Boswellia carterii, commonly known as frankincense, is a species of the Boswellia genus native to the Arabian Peninsula and parts of Africa, including Somalia and Ethiopia.The scientific name for Boswellia carterii is also Boswellia sacra. It is renowned for its aromatic resin, which has been valued for millennia in religious ceremonies, traditional medicine, and perfumery. The plant is characterized by its aromatic gum, which is harvested from the bark and used in various applications.

Botanical Classification:

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Sapindales
Family: Burseraceae
Genus: Boswellia
Species: Boswellia carterii

Plant Characteristics:
Boswellia carterii is characterized by:

Appearance: A small to medium-sized tree or shrub with a rough, grayish-brown bark and a gnarled appearance. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 8 meters.
Leaves: Compound leaves with pinnate arrangement, consisting of several leaflets. The leaves are typically green and leathery.
Flowers: Small, inconspicuous, and clustered, with a pale yellowish or whitish hue. The flowering occurs in small panicles.
Resin: The plant produces a fragrant resin, which is harvested by making incisions in the bark. The resin is then collected once it hardens.

Chemical Composition and Structure:
The resin of Boswellia carterii contains a complex mixture of compounds, including:

Essential Oils: The resin contains volatile essential oils such as alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and limonene, which contribute to its distinctive fragrance.
Boswellic Acids: Key bioactive compounds in the resin, including boswellic acid A, B, C, and K. These acids are believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Gum and Resin: Contains gum resin, which provides the adhesive quality of the resin and contributes to its traditional uses in incense and medicine.

Uses and Benefits:

Aesthetic: Highly valued in the creation of incense and perfumes for its rich, aromatic scent. It is used in traditional and religious ceremonies.
Cosmetic: Used in skincare products for its potential anti-inflammatory, soothing, and anti-aging properties. It is included in creams, serums, and essential oils.
Medicinal: Employed in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and potential anticancer properties. Scientific studies suggest it may be beneficial for conditions such as arthritis and asthma.
Culinary: Rarely used in culinary applications but can be found in some traditional recipes and flavorings in specific cultures.

Applications:

Incense: Used in the production of frankincense resin for burning in religious and spiritual rituals.
Cosmetics: Incorporated into skincare products like creams, serums, and masks for its soothing and rejuvenating properties.
Medicinal: Utilized in traditional remedies and modern supplements for its anti-inflammatory and therapeutic benefits.
Culinary: Occasionally used in traditional culinary practices and flavorings.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: Harvesting practices should be managed sustainably to prevent overexploitation and ensure the health of Boswellia forests. Efforts are being made to promote sustainable harvesting and conservation.
Safety: Generally safe for use in recommended amounts. Individuals allergic to plants or with very sensitive skin should be cautious. Consultation with a healthcare provider is advised before using it for medicinal purposes.

INCI:


Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.
Synonyms:

CAS: 89957-98-2 1491152-64-7 EC number 289-620-2