What does Boswellia do to the liver?

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

A 2023 preclinical study demonstrated that a specific boswellic acid, AKBA, effectively mitigated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression in mice. This and other research indicates that what Boswellia does to the liver is primarily protective, leveraging powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Quick Summary

Boswellia primarily offers hepatoprotective benefits by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress through its boswellic acids. It can lower elevated liver enzymes and may help manage fatty liver disease, though high amounts require caution.

Key Points

Hepatoprotective Effect: Boswellia reduces elevated liver enzymes and protects liver cells from damage in animal models of injury caused by toxins, alcohol, and inflammation.
Powerful Anti-inflammatory: The boswellic acids in Boswellia inhibit inflammatory pathways like NF-κB and 5-LOX, reducing liver inflammation.
Strong Antioxidant: It boosts the body's natural antioxidant defenses, helping to neutralize free radicals and counteract oxidative stress in liver tissues.
Potential for Fatty Liver: Preclinical studies show promise in managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by reducing hepatic fat and improving metabolic markers.
Amount Used Matters: While beneficial at moderate amounts, some animal studies suggest very high or prolonged use could lead to mild liver toxicity, making appropriate amounts crucial.
Drug Interactions: Boswellia can inhibit certain liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism, potentially interacting with and increasing the effects of some medications.
Generally Safe: When used appropriately, Boswellia is typically well-tolerated with mild side effects, but it is not linked to clinically significant liver injury at these levels.

Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is an herbal supplement derived from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various inflammatory conditions, including arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Modern research, primarily in animal models and some human studies, has focused on its active components, known as boswellic acids. These compounds have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which appear to extend a protective influence on liver function and health. The liver is a vital organ responsible for detoxification and metabolism, and protecting it from damage caused by inflammation and oxidative stress is crucial for overall wellness.

The Hepatoprotective Mechanisms of Boswellia

Studies reveal that Boswellia’s beneficial actions on the liver are primarily driven by its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The key active compounds, boswellic acids, modulate cellular pathways to protect liver cells, known as hepatocytes, from damage. This is particularly relevant in conditions involving chronic inflammation and toxin exposure.

Targeting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Research has shown that Boswellia extracts can significantly reduce levels of elevated liver enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), in animal models of liver injury. These enzymes serve as markers for liver cell damage. The reduction is linked to the supplement's ability to combat oxidative stress, a state of imbalance that can harm cells. By boosting the activity of natural antioxidant enzymes like catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), Boswellia helps neutralize harmful free radicals. Furthermore, boswellic acids are known inhibitors of the NF-κB signaling pathway, a key regulator of the inflammatory response. This helps to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), reducing overall liver inflammation.

Boswellia and Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing health concern marked by fat accumulation in the liver, inflammation, and potential fibrosis. Preclinical studies suggest that Boswellia may play a positive role in managing NAFLD progression.

Impact on Lipid Metabolism and Fibrosis

One specific boswellic acid, acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), has been identified as a potent inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase (MGLL), an enzyme involved in lipid accumulation within hepatocytes. In animal models, AKBA effectively reduced hepatic steatosis (fatty liver), improved metabolic functions, and lowered liver enzyme levels. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Boswellia also help break the cycle of inflammation and fibrosis, which can worsen NAFLD over time. By mitigating these processes, Boswellia can help delay the development and progression of liver fibrosis.

Potential Risks and Drug Interactions with the Liver

While Boswellia is generally well-tolerated when used appropriately, it is not without potential risks, especially at very high amounts. It is crucial to consider the amount used and to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have pre-existing liver conditions or take other medications.

Mild Toxicity at High Amounts: Some animal studies have shown that very high amounts of Boswellia might lead to mild liver toxicity, including elevated liver enzymes and histological changes like steatosis. However, these effects are not typically seen at standard supplemental amounts.
Case Report of SIADH: A case study in a human reported hyponatremia and a condition called Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone secretion (SIADH) after taking Boswellia for several weeks, although these symptoms resolved after discontinuation.
Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Inhibition: In laboratory tests, Boswellia extracts have been shown to inhibit certain cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, which are responsible for metabolizing many medications in the liver. This could potentially alter the effects of drugs metabolized by these enzymes, such as CYP2C9 and CYP3A4/5. The clinical significance of this interaction is not yet fully understood, but it is an important consideration for individuals on medication.

Comparing Boswellia's Liver Benefits: Boswellia vs. Silymarin


Feature	Boswellia (Indian Frankincense)	Silymarin (Milk Thistle)
Active Compounds	Boswellic acids, particularly AKBA.	Silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, silydianin.
Mechanism of Action	Inhibits inflammatory pathways (NF-κB, 5-LOX), boosts antioxidant enzymes, and can modulate lipid metabolism.	Powerful antioxidant, protects hepatocytes by stabilizing cell membranes, and stimulates liver cell regeneration.
Key Target	Primarily anti-inflammatory, useful for mitigating damage from inflammation and oxidative stress.	Historically focused on supporting liver health from toxins and stimulating regeneration.
Clinical Evidence	Promising preclinical and animal studies, with some human trials for inflammation-related conditions and diabetes showing improved liver markers.	Extensive research supporting its use for liver protection and regeneration, particularly from toxins.
Potential Drug Interactions	Can inhibit some CYP450 enzymes; potential for drug interactions, consult a physician.	Can also inhibit CYP450 enzymes; drug interactions are a possibility.
Safety Profile	Generally safe with potential for mild GI upset. Very high amounts in animal studies show potential toxicity.	Generally safe with mild side effects; well-studied safety profile.

Conclusion

Based on current research, Boswellia demonstrates significant potential for liver health, primarily due to its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Its boswellic acids help protect liver cells from damage caused by inflammation and oxidative stress, offering therapeutic benefits in experimental models of liver injury and fatty liver disease. While it is generally regarded as safe when used appropriately and has not been conclusively linked to clinically apparent liver injury in humans, the risk of mild toxicity at very high amounts warrants caution. Furthermore, potential interactions with medications via liver enzyme inhibition necessitate professional medical advice before beginning supplementation. Continued human clinical research is needed to fully understand Boswellia's role in supporting liver function.

Learn more about Boswellia's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in this study: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of Boswellia serrata oleo-gum-resin extract in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats.

Frequently Asked Questions

When used appropriately, Boswellia is generally considered safe and is not linked to clinically apparent liver injury. In fact, most research suggests it has protective, rather than harmful, effects on the liver.

In animal models and some human studies involving liver injury or diabetes, Boswellia has been shown to reduce elevated liver enzymes like ALT and AST, which are markers of liver damage.

Preclinical studies on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) show promising results, suggesting that Boswellia may reduce hepatic fat accumulation and improve overall liver function. Human clinical data for NAFLD is still limited.

Boswellia's active boswellic acids protect the liver primarily through potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. It suppresses inflammatory pathways like NF-κB and boosts the liver's antioxidant capacity.

Both offer liver benefits, but via different mechanisms. Boswellia's strength lies in its anti-inflammatory action, while milk thistle (silymarin) is well-known for its powerful antioxidant properties and ability to stimulate liver cell regeneration.

Yes, Boswellia may inhibit certain liver enzymes (cytochrome P450) involved in drug metabolism, potentially increasing the effects of some medications. It is important to consult a doctor, especially if taking other prescription drugs.

While generally safe when used appropriately, some animal studies suggest that very high, prolonged amounts could cause mild liver toxicity. There is no definitive standard amount, so it is best to follow product instructions or consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.