Products
Frankincense is commercially available in many countries as gel, cream, and tablets (e.g., Alpinamed, Phytopharma). Also available is the essential oil. The H15 Gufic tablets are scientifically the best studied. However, they are approved in many countries only in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. Pure frankincense is also available in pharmacies and drugstores.
Stamp plants
Frankincense is obtained from various -species of the balsam tree family (Burseraceae), for example, from , and . Numerous species exist. A distinction is made between the African and Indian frankincense.
Medicinal drug
Frankincense (Olibanum, Salai Guggal) is an air-dried gum resin obtained from stems and branches of -species by cutting. The European Pharmacopoeia (PhEur) defines Indian frankincense (Olibanum indicum), which comes from.
Ingredients
The ingredients include:
- Essential oil, which consists of isoprenoids.
- Resin containing pentacyclic triterpenes: Boswellic acids
- Mucilages (polysaccharides)
Effects
Frankincense has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiproliferative, analgesic and antimicrobial properties.
Indications for use
Possible indications for use include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis.
- Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Bronchial asthma
- Cancers
Incense has also been used for many centuries for ritual and religious purposes, such as exorcising demons and worshipping gods.
Contraindications
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include allergic reactions and gastrointestinal distress. Daily indoor burning of incense, as practiced in some religions and countries, is harmful to health, according to the literature.
