ABSTRACT
Frankincense, also branded as olibanum, is a precious fragrant resin, mainly extracted from the tree species of the Boswellia genus in the family Burseraceae. The resins of these species have significant commercial importance as unprocessed material of incense and balm. Recent investigations show the diminishing population of Boswellia species partially credited to the over-utilization. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed Boswellia species in danger of extinction. The resins obtained from this species constitute several bioactive compounds and exhibit numerous pharmacological properties. This chapter briefly introduces about the significance and uses of Boswellia species and frankincense to the readers.
