Frankincense oleoresin gum from one of four Boswellia species

A photograph of frankincense oleoresin gum from a Boswellia spp. The herb boswellia, also called “Indian frankincense,” harkens back to the ancient practice of ayurvedic medicine. Its main constituent, boswellic acid, confers anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-1 production as well as NF-kappa B signaling, among other processes. Frankincense trees are almost extinct.