Boswellic acids are a group of natural compounds found in the resin of Boswellia trees (commonly known as frankincense). They belong to a family of plant compounds called pentacyclic triterpenoids.

The main boswellic acids studied in scientific literature include:

• ß-boswellic acid

• Acetyl-ß-boswellic acid

• 11 keto-ß-boswellic acid (KBA)

• Acetyl-11-keto-ß-boswellic acid (AKBA)

AKBA has received particular attention in research because of its activity in laboratory studies.

What the Research has Explored

Boswellic acids have been investigated for their effects on inflammatory pathways in the body. Studies show they can influence enzymes and signalling pathways involved in inflammation, including 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and NF-𝛋B.

Selected research includes:

• Skin appearance - a randomised, double-blind, split-face study found that a cream containing 0.5% boswellic acids improved tactile roughness and fine lines, with measurable changes in skin elasticity after 30 days of use https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19918712/

• Topical application - A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial using an oily solution of frankincense extract reported reductions in pain and improvements in function after four weeks of topical use https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9984289/

• Skin comfort - Formulations containing boswellic acids have been explored in small clinical studies looking at skin appearance and comfort, with some participants showing improvements in scaling and redness https://www.dovepress.com/a-cosmeceutical-formulation-based-on-boswellic-acids-for-the-treatment-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CCID

• Broader research - Recent scientific reviews summarise evidence across multiple pathways and discuss both laboratory and human findings https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1692443/full

Results can vary depending on the extract used, the concentration of the specific boswellic acids, and the design of each study. More large-scale human research is still needed.

Practical Ways to Assess Quality

Because laboratory testing for exact boswellic acid content is expensive and not always available, here are practical indicators that can help evaluate a frankincense resin extract:

1. Extraction method

   Boswellic acids are not volatile. They do not appear in meaningul amounts in steam-distilled frankincense essential oil. They are best extracted using fixed oils such as jojoba and olive oil, under controlled, low to moderate heat. An oil infusion of the resin is one of the traditional and effective ways to capture these compounds.

2. Sensory qualities of a good extract

   • Very bitter taste (boswellic acids are characteristically bitter)

   • Thick, viscous consistency

   • Clear amber colour with no residual particles

   • Deep, resinou, earthy aroma with a slight sweetness when the scent is noticed

3. Transparency

   Clear information about the extraction method and care taken during preparation is a useful sign of quality.