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Dietary supplement

Boswellia Serrata Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Vitamin Research Products

Boswellia Serrata Extract label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Boswellia Serrata Extract 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 Serrata Extract is a dietary supplement by Vitamin Research Products 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 Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) gum 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 Serrata Extract by Vitamin Research Products

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Boswellia Serrata Extract by Vitamin Research Products — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Boswellia Serrata Extract by Vitamin Research Products

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: Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) gum extract. Boswellia is a resin tapped from the bark of the Boswellia serrata tree, traditionally used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for inflammation and joint health.

The capsules also contain inactive ingredients—hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, and silicon dioxide—which are standard binders and fillers that help form and stabilize the capsule.

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 normal inflammatory response.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Asthma, Crohn disease, Ulcerative colitis, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — and 4 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, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Ulcerative colitis, and more.

Boswellia Serrata Extract is possibly effective for osteoarthritis—the wear-and-tear form of joint disease. For other conditions listed in clinical trials—including allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Alzheimer disease, asthma, and cluster headache—the evidence in our data is insufficient to rate whether it works.

If you're considering it for any use outside of osteoarthritis, talk with your doctor about what research exists and whether it might help your situation.

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 taken by mouth is generally well tolerated, but quality and dose vary widely between products, so the safety you get depends on what you're actually taking. The most common side effects are mild: abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, itching, and nausea.

Dizziness and vertigo have also been reported. Rarely, very large amounts of boswellia gum resin can form a bezoar (a blockage in the digestive tract), though this risk is extremely low with standard supplement doses.

Not enough safety data exists to recommend Boswellia during pregnancy, so it's best avoided if you're pregnant. Safety during breastfeeding is unknown, so avoid use while nursing.

If you're planning pregnancy or are 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.

Before taking Boswellia Serrata Extract, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on immunosuppressants (drugs that deliberately weaken your immune system), or any medications broken down by your liver through CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4 enzyme systems—including many antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, heart medications, and pain relievers. Use the medication search tool on this page to identify yours.

Boswellia may cause these drugs to build up and become stronger than intended.

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 Serrata Extract may be worth trying if you have osteoarthritis and your doctor or pharmacist has cleared it against your current medications—especially if you're on immunosuppressants or drugs your liver breaks down through CYP enzymes. If you take any prescription or over-the-counter medications, check them against the interaction database on this page first.

Discuss the results with your own doctor or pharmacist to decide whether this supplement is safe for 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 Jun 25, 2014.

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 Serrata Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Vitamin Research Products
Barcode (UPC) 810832010203
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 25, 2014
DSLD ID 33976
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
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 Serrata Extract by Vitamin Research Products, 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)
UPC/BARCODE
810832010203
IngredientAmount% DV
Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) gum extract250 mg--

Other ingredients: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide

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

Directions: Take 1 capsule three times per day with meals.

General Statements

Description: Boswellia serrata is recognized for its ability to support normal inflammatory response.

This product is manufactured in a NSF GMP registered facility.

Since 1979

TESTED FOR QUALITY & PURITY

Code Number: 5041

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

General

300-VRP5041-I

Seals/Symbols

VRP

LABORATORY TESTED QUALITY & PURITY

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

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.

Storage

Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry and dark place.

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

See for yourself

Boswellia Serrata Extract by Vitamin Research Products label

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

Boswellia Serrata Extract 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 Serrata Extract by Vitamin Research Products

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) gum extract

Interacts with
952 drugs
250 mg per serving Form: Total Organic Acids

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

Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) gum extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Boswellia Serrata Extract by Vitamin Research Products Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Boswellia Serrata Extract?

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

Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) gum extract 952

Individual Drug Interactions

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

1 of the 1 ingredient in Boswellia Serrata Extract interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) gum extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Boswellia Serrata Extract 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.

Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) gum 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
Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) gum extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Vitamin Research Products

See all Vitamin Research Products products
Name
VRP Brand, LLC
Street Address
4610 Arrowhead Dr.
City
Carson City
State
NV
ZipCode
89706
Phone Number
1-800-877-2447
Web Address
www.vrp.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Boswellia Serrata Extract by Vitamin Research Products: Common Questions

Does Boswellia Serrata Extract by Vitamin Research Products interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Boswellia Serrata Extract 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 Serrata Extract 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.
Is Boswellia safe to take while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Not enough safety data exists to recommend Boswellia during pregnancy, so it's best avoided if you're pregnant. Safety during breastfeeding is unknown, so avoid use while nursing. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for your situation.
What side effects might I notice?
The most common are mild: abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, itching, and nausea. Dizziness and vertigo have also been reported in some people. If any bother you, stop and talk with your pharmacist.
Does Boswellia actually work for arthritis?
Boswellia Serrata Extract is possibly effective for osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear form of joint disease. For other conditions like hay fever or asthma, the evidence we hold isn't strong enough to say whether it works.
What is Indian Frankincense, and why is it in this product?
Indian Frankincense is the gum resin from the Boswellia serrata tree, used traditionally for inflammation. It's the only active ingredient in this supplement and the source of both the potential benefit and the interactions with medications.
Why does this product interact with so many medications?
Boswellia inhibits several enzyme systems in your liver that break down a huge range of drugs. When those enzymes are slowed, medications can build up in your bloodstream and become stronger than intended—which is why the interaction list is long.
Can I take this if I'm on an immunosuppressant?
Not without checking first with your doctor or pharmacist. Boswellia may interfere with how immunosuppressants work, which could be dangerous if you're on them for a transplant or serious autoimmune condition. Please talk it over with your healthcare provider.

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

Not sure if Boswellia Serrata Extract 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 Serrata Extract label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Boswellia Serrata Extract’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 Serrata Extract'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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