Frankincense, Boswellic Acid & Inflammation

Frankincense has a long history of ceremonial and therapeutic use, yet its modern relevance comes largely from scientific research into its biochemical properties. In particular, Boswellia serrata has been extensively studied for its relationship to inflammatory pathways, placing it at the intersection of traditional plant use and contemporary biomedical research.

This article explores what science actually says about frankincense, Boswellic acids and inflammation, and

why Boswellia serrata became the focus of clinical trials, how boswellic acids function in the body, and how different preparations — resin, water infusions, and essential oil — differ significantly in chemical composition.

Frankincense, Boswellic Acid and Inflammation - Exploring Its Active Compounds

Frankincense is the dried resin obtained from trees of the Boswellia genus. Several species are commonly used, including Boswellia serrata, Boswellia sacra, Boswellia carterii, and Boswellia frereana. All contain aromatic resins and various triterpenes, but their chemical profiles differ.

The compounds most relevant to inflammation research are boswellic acids, a group of pentacyclic triterpenic acids found in the resin itself. These compounds are not aromatic and are chemically heavy, which becomes important when considering how frankincense is prepared and consumed.

Why Boswellia serrata Became the Focus of Inflammation Research

Although multiple frankincense species contain boswellic acids, nearly all clinical research on inflammation and ulcerative colitis has been conducted using Boswellia serrata. This focus exists for several reasons:

• Boswellia serrata contains relatively high and measurable concentrations of specific boswellic acids, including acetyl‑11‑keto‑β‑boswellic acid (AKBA)

• Extracts from Boswellia serrata can be standardized, allowing for reproducible dosing in clinical trials

• It has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, which provided a foundation for early pharmacological interest

Because of this research base, standardised Boswellia serrata extracts were developed into regulated phytopharmaceutical preparations for clinic trials in Germany during the late 1980s and 90s.

Inflammation and the 5‑Lipoxygenase Pathway

Boswellic acids have been shown to influence inflammation through inhibition of the 5‑lipoxygenase (5‑LOX) enzyme. This enzyme is involved in the synthesis of leukotrienes — inflammatory signaling molecules strongly associated with chronic inflammatory conditions.

Unlike non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs, which primarily affect cyclooxygenase pathways, boswellic acids modulate a different inflammatory cascade. This distinction explains why Boswellia serrata attracted attention in conditions where leukotrienes play a prominent role, including inflammatory bowel disease.

Clinical Studies on Ulcerative Colitis

Clinical trials investigated standardized Boswellia serrataextracts in people with ulcerative colitis. In these studies:

• Participants receiving Boswellia serrata showed clinical remission rates comparable to standard pharmaceutical treatments

• Improvements were observed in stool frequency, bleeding, and histological markers of inflammation

• Tolerability was generally reported as favorable within the study periods

While these trials were relatively small, their outcomes were consistent enough to support continued research and regulatory recognition.

Regulatory Status in Germany

Due to the concentration of clinical research on Boswellia serrata, standardised extracts of this species became regulated and licensed as herbal medicinal products in Germany. German regulatory authorities require reproducible composition, defined active constituents, and clinical data — criteria that Boswellia serrata extracts were able to meet.

Other frankincense species may contain boswellic acids, but they lack the same volume of standardized clinical trials. As a result, they have not achieved the same regulatory status despite traditional use.

Why Frankincense Essential Oil Does Not Contain Boswellic Acids

A common point of confusion involves frankincense essential oil.

Boswellic acids are not present in frankincense essential oil.

This is due to the distillation process:

• Essential oils are produced through steam or hydrodistillation

• Only volatile, aromatic compounds are captured during distillation

• Boswellic acids are non‑volatile, heavy resin acids and do not vaporize

As a result, boswellic acids remain in the solid resin and are lost during essential oil distillation. Frankincense essential oil contains monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes that contribute to aroma and may influence mood or nervous system responses, but it does not replicate the biochemical effects studied in inflammation research.

Frankincense Water: A Traditional Resin Preparation

Frankincense water is a traditional preparation made from whole resin rather than essential oil. While it has not been studied in the same way as standardised extracts, it retains water‑soluble components from the resin.

How to Make Frankincense Water

• Place 8oz small pieces of high‑quality frankincense resin into a glass container

• Add 1 litre room temperature or hot filtered water

• Cover and allow to soak for 8 to 12 hours

• The water may appear slightly cloudy and develop a mild resinous taste

• Strain before drinking if desired

• Keep in fridge after 24 hours

This method preserves resin integrity, and reflects traditional use rather than pharmaceutical extraction.

Frankincense water is best understood as a traditional wellness practice, not a substitute for standardised extracts used in clinical trials.

A Contextual Perspective

Frankincense demonstrates how preparation matters. Resin, standardized extract, essential oil, and water infusion each represent fundamentally different chemical profiles with different applications.

In my Reiki and resonance work, I do not treat inflammation or medical conditions. My focus is on supporting nervous system regulation, coherence, and the body’s innate capacity for balance. Understanding the science behind frankincense allows for clearer, more grounded conversations — separating tradition, chemistry, and regulation without overstating claims.

Summary

Scientific research into Boswellia serrata has clarified why this specific frankincense species became central to inflammation and ulcerative colitis studies. Its boswellic acid content, standardized extracts, and clinical trial history distinguish it from other species and explain its regulatory recognition in Germany. At the same time, traditional preparations like frankincense water and aromatic essential oils serve different roles, each with their own limits and context.

Gentle disclaimer:This content is for educational purposes only. Reiki and Resonance services are complementary practices intended to support relaxation and self‑regulation. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure medical conditions, nor to replace medical care or professional healthcare advice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frankincense and Boswellic Acids

Is frankincense essential oil the same as Boswellia serrata used in studies?

No. Frankincense essential oil and Boswellia serrataextracts used in scientific studies are chemically and functionally different. Essential oil is produced by steam distillation and contains only volatile aromatic compounds. The clinical studies on inflammation and ulcerative colitis used standardised resin extracts, not essential oil, because these retain boswellic acids.

Do frankincense essential oils contain boswellic acids?

No. Boswellic acids are not present in frankincense essential oil. They are heavy, non‑volatile resin acids that do not evaporate during distillation. As a result, they remain in the solid resin and are lost during the essential oil production process.

Why does scientific research focus on Boswellia serrata specifically?

Several frankincense species contain boswellic acids, but most clinical research was conducted on Boswellia serrata because its resin could be standardized and consistently analyzed. This allowed researchers to measure defined boswellic acid profiles and reproduce results across studies, which is a requirement for clinical trials and regulatory evaluation.

Are other types of frankincense ineffective?

No. Other species such as Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carterii also contain boswellic acids. However, they have not been studied as extensively in controlled clinical trials, nor standardised in the same way. The difference lies in research depth and regulation, not in traditional value or aromatic quality.

Why is Boswellia serrata licensed as a medicinal product in Germany?

Germany regulates herbal medicines based on defined composition, reproducible dosing, and clinical evidence. Because standardised Boswellia serrata extracts met these criteria and were supported by human studies, they were approved as regulated phytopharmaceutical preparations. Other frankincense species lack this level of clinical documentation.

Can frankincense water provide the same effects as standardised extracts?

Frankincense water is a traditional resin infusion, not a pharmaceutical preparation. While it retains the water‑soluble components from the resin, it does not deliver standardised or clinically measured boswellic acid doses. It should be understood as a traditional wellness practice rather than a substitute for researched extracts.

Why do people associate frankincense essential oil with inflammation relief?

This association often arises from conflating different preparations. While essential oils may influence mood, stress perception, and nervous system regulation through aromatic pathways, this is not the same mechanism studied in inflammation research, which focuses on boswellic acids absent from the oil.

How does this information relate to Reiki or energetic practices?

Understanding the chemistry of frankincense helps clarify expectations. Energetic, aromatic, and contemplative uses operate in a different domain than biochemical research. They are complementary approaches that emphasise relaxation, awareness, and regulation rather than direct physiological intervention.

Closing Context

Frankincense has a rich and complex history that spans ritual, wellness, and scientific inquiry. Clear distinctions between resin extracts, essential oils, and traditional preparations allow each to be appreciated for what it is — without overstating or misrepresenting its role

For those who like to explore the research, here are some of the studies I referenced above:

Key Studies on Boswellia serrata and Inflammation

• Ammon, H.P.T., & Safayhi, H. (1991). Inhibition of leukotriene synthesis in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes by boswellic acids. European Journal of Pharmacology.This foundational study identified the inhibition of 5‑lipoxygenase by boswellic acids, explaining a key anti‑inflammatory mechanism.

• Safayhi, H., et al. (1992). Boswellic acids: Novel, specific, non‑redox inhibitors of 5‑lipoxygenase. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.Demonstrated that boswellic acids selectively inhibit inflammatory pathways without acting as general enzyme suppressors.

• Kimmatkar, N., et al. (2003). Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Phytomedicine.A controlled clinical trial showing reduced pain and improved joint function in inflammatory joint disease.

Key Studies on Ulcerative Colitis

• Gupta, I., et al. (1997). Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis. European Journal of Medical Research.A randomized clinical trial reporting clinical remission and histological improvement in patients with ulcerative colitis.

• Gupta, I., et al. (2001). Treatment of ulcerative colitis with Boswellia serrata extract H15. European Journal of Medical Research.Compared Boswellia serrata extract with standard therapy and found comparable remission rates in a portion of participants.

Broader Reviews

• Siddiqui, M.Z. (2011). Boswellia serrata, a potential anti‑inflammatory agent: An overview. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.A comprehensive review summarizing mechanisms, clinical applications, and safety considerations.

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