Boswellia: Guide to Its Benefits, Dosage, and Potential Side Effects

Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is a resin extracted from the Boswellia serrata tree. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and African folk medicine. This guide covers Boswellia’s benefits, recommended dosages, and potential side effects.

What is Boswellia?

Boswellia serrata is a tree native to India, North Africa, and the Middle East. It grows in dry mountainous regions and produces a resin known for its medicinal properties. The resin is collected by making incisions in the tree trunk, allowing the sap to harden into a gum-like substance. This resin is then processed and graded based on its quality.

Active Compounds in Boswellia

The primary active compounds in Boswellia are boswellic acids. These include β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid, and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid. These compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They inhibit the activity of the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, which plays a role in the body’s inflammatory response. Additionally, boswellic acids may inhibit other pro-inflammatory enzymes and proteins, contributing to their therapeutic effects.

Health Benefits of Boswellia

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Boswellia is best known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It helps reduce inflammation by inhibiting leukotrienes ¹, molecules that can cause inflammation and trigger asthma symptoms. The inhibition of NF-kB, a protein complex involved in inflammatory responses, also contributes to Boswellia’s anti-inflammatory effects.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Several studies have shown that Boswellia can help manage osteoarthritis (OA). It reduces pain, improves joint function, and decreases stiffness. In one study, participants with OA of the knee reported significant improvements in pain and mobility after taking Boswellia supplements ². The effects were noticeable within a week and continued to improve over time.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

The effectiveness of Boswellia in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has shown mixed results. Some studies indicate that Boswellia can reduce joint swelling and pain in RA patients ². It is believed that Boswellia may interfere with the autoimmune processes involved in RA, offering potential therapeutic benefits. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Boswellia may also benefit individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce the inflammation in the digestive tract, potentially alleviating symptoms of IBD. Some studies have found Boswellia to be as effective as standard medications used for IBD ³, with fewer side effects. However, further research is required to establish its efficacy conclusively.

Asthma

Boswellia has been shown to help manage asthma by reducing inflammation in the airways. The active compounds in Boswellia, particularly boswellic acids, inhibit the formation of leukotrienes, which are molecules that cause bronchial muscles to contract, leading to asthma symptoms. Studies have found that individuals who took Boswellia experienced a decrease in asthma symptoms and improved overall lung function. For example, a 1998 study showed that participants who took Boswellia experienced fewer asthma attacks and needed less medication ⁴.

Cancer

Boswellia also shows promise in cancer treatment. Boswellic acids have been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death). These effects have been observed in various types of cancer, including leukemia, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and brain tumours. For instance, studies have shown that Boswellia can reduce the proliferation of malignant cells and may enhance the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments ⁵. However, while the preliminary results are promising, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.

Neurological Benefits

Boswellia may offer neuroprotective benefits, making it potentially useful in treating neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. Research indicates that Boswellia has antioxidant properties that can protect neurons from damage and improve motor function. A 2019 study found that Boswellia extract could reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain ⁵, which are key factors in the progression of Parkinson’s disease. These findings suggest that Boswellia might be a valuable complementary therapy for neurodegenerative diseases, though further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy in humans.

Dosage Guidelines

General Dosage Recommendations for Different Conditions

The dosage of Boswellia can vary depending on the condition being treated and the form of the supplement. Standardized extracts are preferred due to their consistent potency and higher concentration of active compounds.

Standardized Extract vs. Resin Forms

Standardized Boswellia extracts typically contain 60-65% boswellic acids. The recommended dosage for these extracts generally ranges from 300-500 mg, taken two to three times daily.

Detailed Dosage for Specific Conditions

• Osteoarthritis (OA): 100-250 mg of Boswellia extract daily, with benefits typically observed after four weeks of continuous use.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): 300-400 mg taken three times daily. Improvement may be seen within four weeks, but long-term use might be necessary to maintain benefits.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): 300-350 mg taken three times daily. Treatment duration may vary, but some studies recommend continuous use for six weeks.
• Asthma: 300-400 mg taken three times daily. Studies have shown that symptoms improve within four to six weeks of continuous use.
• Cancer Support: Dosages can vary, but 100-250 mg of Boswellia extract daily is commonly used in research settings. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Adjusting Dosage Based on Response and Tolerance

It’s important to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it to monitor the body’s response. If significant benefits are observed at a lower dose, there is no need to increase it. However, if greater benefits are desired, the dose can be adjusted accordingly, ensuring it does not exceed the recommended limits.

How to Take Boswellia

Forms Available

Boswellia is available in several forms, including:

• Resin
• Capsules
• Tablets
• Topical creams

Tips for Choosing High-Quality Boswellia Supplements

When selecting a Boswellia supplement, look for products that:

• Are standardized to contain 60-65% boswellic acids
• Have been tested by a trusted third party (e.g., USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF)
• Do not contain unnecessary fillers or additives

Recommended Practices for Taking Boswellia

• With Meals: Taking Boswellia with food can enhance absorption and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
• Split Doses: Dividing the daily dosage into two or three smaller doses can help maintain consistent levels of the active compounds in the body.

Potential Side Effects and Safety

Common Side Effects

Boswellia is generally considered safe, but some individuals may experience side effects, such as:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Acid reflux
• Skin rashes

Rare and Serious Side Effects

In rare cases, Boswellia may interact with other medications, particularly anti-inflammatory drugs. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider before starting Boswellia if you are taking other medications.

Precautions for Specific Populations

• Pregnant Women: Boswellia may stimulate blood flow in the uterus and pelvis, potentially causing miscarriage. Pregnant women should avoid using Boswellia.
• Individuals on Medication: People taking anti-inflammatory medications or other drugs should consult their healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions.

Guidelines for Minimizing Side Effects

To minimize side effects, start with a lower dose and gradually increase it as tolerated. Taking Boswellia with meals can also help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.

Interactions with Medications

Potential Interactions with NSAIDs, Aspirin, and Other Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Boswellia may interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and other medications used to reduce inflammation. These interactions can potentially alter the effectiveness of the medications or increase the risk of side effects.

Recommendations for Consulting Healthcare Providers Before Use

It is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider before starting Boswellia, especially if you are taking other medications. They can provide personalized advice and monitor for potential interactions.

Conclusion

Summary of Boswellia’s Benefits, Proper Usage, and Safety

Boswellia offers a range of health benefits, particularly for inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. It may also provide support for asthma and have potential anticancer and neuroprotective effects. Proper usage involves taking standardized extracts at recommended dosages and consulting healthcare providers to ensure safety.

References

1. Iram, F., Khan, S. A., & Husain, A. (2017). Phytochemistry and potential therapeutic actions of Boswellic acids: A mini-review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 7(6), 513-523. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apjtb.2017.05.001[↩]
2. Yu, G., Xiang, W., Zhang, T., Zeng, L., Yang, K., & Li, J. (2020). Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 20, 225. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6[↩][↩]
3. Catanzaro, D., Rancan, S., Orso, G., Brun, P., Giron, M. C., Carrara, M., Castagliuolo, I., Ragazzi, E., Caparrotta, L., & Montopoli, M. (2015). Boswellia serrata Preserves Intestinal Epithelial Barrier from Oxidative and Inflammatory Damage. PLoS ONE, 10(5). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0125375[↩]
4. Gupta, I., Gupta, V., Parihar, A., Gupta, S., Lüdtke, R., Safayhi, H., & Ammon, H. P. T. (1998). Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study. European Journal of Medical Research, 3(11), 511-514. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9810030/[↩]
5. Trivedi, V. L., Soni, R., Dhyani, P., Sati, P., Tejada, S., Sureda, A., Setzer, W. N., Abdull Razis, A. F., Modu, B., Butnariu, M., & Sharifi-Rad, J. (2023). Anti-cancer properties of boswellic acids: Mechanism of action as anti-cancerous agent. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1187181[↩][↩]