Lalithakumari K, Krishnaraju AV, Sengupta K, et al. Safety and toxicological evaluation of a novel, standardized 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA)-enriched Boswellia serrata extract (5-Loxin). Toxicol Mech Methods 2006;16:199-226. View abstract.

Despite the remarkable health benefits of this herb, Boswellia serrata is associated with various concerning side effects, such as gastrointestinal problems, skin rash, and potential liver damage. However, most of these side effects only appear when Boswellia serrata is used in high concentrations; moderate use is rarely associated with negative side effects. Streffer JR, Bitzer M, Schabet M, et al. Response of radiochemotherapy-associated cerebral edema to a phytotherapteutic agent, H15. Neurology 2001;56:1219-21. View abstract. 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. View abstract.Boswellia for dogs and cats plays an important role in maintaining healthy joint function, which can impact a pet’s everyday life. Eshaghian R, Mazaheri M, Ghanadian M, Rouholamin S, Feizi A, Babaeian M. The effect of frankincense (Boswellia serrata, oleoresin) and ginger (Zingiber officinale, rhizoma) on heavy menstrual bleeding: a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Complement Ther Med. 2019; 42:42-47. View abstract. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2, 10-11, English Standard Version)

The following sections discuss the evidence behind its potential benefits for inflammatory health conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis In Ayuverdic medicine for a range of health conditions, including arthritis, asthma, diarrhea, mouth sores, hemorrhoids, and jaundice. Flavin, D. F. A lipoxygenase inhibitor in breast cancer brain metastases. J Neurooncol. 2007;82(1):91-93. View abstract. Stomach Issues –Excessive consumptions of Boswellia serrata has been associated with a number of gastrointestinal problems, ranging from bloating and cramping to diarrhea and nausea. When taken in normal quantities, however, in the recommended supplement levels, these unpleasant side effects can be avoided. Some research shows that boswellic acid can prevent the formation of leukotrienes in the body. Leukotrienes are molecules that have been identified as a cause of inflammation. They may trigger asthma symptoms.

Ranjbarnejad T, et al. (2017). Methanolic extract of Boswellia serrata exhibits anti-cancer activities by targeting microsomalprostaglandin E synthase-1 in human colon cancer cells. DOI: Sander O, Herborn G, Rau R. [Is H15 (resin extract of Boswellia serrata, "incense") a useful supplement to established drug therapy of chronic polyarthritis? Results of a double-blind pilot study]. Z Rheumatol 1998;57:11-6. View abstract.

Gomaa AA, Mohamed HS, Abd-Ellatief RB, et al. Boswellic acids/ Boswellia serrata extract as a potential COVID-19 therapeutic agent in the elderly. Inflammopharmacology. 2021;29(4):1033-1048. doi:10.1007/s10787-021-00841-8 Badria FA, Mohammed EA El-Badrawy MK El-Desouky M. Natural leukotriene inhibitor from Boswellia: A potential new alternative for treating bronchial asthma. Alternative & Complementary Therapies 2004;10(5):257-265. Kulkarni RR, Patki PS, Jog VP, et al. Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;33:91-5. View abstract.Pungle P, Banavalikar M, Suthar A, et al. Immunomodulatory activity of boswellic acids of Boswellia serrata Roxb. Indian J Exp Biol 2003;41:1460-2. View abstract. Safayhi H, Sailer ER, and Amnon HP. 5-lipoxygenase inhibition by acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) by a novel mechanism. Phytomed 1996;3(1):71-72. Natural Standard. (2010). Natural standard herb & supplement guide - e-book:An evidence-based reference. Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby.