Frankincense constitutes an integral part of Omani cultural heritage and underpins the touristic appeal of the Dhofar Governorate. Traditionally, frankincense resin has long been used for its aromatic properties and pleasant scent. In certain cultures, it has also been employed in embalming practices. Due to the widespread cultivation of frankincense trees across regions such as China, India, the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula, and various parts of Africa since antiquity, frankincense been historically used as a traditional remedy for numerous ailments.

Frankincense is harvested from trees belonging to the Boswellia genus of the Burseraceae family, which encompasses plant groups rich in essential oils, alcoholic functional groups, resinous gums, and water-soluble resins. According to experts, the pharmacological efficacy and chemical composition of frankincense are influenced by several variables, including the tree’s geographical origin, climatic conditions, age, and harvesting methods.

In this regard, a team lead by Abdullah Al-Lawati, a researcher at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, has embarked on a new research approach aimed at substantiating the use of frankincense-derived chemical compounds as natural constituents in drug development. Based on prior experiments and investigations, frankincense has demonstrated therapeutic potential in the treatment of diarrhoea, inflammatory conditions, tuberculosis, asthma, arthritis, cancer, wounds, gingivitis, psoriasis, and various other inflammatory conditions.

In laboratory analyses, one of the bioactive compounds found in frankincense is boswellic acid (BA), a phytochemical known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. The bioactive constituents of frankincense influence enzymes that mediate anti-inflammatory and antitumour effects. Notably, the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which is a critical transcription factor involved in numerous inflammatory conditions, can be inhibited by the active compounds present in BA.

The researchers have proposed advanced therapeutic strategies involving the design of novel nanostructured formulations of frankincense. These formulations aim to enhance targeted drug delivery, enable controlled release, improve solubility and bioavailability, and minimise toxicity. Accordingly, the research team is exploring the pharmacological influence of frankincense on the integumentary, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. Additionally, potential beneficial effects on the musculoskeletal, immune, endocrine, and vascular systems are under investigation.

This research consolidates clinical evidence from existing literature that substantiates the therapeutic efficacy of frankincense. The researchers aspire to conduct more extensive clinical trials to fully capitalise on the pharmaceutical potential of this natural resource and position the Sultanate of Oman as a key therapeutic destination on the global medical map.