FRANKINCENSE: A POTENTIAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENT: AN OVERVIEW

Boswellia in the family Burseraceae, particularly Boswellia sacra (syn: B. carteri, B. thurifera, B. bhaw-dajiana), B. frereana and B. serrata (Indian frankincense.). Frankincense resin is edible and is used in traditional medicines in Africa and Asia for digestion and healthy skin. For internal consumption, it is recommended that frankincense be translucent, with no black or brown impurities. Exposure to 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA), a lead boswellic acid in the novel solubilized frankincense extract Boswelan, is increased when taken with food. Keywords: Burseraceae, resin, traditional medicines, translucent, boswellic acid