Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is an herbal extract from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree. Native to dry, mountainous regions of India, Northern Africa, and the Middle East, its resin has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. This article explores the relationship between Boswellia and blood pressure, examining its potential influence and important considerations.
Understanding Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it throughout your body. This measurement is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure, the top number, indicates the force when your heart beats and contracts, pushing blood out. Diastolic pressure, the bottom number, represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats and refills with blood.
Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels is important for overall health, as it reflects how hard your heart is working and the condition of your blood vessels. A normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). When blood pressure consistently remains too high, it is known as hypertension, which can strain the heart and damage organs over time, increasing the risk of serious problems like heart attacks and strokes. Conversely, low blood pressure, or hypotension, is below 90/60 mmHg and can cause symptoms such as dizziness or fainting.
Boswellia’s Potential Influence on Blood Pressure
The scientific understanding of how Boswellia might affect blood pressure largely centers on its anti-inflammatory properties. Boswellia resin contains active compounds called boswellic acids, particularly acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), which are recognized for their ability to inhibit specific enzymes involved in inflammatory pathways. One primary mechanism involves the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), an enzyme that produces leukotrienes, molecules known to contribute to inflammation within the body.
Chronic inflammation can play a role in the development of cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure, by affecting the health and function of blood vessels. By modulating inflammatory responses through 5-LOX inhibition, Boswellia’s anti-inflammatory effects could indirectly support cardiovascular health and potentially influence blood pressure regulation. Some research in animal models has indicated that Boswellia extract may reduce blood pressure and vascular resistance in hypertensive rats, with vasodilating effects comparable to certain prescription drugs. Additionally, studies have shown Boswellia’s ability to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, which are implicated in cardiovascular dysfunction.
Most direct research on Boswellia’s effect on blood pressure has been conducted in animal models or focuses on its broader anti-inflammatory impact. Human clinical trials specifically evaluating Boswellia’s direct influence on blood pressure are limited. More comprehensive human studies are needed to fully understand Boswellia’s role in blood pressure management.
Important Considerations for Use
Individuals considering Boswellia supplementation should understand general dosage guidelines, though consulting a healthcare professional is always advised. Standardized Boswellia serrata extracts have daily doses ranging from 300 to 500 mg, taken two to three times daily.
Potential side effects of Boswellia include digestive upset such as diarrhea, nausea, or stomach pain. Skin rashes have also been reported when applied topically. These effects are not severe, but monitor for any adverse reactions when starting a new supplement.
Boswellia may interact with certain medications, which is a significant consideration. It may interact with blood-thinning medications like warfarin, potentially increasing international normalized ratio (INR) levels and inhibiting certain liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism. It may also decrease the effects of other anti-inflammatory drugs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin.
Certain individuals should avoid using Boswellia without medical supervision. This includes pregnant or nursing women, as there is insufficient reliable safety information, and it may stimulate uterine blood flow. Individuals with specific medical conditions or those currently taking other medications should always consult with a doctor or qualified healthcare provider before incorporating Boswellia into their regimen.