. Quality and dose vary widely between brands, so it's important to stick with a trusted manufacturer like NFH and follow the label dose.

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

Not sure if Boswellia SAP 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 SAP label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Boswellia SAP'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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