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.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Boswellia may be effective in reducing the severity of the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. A study of Boswellia Serrata extract on rats with rheumatoid arthritis revealed a significant decrease in the inflammation after 15 days (2). More clinical studies need to be conducted to understand the association between boswellia and rheumatoid arthritis.
- 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 osteoarthritis affecting the knee. The groups were given either boswellia extract or placebo for 120 days. The results showed that boswellia extract improved physical functionality by significantly reducing knee pain and joint stiffness in comparison to the placebo (4).
- Asthma A study on asthmatic rats suggested that boswellic acid may be effective in suppressing the inflammation in the airway (5). Research also suggests that boswellia may help decrease the need for inhalation therapy for people with asthma (6).
- 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 (7). Another study suggests that Boswellia Serrata extract may be effective in the treatment of patients with collagenous colitis (8).
- Parkinson’s Disease A 2019 study examined the effect of boswellia extract on oxidative stress and motor dysfunction in rats with Parkinson’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(9). While the results are promising, more studies need to be conducted to understand its effect in humans.
- 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 antitumor 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 (11).
- 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 placebo for seven days of their menstrual cycle. The researchers saw a decrease in the menstrual bleeding in women who were given boswellia and ginger (12).
- 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 (13). Studies also indicate that boswellia gum resin may decrease blood sugar levels in comparison to standard antidiabetic medicines (14). Even though most of these studies are animal studies, boswellia may potentially benefit our health in many ways. Let’s head onto the next section where we look at the different ways in which we can use boswellia.
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. 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 (15), (16).
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 (17). 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. Can Boswellia cause liver damage? No. Several studies have not found a convincing link between Boswellia extract and clinically apparent liver damage (22). 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 (23). Can Boswellia cause anxiety? Possibly not. Boswellia extracts contain incensole acetate which acts as a potent anti-anxiety agent that may help relieve anxiety (24). Is Boswellia good for weight loss? Possibly. Boswellia extracts have anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic properties which may help lose weight (25). Does Boswellia increase testosterone? There is a lack of scientific evidence suggesting that Boswellia extract may affect testosterone levels.
