Plant Comparison
Boswellia vs Feverfew
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Boswellia and Feverfew: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, headache, inflammation (general), …); 1 pharmacological action in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Boswellia | Feverfew | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 9/10 | 8/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Headache | 7/10 | 9/10 | Stronger for Feverfew |
| Inflammation (general) | 5/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Feverfew |
| Pain (general) | 9/10 | 7/10 | Stronger for Boswellia |
| Skin irritation | 5/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Feverfew |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
The principal anti-inflammatory compounds; AKBA inhibits 5-lipoxygenase. Absorption improves when taken with a high-fat meal.
Additional constituents of the oleo-gum-resin.
Parthenolide is the principal active compound, to which extracts are often standardised; it is biosynthesised and stored in the glandular trichomes of the aerial parts.
Supporting antioxidant and aromatic constituents.
Pharmacological Actions
Anti-inflammatory (inhibits 5-lipoxygenase / leukotriene synthesis and NF-kB signalling); Reduces inflammatory markers (e.g. hs-CRP) and, in one RCT, improved knee joint-space and reduced osteophytes on radiograph
Boswellic acids, especially acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) from Boswellia serrata, induce cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis and inhibit proliferation, invasion and metastasis across lung, colorectal and prostate cancers (preclinical, incl. in vivo).
Traditional & Indicated Uses
Osteoarthritis: reduces joint pain and stiffness and improves function (over at least 4 weeks); Supports inflammatory arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis
Boswellia serrata resin and its triterpenoid AKBA arrest the cell cycle and induce apoptosis in non-small-cell lung cancer, suppress colitis-associated colorectal cancer (NF-kB, gut microbiota) and inhibit prostate cancer (IL-17 pathway) in vitro and in vivo (preclinical).
Supportive in inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Analgesic (pain relief); Osteoarthritis: reduces joint pain and stiffness and improves function (over at least 4 weeks)
Traditional use for fever and for joint pain / arthritis
Traditional use for fever and for joint pain / arthritis
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Migraine prophylaxis - reduces attack frequency (evidence favourable for some standardised preparations, though mixed); parthenolide is identified as the component responsible for the antimigraine effect in animal models
Traditional use for fever and for joint pain / arthritis
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated; the most commonly reported side effects are mild gastrointestinal symptoms, and allergic reactions are rare.
Boswellic acids can affect drug-metabolising enzymes, so caution is advised when taking other medicines; safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established, so avoid medicinal doses.
As a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae), it can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed and related plants. Chewing fresh leaves commonly causes mouth ulcers and oral soreness.
Stopping feverfew abruptly after prolonged use can cause a 'post-feverfew' rebound of headache, anxiety and muscle/joint stiffness. Avoid in pregnancy (uterine-stimulant) and breastfeeding, and use caution with anticoagulant/antiplatelet medicines.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Small to medium deciduous tree with thin, papery, peeling bark. The leaves are pinnately compound with numerous small, toothed leaflets, clustered toward the branch tips. Small, pale yellow to white flowers are borne in axillary racemes. When the bark is cut, it exudes a fragrant, resinous gum (oleo-gum-resin) that hardens into pale, waxy tears - the medicinal part.[12]
Aromatic perennial herb (Asteraceae), 20-60 cm tall, with much-branched, downy stems. Leaves are yellow-green, bipinnately divided and strongly scented. Small, daisy-like flower heads have white ray florets and a flat yellow disc, borne in loose clusters.[13]
Habitat
Native to dry, rocky, hilly terrain of India and parts of the Middle East and North Africa, where it is tapped for its resin much like frankincense (Boswellia sacra).[12]
Native to the Balkans and Caucasus region, now naturalised across Europe, North America and elsewhere; grows on disturbed ground, walls, roadsides and waste places, and is widely cultivated.[11]
Harvesting
The bark is deliberately incised and the exuded oleo-gum-resin is allowed to harden and is collected over several days to weeks, then cleaned and graded before use or extraction.[12]
Leaves (aerial parts) are gathered during the growing season, ideally at flowering, and dried or used fresh.[13]
Traditional Uses
Boswellia resin (salai guggul) is a mainstay of Ayurvedic medicine for inflammatory joint and respiratory conditions, and has been burned as incense across many cultures. Modern standardised extracts, rich in boswellic acids, are used for osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory conditions, directly building on this traditional anti-inflammatory reputation.[12]
Feverfew has a long European folk tradition, its name derived from 'febrifuge' (fever-reducer), as a remedy for fevers, headaches and joint pain. Modern use and clinical research focus on migraine prevention, with parthenolide identified as the key active compound responsible for inhibiting the inflammatory pathways implicated in migraine.[11]
Preparations
Resin extract standardised to boswellic acid (often AKBA) content, taken as capsules or tablets, ideally with a fat-containing meal to aid absorption.
Freeze-dried or standardised-parthenolide extract, the form used in most clinical trials.
Dosage
Clinical trials in osteoarthritis commonly use extracts providing around 100-250 mg of boswellic acids (or several hundred mg of standardised extract) daily, in divided doses, taken with food. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Clinical trials for migraine prevention have most often used standardised extracts providing around 0.2-0.6% parthenolide, taken daily; do not stop abruptly after prolonged use given a documented 'post-feverfew' rebound syndrome. Educational reference only, not a prescription; avoid in pregnancy and with anticoagulants.
References
Lookalikes Review
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Not documented
Feverfew and ginger both reduce blood clotting/platelet stickiness, so taking them together may add up and raise the risk of bruising or bleeding — use caution, especially before surgery or alongside blood-thinning drugs.[14, 15, 16]
References & Sources
- Siddiqui, M.Z (2011) 'Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview', Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 73(3), pp. 255-261. doi:10.4103/0250-474X.93507 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-474X.93507 - Majeed, M., Majeed, S., Narayanan, N.K. and Nagabhushanam, K (2019) 'A pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel Boswellia serrata extract in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee', Phytotherapy Research, 33(5), pp. 1457--1468. doi:10.1002/ptr.6338 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6338 - Karlapudi, V., Sunkara, K.B., Konda, P.R., Sarma, K.V. and Rokkam, M.P (2022) 'Efficacy and Safety of Aflapin, a Novel Boswellia serrata Extract, in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Short-Term 30-Day Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study', Journal of the American Nutrition Association, 42(2), pp. 159-168. doi:10.1080/07315724.2021.2014370 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2021.2014370 - Kirste, S., Treier, M., Wehrle, S.J., Becker, G., Abdel-Tawab, M., Gerbeth, K., Hug, M.J., Lubrich, B., Grosu, A.L. and Momm, F (2011) 'Boswellia serrata acts on cerebral edema in patients irradiated for brain tumors: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot trial', Cancer, 117(16), pp. 3788-3795. doi:10.1002/cncr.25945 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.25945 - Abdel-Tawab, M., Werz, O. and Schubert-Zsilavecz, M (2011) 'Boswellia serrata: an overall assessment of in vitro, preclinical, pharmacokinetic and clinical data', Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 50(6), pp. 349-369. doi:10.2165/11586800-000000000-00000 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2165/11586800-000000000-00000 - Gomaa, A.A., Mohamed, H.S., Abd-Ellatief, R.B. and Gomaa, M.A (2021) 'Boswellic acids/Boswellia serrata extract as a potential COVID-19 therapeutic agent in the elderly', Inflammopharmacology, 29(4), pp. 1033-1048. doi:10.1007/s10787-021-00841-8 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-021-00841-8 - Khan, M.A., Ali, R., Parveen, R., Najmi, A.K. and Ahmad, S (2016) 'Pharmacological evidences for cytotoxic and antitumor properties of Boswellic acids from Boswellia serrata', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 191, pp. 315-323. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.06.053 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.06.053 - Ammon, H.P.T (2010) 'Modulation of the immune system by Boswellia serrata extracts and boswellic acids', Phytomedicine, 17(11), pp. 862-867. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2010.03.003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2010.03.003 - Alluri, V.K., Kundimi, S., Sengupta, K., Golakoti, T. and Kilari, E.K (2020) 'An Anti-Inflammatory Composition of Boswellia serrata Resin Extracts Alleviates Pain and Protects Cartilage in Monoiodoacetate-Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, pp. 7381625. doi:10.1155/2020/7381625 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/7381625 - Henrotin, Y., Dierckxsens, Y., Delisse, G., Maes, N. and Albert, A (2022) 'Curcuma and Boswellia serrata extract combination for hand osteoarthritis: an open-label pre-post trial', Pharmaceutical Biology, 60(1), pp. 2295-2299. doi:10.1080/13880209.2022.2147550 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2022.2147550 - Cherepanova, M.O. and Subotyalov, M.A (2023) 'Component Composition and Biological Activity of Oleo-Gum Resin from Boswellia serrata (Burseraceae)', Doklady Biological Sciences, 512(1), pp. 336-342. doi:10.1134/S0012496623700643 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1134/S0012496623700643 - Ammon, H.P.T (2016) 'Boswellic Acids and Their Role in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases', Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-41334-1_13 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41334-1_13 - Yu, G., Xiang, W., Zhang, T., Zeng, L., Yang, K. and Li, J (2020) 'Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6 - Lv, M. and Shao, S. and Zhang, Q. and Zhuang, X. and Qiao, T (2020) 'Acetyl-11-Keto-beta-Boswellic Acid Exerts the Anti-Cancer Effects via Cell Cycle Arrest, Apoptosis Induction and Autophagy Suppression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells', OncoTargets and Therapy, 13, pp. 733-744. doi:10.2147/OTT.S236346 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2147/OTT.S236346 - Xu, F. and Li, W. and Zheng, X.-J. and Hao, Y. and Yang, Y.-H. and Yang, H. and Zhang, S. and Cao, W.-X. and Li, X.-X. and Zhang, X. and Du, G.-H. and Ji, T.-F. and Wang, J.-H (2025) '3-O-Acetyl-11-Keto-beta-Boswellic Acid Suppresses Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer by Inhibiting the NF-kB Signaling Pathway and Remodeling Gut Microbiota', Oncology Research, 33(8), pp. 1969-1989. doi:10.32604/or.2025.062386 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.32604/or.2025.062386 - Zou, B. and Liu, Q. and Long, Y. and Dai, X. and Tian, X. and Zhou, Q (2025) 'Network Pharmacology Combined with Proteomics Reveals That 3-Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic Acid Inhibits the Progression of Prostate Cancer by Regulating the IL-17 Signaling Pathway', ACS Omega, 10(21), pp. 21813-21822. doi:10.1021/acsomega.5c01683 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c01683 - Ragab, E.A. and Abd El-Wahab, M.F. and Doghish, A.S. and Salama, R.M. and Eissa, N. and Darwish, S.F (2023) 'The journey of boswellic acids from synthesis to pharmacological activities', Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 397(3), pp. 1477-1504. doi:10.1007/s00210-023-02725-w Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-023-02725-w - Liu, X., Machado, G.C., Eyles, J.P., Ravi, V. and Hunter, D.J (2018) 'Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis', British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(3), pp. 167--175. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2016-097333 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-097333
- Ernst, E. and Pittler, M.H (2000) 'The efficacy and safety of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): an update of a systematic review', Public Health Nutrition, 3(4A), pp. 509-514. doi:10.1017/s1368980000000598 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1017/s1368980000000598 - Pittler, M.H., Vogler, B.K. and Ernst, E (2000) 'Feverfew for preventing migraine', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3), pp. CD002286. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002286 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD002286 - Pareek, A., Suthar, M., Rathore, G.S. and Bansal, V (2011) 'Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): A systematic review', Pharmacognosy Reviews, 5(9), pp. 103-110. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.79105 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.79105 - Lopresti, A.L., Smith, S.J. and Drummond, P.D (2020) 'Herbal treatments for migraine: A systematic review of randomised-controlled studies', Phytotherapy Research, 34(10), pp. 2493-2517. doi:10.1002/ptr.6701 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6701 - Pfaffenrath, V., Diener, H.C., Fischer, M., Friede, M. and Henneicke-von Zepelin, H.H (2002) 'The efficacy and safety of Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew) in migraine prophylaxis - a double-blind, multicentre, randomized placebo-controlled dose-response study', Cephalalgia, 22(7), pp. 523-532. doi:10.1046/j.1468-2982.2002.00396.x Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-2982.2002.00396.x - Shrivastava, R., Pechadre, J.C. and John, G.W (2006) 'Tanacetum parthenium and Salix alba (Mig-RL) combination in migraine prophylaxis: a prospective, open-label study', Clinical Drug Investigation, 26(5), pp. 287-296. doi:10.2165/00044011-200626050-00006 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.2165/00044011-200626050-00006 - Sur, R., Martin, K., Liebel, F., Lyte, P. and others (2009) 'Anti-inflammatory activity of parthenolide-depleted Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)', Inflammopharmacology, 17(1), pp. 42-49. doi:10.1007/s10787-008-8040-9 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-008-8040-9 - Darbahani, M., Rahaie, M., Ebrahimi, A. and Khosrowshahli, M (2022) 'The effects of several abiotic elicitors on the expression of genes of key enzymes involved in the parthenolide biosynthetic pathway and its content in feverfew plant (Tanacetum parthenium L.)', Natural Product Research, 36(23), pp. 6132-6136. doi:10.1080/14786419.2022.2055555 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2022.2055555 - Jin, P., Madieh, S. and Augsburger, L.L (2008) 'Selected physical and chemical properties of Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) extracts important for formulated product quality and performance', AAPS PharmSciTech, 9(1), pp. 22-30. doi:10.1208/s12249-007-9017-5 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1208/s12249-007-9017-5 - Studzinska-Sroka, E., Znajdek-Awizen, P. and Gawron-Gzella, A (2013) 'Studies on the antimigraine action of Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch. Bip.)', Wiadomosci Lekarskie, 66(2 Pt 2), pp. 195-199. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Studies%20on%20the%20antimigraine%20action%20of%20Feverfew%20%28Tanacetum%20parthenium%20%28L.%29%20Sch.%20Bip.%29 - Wider, B., Pittler, M.H. and Ernst, E (2015) 'Feverfew for preventing migraine', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002286.pub3 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD002286.pub3 - Tassorelli, C. and Greco, R. and Morazzoni, P. and Riva, A. and Sandrini, G. and Nappi, G (2005) 'Parthenolide is the component of Tanacetum parthenium that inhibits nitroglycerin-induced Fos activation: studies in an animal model of migraine', Cephalalgia, 25(8), pp. 612--621. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2982.2005.00915.x Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2982.2005.00915.x - Majdi, M. and Liu, Q. and Karimzadeh, G. and Malboobi, M.A. and Beekwilder, J. and Cankar, K. and de Vos, R. and Todorovic, S. and Simonovic, A. and Bouwmeester, H (2011) 'Biosynthesis and localization of parthenolide in glandular trichomes of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L. Schulz Bip.)', Phytochemistry, pp. 1739--1750. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2011.04.021 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2011.04.021 - Groenewegen, W.A. and Heptinstall, S (1990) 'A comparison of the effects of an extract of feverfew and parthenolide, a component of feverfew, on human platelet activity in-vitro', Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 42(8), pp. 553-557. doi:10.1111/j.2042-7158.1990.tb07057.x Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1990.tb07057.x - Ang-Lee, M.K., Moss, J. and Yuan, C.S (2001) 'Herbal medicines and perioperative care', JAMA, 286(2), pp. 208-216. doi:10.1001/jama.286.2.208 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.286.2.208 - Jiang, X., Williams, K.M., Liauw, W.S., Ammit, A.J., Roufogalis, B.D., Duke, C.C., Day, R.O. and McLachlan, A.J (2005) 'Effect of ginkgo and ginger on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin in healthy subjects', British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 59(4), pp. 425-432. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02322.x Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02322.x
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.