Boswellic acid, a bioactive compound extracted from the resin of Boswellia serrata (frankincense), has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine systems, primarily for inflammatory conditions. Recent scientific investigations have explored its potential in dermatological disorders, including dermatitis. The rationale for its use in dermatitis centers on its anti-inflammatory properties, specifically its ability to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in leukotriene synthesis, which plays a role in inflammatory skin conditions.

Preclinical studies in animal models and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that boswellic acids can reduce inflammation, decrease redness, and limit immune cell infiltration in skin tissues. Some small-scale pilot clinical studies and case reports have suggested that topical formulations containing boswellic acid may help improve symptoms in conditions like atopic dermatitis and eczema. However, these studies are limited in size and design, often lacking controls or blinding, and there are no large, high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically evaluating boswellic acid in human patients with dermatitis.

Overall, while scientific rationale and preliminary evidence exist for boswellic acid’s use in dermatitis, the clinical evidence remains limited and of low to moderate quality. More robust clinical trials are needed to definitively establish its efficacy and safety for this indication.