Frankincense Essential Oil: A Diverse and Important Healer

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).

Extracting 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 which does no harm the tree. 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.

Phytochemistry

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 phytochemistry 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

Compounds of frankincense have been found to exhibit in vitro (outside a living organism, usually in a test tube or Petri dish) antibacterial, antifungal, immunomodualtory (ability to regulate functions of the immune system) and in recent years immunostimulant activity. Studies have also found anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of Boswellia. It is thus apparent that frankincense has a wide range of uses. Selected below are just three traditional applications for treating illness and are currently of interest in medical research.

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.

Immune Stimulant: In many world cultures frankincense, whether as an essential oil, powder or burning of resin, is seen as an excellent plant product for treating most illnesses. A 2003 study conducted by Mansoura University, Egypt (Z.Naturforsch. 2003 58c, 230-238) supported such usage. Mansoura medical researchers found that Boswellia carterii essential oil demonstrated immunostimulant activity. Such a discovery adds yet another positive medicinal result of frankincense and further encourages its use for several immune disorders.

Arthritis: In Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medical system of India, frankincense (Boswellia serrata) has been used for centuries to treat arthritis. A brand new study from November of this year (Phytotherapy Research 2009 Nov 26) found that extracts of Boswellia frereana prevents collagen degradation and inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in an in vitro laboratory setting. These Cardiff University (UK) researchers recommend B. frereana be considered for treating inflammation associated with arthritis.

Conclusion

Frankincense has a long and favorable history with human kind, seen throughout the centuries as having traditional, ceremonial and medicinal significance. In ancient times its preparation and transport to other countries was often hazardous and costly; this was reflected in its great worth and how it was used. Frankincense was considered a valuable commodity for kings and queens alike and was also used for religious purposes. The Magi from the East certainly thought it a worthy gift for the child Jesus. For the past few years, pharmacological studies have given credence to some of the traditional uses of frankincense resin and have shown that ancient remedies might be applicable today, and in some cases such as arthritis and asthma, used as an alternative to conventional drugs. It is evident that interest is resurging in this plant product; we would all be wise as well to see the value of frankincense.

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