Evidence supporting the use of: Frankinsense
For the health condition: Infection (viral)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Frankincense (Boswellia spp.) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it has been employed to address a variety of ailments, including infections. Its use for treating or supporting recovery from viral infections is primarily justified by traditional rather than scientific evidence. Historically, frankincense resin and its essential oil have been valued for their purported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting properties. While frankincense does contain bioactive compounds such as boswellic acids, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and modest antibacterial properties in laboratory studies, there is little direct scientific evidence supporting its efficacy specifically against viral infections in humans. The majority of modern research has focused on its use for inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Some in vitro studies suggest that frankincense extracts may have antiviral activity, but these are preliminary and involve isolated cells, not clinical use. Thus, while frankincense continues to be used in some cultures for viral infections, this practice is rooted in tradition, and the quality of supporting evidence is low. Clinical trials or robust preclinical studies establishing frankincense as an effective antiviral agent are lacking as of 2024.

More about Frankinsense
More about Infection (viral)

Products containing Frankinsense

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.