Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Organic Boswellia Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Micro Ingredients

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

Organic Boswellia Extract is a dietary supplement by Micro Ingredients 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 organic Boswellia serrata extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Organic Boswellia Extract by Micro Ingredients

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 is a single-ingredient supplement: organic boswellia serrata extract. Boswellia serrata is a tree resin native to India and Africa, traditionally used for joint and respiratory concerns.

There are no inactive ingredients listed.

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: helps reduce joint and arthritic pain.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Knee pain, Joint inflammation, Arthritic conditions.
  • 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 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Knee pain.

The evidence for boswellia is clearest for osteoarthritis, where it's rated possibly effective — meaning there's some decent research suggesting it may help, but not enough to be certain. For allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, Alzheimer disease, and cluster headache, we don't yet hold enough reliable evidence to know whether it works.

If you're considering it for one of those conditions, talk with your doctor about whether the current evidence is worth a trial 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 serrata extract taken by mouth is generally well tolerated, but the quality and dose of boswellia products vary widely, so choose carefully. The most common side effects are mild — abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, itching, and nausea — and some people report dizziness or vertigo.

In rare cases, very large amounts of boswellia gum resin have caused bezoar formation (a blockage in the intestines), though this is uncommon. Avoid this product if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

The safety data during pregnancy is not enough to know either way, and breastfeeding safety is unknown, so the caution is to skip it during both periods.

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 any blood thinners (CYP2C9 substrates like warfarin), immunosuppressants (like those after transplant), antidepressants or antipsychotics, heart or blood pressure medications, asthma medications including theophylline, or cholesterol-lowering drugs — all Moderate severity. Boswellia can change how your body breaks these down and may alter their effect.

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, but it interacts with a very large number of medications through how your liver breaks them down — especially blood thinners, antidepressants, heart drugs, and immunosuppressants. Check your exact prescriptions before starting, and talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it's safe for your situation.

Skip it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

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 Jul 23, 2020.

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 Organic Boswellia Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Micro Ingredients
Barcode (UPC) X000ZTFSRH
Net contents 8 Ounce(s); 227 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 23, 2020
DSLD ID 231303
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free, Dairy 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 Organic Boswellia Extract by Micro Ingredients, 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:
1.5 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1.5 Gram(s)
Servings per container
151
UPC/BARCODE
X000ZTFSRH
IngredientAmount% DV
organic Boswellia serrata extract1.5 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: None

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

Helps reduce joint, arthritic pain

USDA Organic

Vegan

Non-GMO Gluten-free

Free of: soy, dairy, yeast, gluten & additives.

Certified organic by Organic Certifiers

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement Powder

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 1 scoop two times daily. For best results, please consult your physician.

Precautions

Keep out of the reach of children.

If pregnant/lactating or taking any medications, please consult your physician prior to use.

Storage

Keep in a cool, dry place.

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.

See for yourself

Organic Boswellia Extract by Micro Ingredients label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Organic Boswellia Extract by Micro Ingredients

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

Serving size1.5 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container151 Amounts shown are per serving.

Organic Boswellia serrata extract

Interacts with
952 drugs
1.5 Gram(s) per serving

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

Organic Boswellia serrata extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Organic Boswellia Extract by Micro Ingredients Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Organic Boswellia 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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Organic Boswellia 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.

organic 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
The maker

Brand information

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

Micro Ingredients

See all Micro Ingredients products
Name
Micro Ingredients
Street Address
21660 Copley Dr.
City
Diamond Bar
State
CA
ZipCode
91765
Phone Number
1-844-836-8200
Web Address
www.microingredients.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Organic Boswellia Extract by Micro Ingredients: Common Questions

Does Organic Boswellia Extract by Micro Ingredients interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Organic Boswellia 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?
Organic Boswellia 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.
Does boswellia actually work for arthritis?
The evidence is best for osteoarthritis, where it's rated possibly effective — meaning some good research suggests it may help, but we're not certain yet. For other conditions like hay fever or asthma, we don't hold enough reliable evidence to know whether it works.
What are the most common side effects?
Most people tolerate it well. The most common side effects are mild: abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, itching, and nausea. Some also report dizziness or vertigo. Very large amounts are rare but can cause intestinal blockage.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — boswellia should be avoided during pregnancy because there isn't enough safety data, and it should also be avoided while breastfeeding since safety is unknown. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about alternatives.
Why does this interact with so many medications?
Boswellia affects several of your liver's enzyme systems (the machinery that breaks down drugs). Those enzymes handle hundreds of common medications, so a change in how boswellia affects them can ripple across many drug types — blood thinners, antidepressants, heart medications, and others.
Does it have any fillers or other ingredients?
No — it's just the organic boswellia serrata extract. No inactive ingredients are listed.

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

Not sure if Organic Boswellia Extract 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.

Organic Boswellia Extract label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Organic Boswellia 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

Keep exploring