Investigating the Protective Effects of Frankincense Oil on Wound Healing with GC–MS

A team of researchers from several Saudi Arabian universities reported that frankincense essential oil (FEO) is especially useful in the promotion of wound healing and tissue repair and holds great potential as a natural therapeutic agent for wound management and regenerative medicine. Chemical composition data of FEO supporting this claim was generated by the team using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A paper based on this research was published in Pharmaceuticals (1).

Defined in previous literature as disruptions in the integrity of the skin or underlying tissues caused by physical, chemical, or biological factors (2), the wound healing process is a multifaceted and dynamic biological response made up of an assortment of integrated stages (3), starting with hemostasis (where vascular constriction and clot formation occur to stop bleeding), followed by the inflammatory phase (characterized by immune cell infiltration to remove debris and prevent microbial infections [4]). Next to occur is the proliferation phase, which involves the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), fibroblast migration, and the deposition of extracellular matrix. Finally, during the remodeling phase, collagen is reorganized, and the wound gains tensile strength over time (5). Together, these stages work in harmony to restore the skin and repair damaged tissues. Effective wound management prevents complications in that process, such as infections, as well as promotes faster recovery (6).

Obtained from the resin of the Boswellia tree, FEO has historically been used for its medicinal properties, including wound healing (7). The oil contains boswellic acids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties (8), which make it a valuable agent in promoting wound repair. In addition, FEO helps reduce inflammation in the wound area, creating an optimal environment for the healing process (9). Furthermore, the oil’s antimicrobial effects help prevent infections, while its antioxidant properties combat oxidative stress, which can delay healing (10). Unlike synthetic antimicrobial agents, which may contribute to antibiotic resistance, FEO’s natural antimicrobial properties offer an alternative with minimal resistance development (unlike synthetic antimicrobial agents, which may contribute to antibiotic resistance). Additionally, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects provide comprehensive benefits that synthetic drugs often achieve through multiple medications (11). However, synthetic drugs may offer faster action and more consistent results because of their standardized formulations and targeted mechanisms. Furthermore, synthetic options go through rigorous testing to ensure their predictable efficacy and safety, whereas natural remedies like FEO require further studies for standardization and dosage optimization (12).

Using GC–MS, the chemical characterization of FEO showed the presence of both major and minor constituents, with alpha-phellandrene and limonene identified as the predominant compounds as well as (1S,2S,3R,5S)-(+)-Pinanediol (3.41%), thujone (3.25%), and 2,4-cycloheptadien-1-one (2.91%). Although these findings align with existing literature, variations in the relative abundances of specific components were seen; a comparative study of commercial Boswellia carteri oils, for example, exhibited alpha-pinene and limonene as major constituents, with alpha-phellandrene reported in lower concentrations (13).

The research determined that FEO demonstrates significant potential in the promotion of wound healing through the effective regulation of significant cellular and molecular mechanisms. FEO’s ability to modulate apoptosis through the downregulation of caspase-3 expression expedites an important transition from the inflammatory to the proliferative phase of the wound-healing process. This regulatory action on caspase-3, possibly by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, minimizes prolonged inflammation, reduces oxidative stress, and creates an environment conducive to tissue regeneration. In addition, FEO boosts fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis, all of which are important in the contraction and repair of wounds. Furthermore, the oil offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that diminish undue immune responses, thus assisting in a reasonable healing process. The analysts’ histological analysis confirmed an enhanced granulation tissue formation, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and increased epithelialization in wounds treated. These findings confirm that FEO can play a major role in the acceleration of the natural healing process as well as the improvement of outcomes related to tissue repair (1).

Frankincense oil extract in a bottle. © sderbane - stock.adobe.com

References

1. Venkatesan, K.; Sivadasan, D.; Al Weslati, M. A.; et al. Protective Effects of Frankincense Oil on Wound Healing: Downregulating Caspase-3 Expression to Facilitate the Transition from the Inflammatory to Proliferative Phase. Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18 (3), 407. DOI: 10.3390/ph18030407

2. Yazarlu, O.; Iranshahi, M.; Kashani, H. R. K. et al. Perspective on the Application of Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in Wound Healing: A Mechanistic Review. Pharmacol. Res. 2021, 174, 105841. DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105841

3. Sujatha, P. S.; Pavithran, S.; Sujatha, P. S. Wound Healing Effect of Furfural and Pentadecanal from Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers Acetone Flower extracts against Haemadipsa sylvestris Bite. J. Adv. Sci. Res. 2024, 15 (07), 12–15. DOI: 10.55218/JASR.2024150703

4. Schultz, G. S.; Chin, G. A.; Moldawer, L.; et al. “Principles of Wound Healing,” in Mechanisms of Vascular Disease: A Reference Book for Vascular Specialists [Internet], Fitridge, R.; Thompson, M. Eds.University of Adelaide Press, 2011.

5. Murugesu, S.; Selamat, J.; Perumal, V. Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Properties, and Recent Applications of Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa. Plants 2021, 10 (12), 2749. DOI: 10.3390/plants10122749

6. Kolimi, P.; Narala, S.; Nyavanandi, D.; et al. Innovative Treatment Strategies to Accelerate Wound Healing: Trajectory and Recent Advancements. Cells 2022, 11 (15), 2439. DOI: 10.3390/cells11152439

7. Frank, M. B.; Yang, Q.; Osban, J. Frankincense Oil Derived From Boswellia carteri Induces Tumor Cell Specific Cytotoxicity. BMC Complementary Altern. Med. 2009, 9, 1–11.DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-9-6

8. Borotová, P.; Čmiková, N.; Galovičová, L.; et al. Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anti-Insect Properties of Boswellia carterii Essential Oil for Food Preservation Improvement. Horticulturae 2023, 9 (3), 333. DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae9030333

9. Obiștioiu, D.; Hulea, A.; Cocan, I.; et al. Boswellia Essential Oil: Natural Antioxidant as an Effective Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Agent. Antioxidants 2023, 12 (10), 1807. DOI: 10.3390/antiox12101807

10. Parham, S.; Kharazi, A. Z.; Bakhsheshi-Rad, H. R.; et al. Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antiviral Properties of Herbal Materials. Antioxidants 2020, 9 (12), 1309. DOI: 10.3390/antiox9121309

11. Almutairi, M. B. F.; Alrouji, M.; Almuhanna, Y.; et al. In-vitro and In-vivo Antibacterial Effects of Frankincense Oil and its Interaction with Some Antibiotics Against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens. Antibiotics 2022, 11 (11), 1591. DOI:10.3390/antibiotics11111591

12. Almeida-da-Silva, C. L. C.; Sivakumar, N.; Asadi, H.; et al. Effects of Frankincense Compounds on Infection, Inflammation, and Oral Health. Molecules 2022, 27 (13), 4174. DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134174

13. Romo-Rico, J.; Krishna, S.M.; Bazaka, K.; et al. Potential of Plant Secondary Metabolite-Based Polymers to Enhance Wound Healing. Acta Biomater. 2022, 147, 34–49. DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.05.043