Frankincense (Boswellia carterii Birdwood)

Ruxiang, or Gummi olibanum, an herbal medicine derived from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii Birdw. of the family Burseraceae, has been used traditionally in China to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Frankincense has been used to reduce pain from arthritis. Compounds in frankincense suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Chemical components of Frankincense Boswellia carterii
Palmitic acid, triterpenoids belonging to lupane, ursane, oleanane, and tirucallane skeleta; Acetyl-alpha-boswellic acid, acetyl-beta-boswellic acid, lup-20(29)-ene-3 alpha-acetoxy-24-oic acid, alpha-boswellic acid, beta-boswellic acid and acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid.

Frankincense incense
Burning frankincense -- resin from the Boswellia plant -- activates ion channels in the brain that may help alleviate anxiety or depression. Researchers administered incensole acetate to mice and found that the compound affected areas in brain areas known to be involved in emotions as well as in nerve circuits that are affected by current anxiety and depression drugs. Incensole acetate, a Boswellia resin constituent, when tested in mice lowers anxiety and causes anti-depressive-like behavior. May 2008, The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal.

Frankincense questions
Q. Dr. Sahelian, you just don’t know how thrilled I was to find your web site. I suffer from arthritis, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome. From research on the internet I find that frankincense is a wonderful product. I have just ordered Joint Power Rx which contains Boswellia the resin form of frankincense (if I understand correctly), what I am looking for is pure frankincense oil that I can apply tropically to the joints. Can you tell me where I can obtain pure frankincense oil? I know it’s very expensive and can be mixed with a medium. I would appreciate any information you have on frankincense and it’s usage.
   A. If you do a google search for frankincense oil, there are several online merchants who have it available. Frankincense is actually boswellia carterii as opposed to boswellia serrata found in Joint Power Rx.