Evidence supporting the use of: Frankincense
For the health condition: Psoriasis

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Synopsis

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

Frankincense, derived from the resin of Boswellia species, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used for centuries for its purported anti-inflammatory and healing properties, including in the treatment of skin conditions like psoriasis. The rationale behind its traditional use is primarily its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on the skin, attributed to boswellic acids found in the resin.

From a scientific perspective, there is limited but emerging evidence suggesting that boswellic acids may modulate inflammatory pathways, including inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase, which plays a role in leukotriene synthesis and inflammation. Some small-scale laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects of boswellic acids on skin cells. However, clinical trials directly examining the efficacy of frankincense or its extracts in treating psoriasis in humans are sparse, of limited quality, or lacking entirely. Most of the available evidence remains preclinical.

Therefore, the use of frankincense for psoriasis is primarily justified by traditional use, with some biological plausibility suggested by basic research, but without robust clinical data to confirm its effectiveness for this condition.

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Products containing Frankincense

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