Frankincense unveiled: Phytochemistry, bioactivity, and future directions

Abstract

Background: Frankincense, an aromatic resin, is obtained from a deep longitudinal slit in the trunk of the Boswellia plant (Family - Burseraceae). It is also known as olibanum. Amongst 30 different species of Boswellia, only four species, namely Boswellia serrata, Boswellia carteriii, Boswellia frereana, and Boswellia sacra, have been used for the commercial production of the olibanum. Purpose: This systematic review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of chemistry, phytochemistry, and biological activities of frankincense. This work provides essential information and various perspectives on frankincense for the purpose of discovering new drugs. Study Design: This review examines the chemical structures and biological activities associated with frankincense, utilizing several electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and other research repositories. Methods: A systematic search technique was used to identify relevant databases that focus on the phytochemistry and biological activity of frankincense. A literature survey covering the last 25 years identified over 104 distinct phytochemicals from published databases. Results: Our exploration has covered various dimensions, including phytochemical analysis, biological effects, production methods, clinical applications, and identified research needs. Frankincense, derived from different Boswellia species, reveals a rich array of approximately 104 phytochemicals from various published sources. Numerous biological effects of frankincense have been reported, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and wound healing capacities. Conclusion: This systematic review covers the details of chemistry, phytochemistry, and biological activities of frankincense, and also warrants the need and scope of extensive future research. © 2025 The Author(s)