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Boswellia serrata is a tree native to India, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. It is commonly used in the traditional Indian medicine system, Ayurveda.
Boswellia serrata contains chemicals that might decrease swelling and increase the body's immune response. Extracts of the Boswellia serrata sap, bark, and other plant parts have been taken by mouth for therapeutic purposes.
People use Boswellia serrata for osteoarthritis. It is also used for many other purposes, including asthma, diabetes, and stroke, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses. There is also no good evidence to support using Boswellia serrata for COVID-19.
The sap from Boswellia serrata is sometimes used to make Frankincense. Frankincense is typically applied to the skin or inhaled as aromatherapy. For information on those uses, see Frankincense.
- Osteoarthritis. Oral Boswellia serrata extracts, taken alone or in combination with other ingredients, appear to reduce pain and improve function in osteoarthritis. However, most clinical studies have been small and methodologically flawed.
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- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Login for details
- Asthma. It is unclear if oral Boswellia serrata can improve symptoms of asthma.
Login for details - Brain tumor. It is unclear if oral Boswellia serrata improves outcomes in patients with brain tumors.
Login for details - Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Oral Boswellia serrata has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Cluster headache. Login for details
- Crohn disease. It is unclear if oral Boswellia serrata reduces relapse rates in patients with Crohn disease.
Login for details - Diabetes. It is unclear if oral Boswellia serrata improves glycemic control in patients with diabetes.
Login for details - Dysmenorrhea. Login for details
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Small clinical studies suggest that an oral Boswellia serrata extract may improve symptoms of IBS.
Login for details - Menorrhagia. It is unclear if oral Boswellia serrata is beneficial for menorrhagia.
Login for details - Microscopic colitis. There is limited evidence on the oral use of Boswellia serrata in patients with collagenous colitis.
Login for details - Neurological trauma. It is unclear if oral Boswellia serrata is beneficial in adults with diffuse axonal injury.
Login for details - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Oral Boswellia serrata has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Pharyngitis. Login for details
- Stroke. It is unclear if oral boswellic acids improve neurological function after stroke.
Login for details - Ulcerative colitis. Small clinical studies suggest that oral Boswellia serrata extracts may improve symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
Login for details - Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Oral Boswellia serrata has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
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When taken by mouth: Boswellia serrata is likely safe for most adults. Boswellia serrata extract has been used safely in doses up to 1000 mg daily for up to 6 months. It usually doesn't cause major side effects. But some people have reported stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, and itching.
For information on using Boswellia serrata on the skin or as aromatherapy, see Frankincense.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Boswellia serrata is likely safe when used in amounts commonly found in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if Boswellia serrata is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.There are no known interactions with medications. Before taking this product, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Boswellia serrata has most often been used by adults in doses of 100-250 mg by mouth daily, for up to 6 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
For information on using Boswellia serrata on the skin or as aromatherapy, see Frankincense.
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