Indian Frankincense Extract + Essential Oil Uses & Benefits

Indian frankincense is a branching, medium-sized tree growing indigenously in the Middle East, North Africa and India. Also known as Boswellia serrata, it exudes a gummy resin called Salai Guggal when the bark is removed from the tree.

Containing gum, resins and aromatic oil, this sticky exudate has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries as well as in cultural and religious ceremonies. The oleo-gum resin of the frankincense tree contains between 30 and 60 percent resin, about five to 10 percent essential oils and 30 percent polysaccharides.

The chemical composition of the gum-resin material is an interesting blend of compounds exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Four distinct boswellic acids are responsible for most of the health benefits of Indian frankincense, especially acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid, an effective inhibitor of enzymes causing inflammation. [1]

Boswellia Serrata

Anti-Inflammatory

Anti- Inflammatory

Joints

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Effective natural anti-inflammatory
• Improves blood flow to the joint for better functionality
• Exhibits pain-relieving properties

Dosage:

Between 200 - 400 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Indian Frankincense Extract

Four boswellic acids compose Indian frankincense extract, all of which appear to possess strong analgesic and anti-flammatory properties.

In addition, these acids may also suppress autoimmune activity and prevent bone cartilage loss, making Indian frankincense extract supplements a potentially useful alternative medication for reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. [2] However, it has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of arthritis.

In animal studies, boswellic acid repressed enzymatic activity promoting swelling and inflammation of arthritis. It also delayed rapid cancer cell replication and even damaged cancer cells to the point of cellular death (apoptosis).

Unlike synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs, boswellic acid does not appear to reduce fever associated with some inflammation.

However, laboratory animals given Indian frankincense extract do not develop gastrointestinal irritation or gastric ulcers. These are common side effects of taking anti-inflammatory medications.

This suggests that boswellic acid, “acts via unknown mechanisms other than inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.” [3]

Indian Frankincense Benefits

Resin extracts from the Indian frankincense tree inhibit production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as leukotriene. This is a strong mediator of inflammation and hypersensitive reactions causing smooth muscle contractions seen during asthmatic bronchoconstriction.

In addition, in vitro and animal studies suggest Indian frankincense extract may relieve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, or the systemic and chronic inflammation of all parts of the digestive tract. [4]

A study involving people with chronic ulcerative colitis (a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease) found that those given boswellia gum preparation experienced relief from UC.

Study participants also experienced fewer side effects in comparison to subjects given an ulcerative colitis prescription medication.

Fourteen out of 20 study subjects diagnosed with UC given boswellia gum preparation went into remission, while only four of 10 subjects given sulfasalzine reported remission. [5]

Other Indian frankincense benefits supported by various in vitro and animal study results include: [6]

• Inhibition of cancerous tumor growth in mice with sarcoma-180 and ehrlic ascites, a type of experimental tumor frequently used in cancer research
• Apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects on colon cancer
• Decreased severity of disability and pain in osteoarthritic patients
• Suppresses synthesis of enzymes called 5-LOX or ALOX5 which play a role in the development of asthma
• Increases high-density lipoproteins (“good” cholesterol”) in rats while decreasing low-density lipoproteins (“bad” cholesterol)

Indian Frankincense Essential Oil Uses

The manufacturing of Indian frankincense essential oil involves extracting the sap from the tree and allowing the gum resin to harden for several days.

Presenting a spicy, earthy aroma, Indian frankincense oil is purported to have relaxing, calming effects when inhaled and is sweeter smelling than gummy frankincense resin.

When used as a topical agent, Indian frankincense essential oil is purported to promote skin health by stimulating regeneration of skin cells, hydrating dry skin and possibly reducing the appearance of scars, stretch marks and wrinkles due to aging.

Frankincense essential oil also exhibits astringent and anti-inflammatory properties useful for expediting healing of acne, small cuts, boils and insect bites. When vaporized or diffused, this oil may also relieve symptoms of congestion and respiratory problems.

Frankincense essential oil is sometimes blended with other oils such as patchouli, jojoba or sage oils to reinforce its moisturizing, therapeutic effects.

Indian frankincense “fragrance” oil and “essential” oil are two different oils and should not be confused. Essential oils are plant-based oils while fragrant oils are synthetically created and often contain artificial chemicals. Fragrant oils do not provide the medicinal benefits offered by Indian frankincense essential oil. [7]

How to Take an Indian Frankincense Supplement

Generally, Indian frankincense capsules are available in 250, 500 and 1200 mg doses that should not be used for longer than six months. Studies investigating long-term effects of taking an Indian frankincense supplement have not been thoroughly validated.

Indian Frankincense extract can also be purchased in liquid form and usually comes with an eyedropper for dosage purposes. Liquid frankincense drops may be mixed with juice, tea or water while tinctures can be consumed without water.

Although use of an Indian frankincense supplement is likely safe for breast-feeding or pregnant women, it is recommended women who are pregnant or breast-feeding consult their physician before taking Indian frankincense in capsule or liquid form.

Doses of Indian frankincense extract used safely in scientific research include 100 to 250 mg for osteoarthritis and 300 to 350 mg for ulcerative colitis. [8]

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