May 10, 2025
Wounds are disruptions in the integrity of the skin or underlying tissues caused by physical, chemical, or biological factors. Wound healing is a complex process involving inflammation, oxidative stress, immune modulation, and tissue regeneration. Effective wound management prevents complications such as infections and promotes faster recovery. Frankincense essential oil, derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, has been historically used for its medicinal properties, including wound healing. The oil contains bioactive compounds such as boswellic acids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. These attributes make it a valuable agent in promoting wound repair. Frankincense essential oil helps reduce inflammation in the wound area, creating an optimal environment for healing. Its antimicrobial effects help prevent infections, while its antioxidant properties combat oxidative stress, which can delay healing.
When compared to synthetic drugs, Frankincense essential oil offers some advantages in wound healing and first of all it has a lower risk of side effects and is generally well-tolerated when used appropriately. Topical application of an ointment containing 10% Frankincense essential oil improved wound healing in a preclinical model. The oil reduced inflammation (cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α), quenched oxidative stress, and reduced the unnecessary death of cells at the wound site (suppressed aspase-3). Furthermore, Frankincense essential oil promoted wound contraction by encouraging new skin cells to cover the wound and boosting collagen production.
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/3/407