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Remarkable History

In western Judeo-Christian culture, frankincense (otherwise known as olibanum in Arabic) is mainly associated with the Christmas Story of the Three Wise Men (Magi) who journeyed from the East (Arabia) to bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ child. Yet, in other cultures around the world such as the Middle East, China and India, Frankincense has been used reverently for thousands of years for medicinal, religious and ceremonial purposes, as well as to beautify the body. It was thought that the smoke from burning the resin of frankincense had divine powers and would provide a direct connection to God. Exemplification of its significance is evident with its inclusion in the tomb of the ancient Egyptian King Tutankhamen (1341 BC- 1323 BC) as well as recorded in ancient Chinese medicine books dating back to 500 AD. The distinct Egyptian black eyeliner of seen in ancient Egyptian art was actually ground and charred frankincense resin known as kohl.

Frankincense is known to have been produced and traded in Omani (southeastern Arabia) for thousands of years, ending around 300 AD. An ancient overland trade route began in Dhofar of Oman and extended to what is now known as Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Syria and Iraq and then onto Greece and Rome. Much commerce and wealth was brought to communities along the way; it is estimated that 7,000 tons per year were being exported at the peak of the Roman era. Records of the cultivation and harvesting of these valued trees has been found in writings by the Greek botanist Theophrastus (ca372-287BC) and the Latin naturalist Pliny (23-79AD).

Gathering the Resin

Frankincense is an oleo-gum-resin produced by several tree species of the Boswellia genus and the family Burseraceae, which is distinguished for its resin bearing ducts. There are about 15 members of this genus, native to the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, India and China. The method of extraction is simple and fairly unchanged since ancient times. An incision is made in the bark of the tree resulting in a milky gum-like substance exuding from the cut area. This oleo-gum-resin is then either scrapped off the tree with an iron tool or collected on palm mats when the resin drips to the ground. Resin is then dried and later sold in markets around the world.

The method of harvesting, or tapping, of Boswellia varies according to species and the customs of the region. For example, in Somalia tapping usually occurs in two separate periods, each lasting 3-4 months with successive 15-day intervals. The period between harvests depends upon the onset and extent of rains. In India, the collection is done once a year, commencing at the end of October. In Oman, there are ancient rituals pertaining to resin harvest as well as a sense of guardianship for the trees passed down to each generation.

Chemical Analysis

Although botanically there are numerous species of olibanum (Arabic for frankincense), only a few species produce the frankincense mainly used for purposes around the world; the type and quality of the resin depends upon its origin. Species most commonly uses are Boswellia sacra (from Oman, Yemen and Somalia), B papyrifera in tropical north east and west Africa, B frerana in Somalia and B serrata in India. In Omani tradition, the best quality resin is pale in colour, formed as opalescent tears 5mm-25mm long.

The chemical analysis of frankincense is well researched. The oleo-gum-resin substance of frankincense contains 3-8% volatile oil, an ether (common laboratory solvent) soluble resin fraction of 60-70% and an ether-insoluble fraction of 23-30 per cent. The ether soluble resin contains sesquiterpenes, alcohols, esters and boswellic acids and the ether-insoluble contains polysaccharides and diterpenoids. The composition of the volatile oil differs according to climate, harvest conditions and geographical location, but in general, all oil contains numerous monoterpenes (C10 compounds in the form of hydrocarbons, alcohols and keytones) and sesquiterpenes (C15 compounds) as well as diterpenes.

Medicinal and Therapeutic Uses

Uses of the oleo-gum resin, the essential oil as well as isolated compounds of frankincense has been studied, with more interest growing by the year. Frankincense oil exhibits antibacterial, antifungal and immunostimulant activity in vito. What is of current particular interest is the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity of frankincense from Indian B serrata, with the active component being boswellic acids. Below are three traditional therapeutic or medicinal applications of frankincense and of recent medical research attention.

Cancer: Throughout the centuries many illnesses, including cancer, have been treated using frankincense resin. Rising attention has been given to the possible anti-cancer uses of frankincense. A study published in March of this year (BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2009, 9:6) investigated the induction of tumor cell cytotoxicity using Boswellia carteri. This study found that frankincense oil appears to distinguish between cancerous and normal bladder cells as well as suppress cancer cell viability. Such a finding might indicate use of frankincense as an alternative agent to treat bladder cancer.

Oral Health: The dried resin of Boswellia has been used to support oral health for thousands of years in Middle Eastern areas. It is common for Arabian people to place the resin in their mouths and chew it to strengthen teeth and gums. Known for its antimicrobial properties, it is also used to assist with infection of the teeth and gums.

Asthma: Much like arthritis, asthma is an inflammatory-caused illness. A 2006 paper from the University of Tuebingen, Germany indicates that boswellic acid, an active component of frankincense, has shown to act as an anti-inflammatory agent in preliminary studies. The paper further states that boswellic acid inhibits 5-lipoxygenase as well as cytokines and thus promising for treatment of asthma without the side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

In Conclusion

It is remarkable to see that modern science is now investigating the wealth of knowledge found in ancient medical texts on frankincense. Recent medical studies have indicated that the oleo-gum-resin of frankincense has remarkable medicinal applications. Experimental data confirms many of the traditional uses of frankincense, most notably in regards to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and bronchial asthma. The body of science literature investigating frankincense continues to expand, revealing the amazing medicinal properties that frankincense has to offer. This age-old plant product has been honored and celebrated by civilizations for centuries. Viewed as a gift fitting for royalty, we in this modern era are just beginning to understand the incredible value in this tree yielded resin. It is no doubt a gift that will keep on giving.

The author encourages begining aroma-therapeutic practitioners to find a reputable source for high-grade essential oils. She is a fan of Ananda Aromatherapy from Boulder, Colorado.

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