April 18, 2025
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.The oil is often used in diluted forms for topical applications, such as ointments or balms, and is increasingly integrated into modern wound care products.
A preclinical study evaluated how frankincense essential oil—species not reported—affects wound healing in subjects. They examined various factors related to wound healing such as how quickly the wounds healed, levels of inflammation, and the presence of certain molecules involved in the healing process. Frankincense essential oil has demonstrated remarkable potential in promoting wound healing by effectively regulating key cellular and molecular mechanisms. The results showed that frankincense oil helped the wounds heal faster. It reduced inflammation (lowering IL-1β and TNF-α), decreased the presence of harmful molecules (free radicals), significantly downregulated caspase-3 (which reduces the death of skin cells), and supported the growth of new tissue (improved epithelialization and increased collagen synthesis).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40143183