Boswellia: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Olibanum, Frankincense tree
Scientific name(s)
Boswellia serrata, Boswellia carteri, Boswellia sacra, Boswellia papyrifera
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Boswellic acid
Beta-boswellic acid
Incensole acetate
3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Osteoarthritis ✪✪✪✪✪
A meta-analysis of small controlled and randomized trials conducted in patients with knee osteoarthritis shows that taking Boswellia extract (B. serrata) at 100 to 250 mg per day for 1 to 3 months moderately reduces pain and improves function compared to a placebo. The included studies tested a specific extract of Boswellia serrata (5-Loxin), as well as a specific gum-resin extract of Boswellia serrata (known as Aflapin). More recent data on the use of a Boswellia gum resin extract (Aflapin) at 100 mg per day for 30 days are consistent with the results of this meta-analysis. Other studies have tested synergistic combinations, notably Boswellia 100 mg with ashwagandha 450 mg, turmeric 50 mg, and zinc 50 mg (Articulin-F) three times a day for 3 months, or 1 g of Boswellia serrata extract, 100 mg of curcumin, 1 g of Harpagophytum tubers, and 330 mg of ginger rhizomes per day for 36 weeks.
Posologie
Oral: resin
250 mg
3 - months
essential oil, standardized extract
Synergies
Double-blind trial of solid lipid Boswellia serrata particles (SLBSP) vs. standardized Boswellia serrata gum extract (BSE) for osteoarthritis of knee
Boswellic Acids and Their Role in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
Boswellia–Curcumin Preparation for Treating Knee Osteoarthritis: A Clinical Evaluation
Prospective, Multicenter Evaluation of a Polyherbal Supplement alongside Standard-of-Care Treatment for Mild Knee Osteoarthritis
A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee
Efficacy and Tolerability of Boswellia Serrata Extract in Treatment of Osteoarthritis of Knee--A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial
Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Efficacy and Safety of Aflapin®, a Novel Boswellia Serrata Extract, in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Short-Term 30-Day Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study
A pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel Boswellia serrata extract in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee
Arthritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Boswellia is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammatory disorders such as arthritis. For inflammatory conditions, 300-400 mg of a standardized extract (containing 60% boswellic acids) three times a day is advised.
Posologie
Oral route: resin
900 - 1200 mg
essential oil, standardized extract
Boswellic Acids and Their Role in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
Boswellia–Curcumin Preparation for Treating Knee Osteoarthritis: A Clinical Evaluation
A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee
Efficacy and Tolerability of Boswellia Serrata Extract in Treatment of Osteoarthritis of Knee--A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial
Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
A commercialized dietary supplement alleviates joint pain in community adults: a double-blind, placebo-controlled community trial
Ulcerative colitis ✪✪✪✪✪
An animal study was conducted on rats to determine the efficacy of Boswellia extract and one of its components, acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), on leukocyte-endothelial interactions in inflammatory bowel diseases. Hemorrhagic rectocolitis was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of indomethacin. The animals then received either Boswellia, AKBA at two different doses (low or high), or a placebo. It was observed that Boswellia extract and both doses of AKBA reduced leukocyte rolling (up to 90%) and leukocyte adhesion (up to 98%), mitigated tissue lesion scores, and significantly reduced both macroscopic and microscopic inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. According to another study, leukotrienes may play a role in the inflammatory process of ulcerative colitis (hemorrhagic rectocolitis). A Boswellia extract (350 mg three times a day) was compared to sulfasalazine (1 g three times a day) in patients with ulcerative colitis. Patients taking the Boswellia extract showed a stronger improvement than those on sulfasalazine. Indeed, 82% of patients treated with the Boswellia extract entered remission, compared to 75% of those on sulfasalazine. A follow-up study of patients with chronic colitis taking Boswellia gum resin (900 mg per day in three divided doses over six weeks) or sulfasalazine (3 g per day in three divided doses over six weeks) showed similar improvements. Moreover, 14 of the 20 patients (70%) treated with Boswellia serrata gum resin entered remission compared to 4 out of 10 patients (40%) treated with sulfasalazine.
Posologie
Oral route: resin
900 - 1050 mg
6 - weeks
hydro-alcoholic extract, standardized extract, dry extract
Effects of Boswellia Serrata Gum Resin in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis
Effects of Gum Resin of Boswellia Serrata in Patients With Chronic Colitis
Managing ulcerative colitis in remission phase: usefulness of Casperome®, an innovative lecithin-based delivery system of Boswellia serrata extract
Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic Acid, a Constituent of a Herbal Medicine From Boswellia Serrata Resin, Attenuates Experimental Ileitis
Skin healing ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that the topical application of a cream containing a 2% Boswellia extract twice daily for about 5 weeks during radiotherapy reduces erythema. In dermatology, frankincense essential oil is healing, firming and is recommended for treating scars, stretch marks or wrinkles.
Posologie
Cutaneous route: resin
essential oil
Effects of topical boswellic acid on photo and age-damaged skin: clinical, biophysical, and echographic evaluations in a double-blind, randomized, split-face study
Clinical evaluation of safety and efficacy of Boswellia-based cream for prevention of adjuvant radiotherapy skin damage in mammary carcinoma: a randomized placebo controlled trial
Neurodegenerative diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
The neuroprotective potential of Boswellia resin in age-related morphological changes and concomitant cognitive deficits could make it a therapeutic agent in neurodegenerative diseases. The neuroprotective effects of Boswellia are likely related to its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant activities. Several clinical trials involving patients with brain tumors, traumatic brain injuries such as diffuse axonal injuries, MS (multiple sclerosis), or healthy older subjects have highlighted the role of extracts from various Boswellia species, in mitigating cerebral edema and blood-brain barrier disruption, reducing neurological deficiencies and improving cognitive outcomes. In a randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the administration of Boswellia (B.serrata) and Melissa (290 mg and 27 mg, for one month) improved memory in 70 older adults. Overall, these findings provide preliminary support for the efficacy of the Boswellia genus (B.serrata and B.papyrifera) in cognitive improvement.
Posologie
Oral route: resin
250 - 4200 mg
hydro-alcoholic extract, standardized extract, dry extract
Synergies
Boswellic Acids and Their Role in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
The effect of tablet containing Boswellia serrata and Melisa officinalis extract on older adults' memory: A randomized controlled trial
Genus Boswellia as a new candidate for neurodegenerative disorders
Effect of Boswellia papyrifera on cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis
The effect of Boswellia Serrata on neurorecovery following diffuse axonal injury
Crohn's disease ✪✪✪✪✪
Chemical mediators of inflammation were studied in a clinical trial comparing Boswellia serrata extract to mesalazine in treating acute Crohn's disease. The protocol population included 44 patients treated with Boswellia extract and 39 patients treated with mesalazine. Between the start and end of treatment, the Crohn's disease activity index significantly decreased with both Boswellia extract and mesalazine. Although the difference between the two treatments was not statistically significant, the Boswellia extract proved to be as effective as the anti-inflammatory drug (mesalazine).
Posologie
Oral route: resin
1200 - 3600 mg
8 - days
hydro-alcoholic extract, standardized extract, dry extract
Asthma ✪✪✪✪✪
In a 1998 study on the effects of Boswellia on bronchial asthma, 40 patients took 300 mg of a Boswellia preparation three times a day for six weeks, while another 40 patients took a placebo. 70% of patients taking Boswellia showed significant improvement in their symptoms and according to objective measurements of lung and immune functions; whereas only 27% of patients taking a placebo experienced symptom improvement. Boswellia is frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammatory disorders, such as asthma. Boswellic acid, the main constituent of Boswellia, inhibits the synthesis of 5-lipoxygenase and leukotrienes, substances that cause airway constriction, which helps improve breathing. For inflammatory or asthmatic conditions, 300 - 400 mg of a standardized extract (containing 60% boswellic acids) three times a day is suggested.
Posologie
Oral: resin
900 - 1200 mg
6 - weeks
essential oil, hydro-alcoholic extract, standardized extract, dry extract
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research conducted on patients with mild irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) shows that taking lecithin-based Boswellia extract at a dose of 250 mg per day for 6 months reduces abdominal pain, cramps, and gas compared to standard treatment. Patients receiving Boswellia extract required fewer rescue medications and were 46% less likely to need additional medical care, including hospitalization. It is worth noting that in a shorter 4-week trial, although IBS symptoms improved compared to baseline, there were no significant differences between Boswellia extract and standard treatment options.
Posologie
Oral: resin
250 mg
6 - months
Casperome®
Synergies
Oral administration of a lecithin-based delivery form of boswellic acids (Casperome®) for the prevention of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized clinical study
Supplementation with a lecithin-based delivery form of Boswellia serrata extract (Casperome®) controls symptoms of mild irritable bowel syndrome
Wrinkles ✪✪✪✪✪
In preliminary clinical trials, the application of 0.5% Boswellia cream on the face significantly reduced fine lines, tactile roughness, and photoaging scores among women. In dermatology, frankincense essential oil is known for its healing and firming properties, and it is recommended to combat wrinkles.
Posologie
Topical: resin
essential oil
Effects of topical boswellic acid on photo and age-damaged skin: clinical, biophysical, and echographic evaluations in a double-blind, randomized, split-face study
Clinical evaluation of safety and efficacy of Boswellia-based cream for prevention of adjuvant radiotherapy skin damage in mammary carcinoma: a randomized placebo controlled trial
Emotional Balance ✪✪✪✪✪
Significant studies by Moussaieff et al. revealed that incense and its acetate are inhibitors of the nuclear factor-kappaB, suggesting their contribution to the known anti-inflammatory activity of incense. Interestingly, incense acetate showed powerful neuroprotective activity following brain injury in mice. The antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of incensole acetate have been demonstrated in mice. Incensole and its acetate have revealed incense's traditional effects: exceptional anti-inflammatory and antidepressant activity. Furthermore, naturally derived incensole and incensole acetate are lipophilic, which is a limiting factor in terms of bioavailability. Boswellia papyrifera and Boswellia elongata are the two primary sources of incensole and its acetate. The methanol extract of Boswellia papyrifera contains the largest quantities of incensole (18.4%), followed by an n-hexane fraction (13.5%) and an ethyl acetate fraction (3.6%). Note that only trace amounts have been detected in the fractions of Boswellia sacra (B. carteri) and Boswellia serrata.
Posologie
Inhalation: resin
essential oil
Incensole Acetate: A Novel Neuroprotective Agent Isolated from Boswellia Carterii
Evaluating the efficacy of a mixture of Boswellia carterii, Zingiber officinale, and Achillea millefolium on severity of symptoms, anxiety, and depression in irritable bowel syndrome patients
Distribution of the Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Depressant Compounds: Incensole and Incensole Acetate in Genus Boswellia
Properties
Anti-inflammatory
Preliminary research has shown that certain Boswellia extracts have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-arthritic effects. Boswellic acids inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (an enzyme involved in the production of certain chemicals in the body called leukotrienes that play a role in inflammatory processes), decrease the synthesis of leukotrienes and inhibit leukocyte elastase (an enzyme produced by some white blood cells that can damage tissues during inflammatory responses), which are the probable mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Boswellic acids may also decrease the degradation of glycosaminoglycans (known as GAGs, which are essential components of cartilage to maintain its elasticity and shock absorption capacity) and cartilage lesions. Boswellic acids can reduce levels of other enzymes involved in conditions such as arthritis, including glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, glycohydrolase, and beta-glucuronidase. Other preliminary research also suggests that boswellic acids stabilize mast cells, indicating their utility for asthma.
Usages associés
Analgesic
Administration of a non-phenolic fraction of crude Boswellia produced analgesia in 60% of treated rats at a dose of 60.0 mg/kg. The degree of analgesia was comparable to a dose of 3-4.5 mg/kg of morphine. A dose of 150.0 mg/kg also led to a 70% reduction in spontaneous motor activity lasting 2 hours.
Usages associés
Immunomodulator
Boswellia may inhibit autoimmune disease mediators. It appears to reduce antibody production and cell-mediated immunity. However, Boswellia oil and boswellic acids also have stimulating effects on the immune system by boosting white blood cell activity, in laboratory tests.
Usages associés
Anticancer
Boswellia may be useful in cancer treatment. Preliminary research suggests that boswellic acids, including 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), have antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on cancer cells. The anticancer effects of boswellia have been demonstrated in some human research (trial with Boswellia Serrata on brain edema in irradiated patients for brain tumors). Potential mechanisms may involve apoptosis and invasion inhibition.
Neurological
Boswellic acids may also have interesting potential in treating central nervous system disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive disorders. The effects of α-boswellic acids were studied in primary human fetal astrocytes (cells that form the environment of neurons) under a stress paradigm as a probable model of Alzheimer's disease, results showed that α-boswellic acids could be considered an effective remedy for the prevention and reduction of Alzheimer's disease progression in astrocytes. In a mouse neuroinflammatory model, AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid) showed anti-apoptotic and anti-amyloidogenic effects via modulation of miRNA-155 (a micro-RNA involved in inflammation). Moreover, boswellic acids have shown a neuroprotective role in rat models of cognitive deficiency.
Usages associés
Dermatological effect
In human research, a cream containing boswellic acids can reduce the appearance of skin aging by decreasing sebum and skin laxity and increasing its thickness. The study suggests that Boswellia may induce remodeling of skin tissues, potentially through new deposition of collagen and elastic fibers while improving the quality of epidermal keratinization, thus reducing the tactile roughness of the skin.
Usages associés
Antidepressant
Incensole acetate, isolated from Boswellia resin, has been found to inhibit nuclear factor-kappaB activation, a key transcription factor in the inflammatory response. Some studies suggest it could serve as a novel neuroprotective agent due to this anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, the psychoactive properties of incensole acetate have been evaluated by activating TRPV3 channels in the brain. TRPV3 (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid) is an ion channel associated with heat perception in the skin. The role of TRPV3 channels is still unknown, but TRPV3 mRNA has also been found in neurons throughout the brain. Incensole acetate has been found to be a potent TRPV3 agonist, causing anxiolytic and antidepressant-like behavioral effects in mice.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 300 mg - 1000 mg
Boswellia extract at doses up to 1000 mg per day has been used safely in several clinical trials lasting up to 6 months. Boswellia extracts are generally standardized based on their boswellic acid content. Extracts are standardized to contain 10 to 30% AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid) and up to 80% boswellic acid. Topically, Boswellia cream 2% has been used safely for 30 days.
Interactions
Médicaments
Immunosuppressant: weak interaction
In vitro studies show that Boswellia has immunostimulant properties. Theoretically, Boswellia could decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressant drugs. Immunosuppressant drugs include azathioprine, basiliximab, daclizumab, muromonab-CD3, mycophenolate, tacrolimus, sirolimus, prednisone, and other corticosteroids.
Cytochrome P450 substrate: weak interaction
In vitro, Boswellia inhibits cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2), cytochrome P450 2C19, cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9), cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6), and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4).
Precautions
Autoimmune diseases: use with caution
Boswellia may have immunostimulant effects. Theoretically, Boswellia could exacerbate autoimmune diseases by stimulating immune activity.
Contraindications
Pregnant women: prohibited
Essential oil is contraindicated for pregnant women. Internally, there isn't enough reliable information available on the safety of using Boswellia in medicinal amounts.
Nursing women: prohibited
Essential oil is contraindicated for nursing women. Internally, there isn't enough reliable information available on the safety of using Boswellia in medicinal amounts.
Children up to 7 years: prohibited
Oral route is not recommended for children under 7 years of age to prevent any risk of convulsion (high proportion of monoterpene hydrocarbons, some of which can lower the seizure threshold).
