What are the possible side effects of Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)?
Boswellia is generally believed to be safe when used as directed, although safety and toxicity have not been well studied in humans. The most common complaints in trials have been nausea and acid reflux. A qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, should be consulted prior to use. Dermatitis (itchy, inflamed skin) has been reported in clinical trials using Articulin-F®, a combination product containing gum resin from Boswellia serrata as well as Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), Curcuma longa (turmeric), and zinc complex. However, it is not clear if boswellia alone would cause these effects. Boswellia extract has been associated with mild gastrointestinal upset, abdominal fullness, epigastric pain, gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, diarrhea, and nausea. It is not clear to what extent these symptoms were related to the patients’ underlying colitis or the boswellia specifically in some cases due to use of a combination product.
