Boswellia: Benefits, Side Effects, And More

Know Your Ingredient: Boswellia

What Is It?
A herbal extract derived from the bark of the Boswellia serrata tree.

What Are Its Benefits?
Helps in reducing heavy menstrual bleeding and in diabetes management, and is beneficial for people with inflammatory bowel diseases.

Who Can Consume It?
People struggling with osteoarthritis, asthma, diabetes, and stroke should consume Boswellia. However, it is not suitable for pregnant women.

How Often?
Around 300–500 milligrams daily, or 2 to 3 times a day.

Caution
Boswellia is safe for most adults except pregnant women. However, excessive intake might cause stomach pain, nausea, headache,and itching.

What Is Boswellia?

Also known as Indian frankincense, Boswellia serrata comes from the Bursacrea family. Native to the dry mountainous regions of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, the resin is extracted by tapping the boswellia tree. For thousands of years, boswellia has been used by Chinese and Ayurvedic healers to treat different medical conditions. Boswellia gives off a sweet and exotic scent when burned as incense or in combination with other resins.

Apart from its uses in traditional medicine, boswellia also has a few potential benefits. Know more about these in the next section.

8 Potential Health Benefits Of Boswellia

Studies show great promise when it comes to boswellia and its potential health benefits. Let’s take a look at the different health conditions it may be useful in treating.

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Boswellia may be effective in reducing the severity of the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis such as joint pain. A study of Boswellia Serrata extract on rats with rheumatoid arthritis revealed a significant decrease in inflammation after 15 days (2). More clinical studies need to be conducted to understand the association between boswellia and rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis may not be the only type of arthritis boswellia may be useful in treating. A study was conducted to see the effect of boswellia extract on patients with osteoarthritisⁱ  XA condition in which flexible tissue at the end of the bone wears down which causes joint pain, especially in the knees and lower back. affecting  the knee. The groups were given either boswellia extract or placeboⁱ  XA treatment used to trick the body into reacting to a substance that has no therapeutic or medicinal value. for 120 days. The results showed that boswellia extract improved physical functionality by significantly reducing knee pain and joint stiffness in comparison to the placeboⁱ  XA treatment used to trick the body into reacting to a substance that has no therapeutic or medicinal value. (3).

A YouTuber describes her experience of using Boswellia or Frankincense oil for joint pain. She shared, “2 years ago, I was suffering from terrible joint pain and swelling around the legs and arms as well. When I went to doctors that had no idea, I did all the tests, everything was clear then I decided to give frankincense capsules a try and it was amazing. It worked within the first weeks; less joint pain and less swelling (i).”

3. Asthma

A study on asthmatic rats suggested that boswellic acid may be effective in suppressing the inflammation in the airway (4). Research also suggests that boswellia may help decrease the need for inhalation therapy for people with asthma (5).

4. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

The anti-inflammatory effects of boswellia may also be beneficial for people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as colitis. Research on rats indicates that boswellic acid may improve the symptoms of IBD without causing any adverse effects (6). Another study suggests that Boswellia Serrata extract may be effective in the treatment of patients with collagenous colitis (7).

Trivia

People traditionally used to chew boswellia like gum to treat digestive ailments.

5. Parkinson’s Disease

A 2019 study examined the effect of boswellia extract on oxidative stress and motor dysfunction in rats with Parkinsonⁱ  XA disorder of the central nervous system which causes impaired muscle coordination, leading to tremors or involuntary movements. ’s disease. On administering the extract for 3 weeks, researchers saw that the extract appeared to protect the neurons in the brain and improve motor function (8). While the results are promising, more studies need to be conducted to understand its effect in humans.

6. Cancer And Cancer Treatment

An in-vitro study suggested that the essential oil from boswellia may impair the growth of skin cancer cells without causing any damage to the liver and healthy cells nearby (10). A 2016 study reports that boswellia exhibits antitumorⁱ  XThey are drugs that inhibit the growth of abnormal cells, which in turn inhibits or stops the formation of tumors or cancerous cells. properties and may be toxic to cancerous cells. While further studies are warranted to confirm this, boswellia does show significant potential as an option for cancer treatment (9).

7. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

If you are looking for a natural alternative to help you with heavy menstrual bleeding, boswellia may be a good option. A study was conducted to examine the effect of boswellia and ginger on women with heavy menstrual bleeding. The women received either boswellia or a placeboⁱ  XA treatment used to trick the body into reacting to a substance that has no therapeutic or medicinal value. for seven days of their menstrual cycle. The researchers saw a decrease in the menstrual bleeding in women who were given boswellia and ginger (10).

8. Diabetes

Scientific literature suggests that boswellia may keep your blood sugar levels under control. One study evaluated the effect of boswellia extract on diabetic rats and saw a significant decrease in blood sugar levels (11). Studies also indicate that boswellia gum resin may decrease blood sugar levels in comparison to standard antidiabetic medicines (12).

Fun Fact

Boswellia extract contains 30-60% resin, 5-10% essential oils (which are soluble in organic solvents), and the rest is made up of polysaccharides (13).

How To Use Boswellia For Maximum Benefits

Boswellia comes in different forms and the quality of the product may vary. Available in both retail and online health stores, you can use boswellia in the following forms to gain maximum benefit.

• Capsules/ supplements
• Boswellia extracts
• Raw Boswellia resin
• Formulas with turmeric and other herbs
• Boswellia essential oil

Since there is no set dose for consuming boswellia, you can follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label. But if you are still unsure about the appropriate dose, consult a doctor before proceeding.

Check out the next section to explore the health benefits of boswellia and turmeric.

Boswellia Vs. Turmeric

Boswellia and turmeric are herbal supplements known for their anti-inflammatory properties (14), (15). Both have been traditionally employed in managing conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory disorders (15), (16). While they can be used separately, they are more effective when combined. Both may help reduce inflammation and alleviate joint pain.

As per a study, boswellia contains a substance called AKBA that can significantly reduce bone loss (17). Similarly, curcumin found in turmeric has also been shown to improve bone density (18). This dual approach can be advantageous for individuals seeking natural remedies for bone health.

However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before combining these supplements, as they may interfere with other drugs or food supplements.

Boswellia may be an herbal extract, but it may show some side effects. Let’s take a look at what they are in the next section.

Side Effects And Risks

Studies show that boswellia comes with the following potential side effects (19), (20).

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Acidity
• Loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Constipation

Research also suggests that boswellia along with other herbs, may interact with blood thinners such as warfarin and may cause adverse effects (21). If you are on blood thinners or have a medical condition that affects clotting, consult a doctor before using boswellia.

To Sum It Up

Boswellia is a natural extract that has been used in alternative medicine for centuries for its medicinal properties. Modern research suggests that boswellia may be effective in treating diseases such as arthritis, asthma, and diabetes. Small scale studies have identified boswellia to be a potential anti-cancer agent. However, more studies are required in this area. Boswellia is easily available across health stores and can be used as a cream, supplement, or essential oil. It is imperative that you consult a doctor before consuming boswellia as it may produce side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boswellia cause liver damage?

No. Several studies have not found a convincing link between Boswellia extract and clinically apparent liver damage (20).

Does Boswellia rebuild cartilage?

While Boswellia may help prevent cartilage damage and protect it as it has anti-inflammatory properties, there is a lack of studies proving that it may rebuild cartilage (22).

Can Boswellia cause anxiety?

Possibly not. Boswellia extracts contain incensole acetate which acts as a potent anti-anxiety agent that may help relieve anxiety and lower the symptoms of depression (23).

Is Boswellia good for weight loss?

Possibly. Boswellia extracts have anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemici  properties which may help lose weight (24).

Does Boswellia increase testosterone?

There is a lack of scientific evidence suggesting that Boswellia extract may affect testosterone levels.

Can Boswellia help improve skin health?

Yes, it contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that fight acne and fade blemishes. It also exhibits anti-aging effects and thus improves skin tone, elasticity, and firmness of the skin (25).

Infographic: 5 Good Reasons For Using Boswellia

Boswellia is a herbal extract derived from the resin of the boswellia tree and offers a lot more than its sweet and exotic scent. This ancient herbal remedy may reduce menstrual pain and treat various other health conditions. Check out the following infographic to know the positive effects of boswelia on your health.

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Delve deeper into the amazing benefits of boswellia and its role in inflammation and pain relief. Watch this video to learn how this natural remedy can improve your overall health and well-being.

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Tracy TredouxDipION, mBANT, CNHC, AFMCP

   

Tracy is a fully qualified nutritional therapist with 10 years of experience specializing in gut and immune health. She is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and uses her knowledge to address the root causes of illness rather than merely manage the symptoms. She motivates and supports her clients along their journey to achieve peak health and wellness through personalized dietary...more

Varsha PatnaikHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Varsha holds a master's degree in biotechnology from Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, and is a certified diet and nutrition coach with two years of experience. She combines her scientific knowledge and her passion for writing to produce research-backed content in the health and wellness domain. Her writing focuses on the health and nutritional benefits of various ingredients and diets and how...more

Ravi Teja TadimallaSenior Editor

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a senior editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over eight years. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. He has written over 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the skin, hair, and health. He...more

Payal KarnikSenior Health & Wellness Writer

Payal Karnik is a senior health and wellness writer and a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach. She is a biotechnology graduate from the University of Mumbai with a keen interest in writing and a natural curiosity for science. This formidable combination equips her with the knowledge to write research-backed health and wellness articles. She has also published a research...more