Frankincense: A Comprehensive Review
Sophia Lee, Daniel Suh, Francis Hong, Brandon Yang, Kelly Gu, Jenna Park, Jennifer Nah, Ariel Han, Yejin Cho
24/09/2026
Derived from the Boswellia family’s resins, frankincense essential oils (FEOs) have long held significance both historically and in modern biochemistry in understanding the terpenoids effect in human bodies and their applications in the medical field. This comprehensive review aims to explore the roles of FEOs primarily in contemporary scientific research in understanding the bioactive components (e.g. terpenoids) found in FEOs, extraction methods, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical applications. This review also touches upon some of the challenges posed by the overharvesting of frankincense, leading to its poor bioavailability and the potential ecological threat held to Boswellia populations emphasizing more sustainable farming practices and advocating for further research into the enhancement of frankincense in the pharmaceutical field. Holding significant potential in the pharmaceutical field against inflammation, microbial infections, and cancer, frankincense requires further research in promoting higher quality extracts while maintaining ecological sustainability.