Written by Jessica Patella, ND. A study on the effect of Frankincense, (traditional anti-inflammatory medicine containing boswellic acid) showed significant improvement in gum health, gingivitis and other conditions that affect gum health.

Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is most often due to the buildup of plaque along the gum line (1). The inflammation can eventually lead to periodontal disease. Current treatment protocols include scaling and root planing, which is essentially a very deep cleaning of the tooth below the gum line, followed by anti-inflammatory medications (1).

Due to an increased interest in preventative and complementary options, the anti-inflammatory herb, Frankincense, has been researched as a further option for gingivitis (1). Frankincense has been a traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine for many years because it contains boswellic acid, known for it’s anti-inflammatory properties (2).

Recent research included 75 participants that had been diagnosed with gingivitis due to plaque buildup. The participants were divided into six groups as follows:

*All chewing gum was sugar-free and prepared to be the same shape and color.

Type of Treatment
Group #1    (n=15) 0.1 g Frankincense extract in form of chewing gum
Group #2    (n= 14) 0.2 g Frankincense extract in form of chewing gum
Group #3    (n=15) Placebo chewing gum
Group #4    (n=10) 0.1g Frankincense extract in the form of chewing gum AND scaling and root planing via the dentist
Group #5    (n=10) 0.2g Frankincense powder in the form of chewing gum AND scaling and root planing via the dentist
Group #6    (n=10) Scaling and root planing via the dentist and placebo chewing gum

The participants were advised to chew three pieces of gum each day, for 2 weeks. All groups receiving Frankincense showed significant improvement in gum health and improvement in gingivitis (measured by: Gingival Index (p<0.001), Plaque Index (p<0.001), Pocket Probe Index (p<0.001) and Bleeding Index (p<0.001) as seen in table below. There was no significant difference between the different forms of Frankincense used (1).

Gingival IndexP<0.001 Bleeding Index P<0.001 Plaque IndexP<0.001 Pocket Probe Index  p<0.001
Group #1    (n=15) 48.3%* 66.0% 41.2% 29.2%
Group #2    (n= 14) 41.8% 52.2% 30.8% 29.6%
Group #3    (n=15) 21.4% 35.9% 26.0% 1.1%
Group #4    (n=10) 59.2% 82.7% 77.2% 26.7%
Group #5    (n=10) 57.8% 91.4% 74.7% 19.6%
Group #6    (n=10) 30.4% 40.1% 54.4% 18.9%

*The percentages represent the amount of improvement after 14 days of treatment.

Frankincense gum groups, with or without scaling and rooting, were equally effective (p<0.001), while groups with both scaling and rooting, and Frankincense gum showed the most improvement in gum health and gingivitis). (1).

Just deep cleaning, via scaling and root planing by the dentist, did not show a significant difference (p=0.516), which could be due to the short follow-up of 2-weeks and the inflammation caused by the deep cleaning itself (1).

In conclusion, Frankincense demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties and improved measures of gum health (measured by: Gingival Index, Plaque Index, Pocket Probe Index and Bleeding Index). The herbal remedy Frankincense may be easily and safely used to improve gingivitis (1). It is important to note this was an extremely small sample size and the study should be repeated with more participants.

Source: Khosravi Samani, M., et al. “The effect of Frankincense in the treatment of moderate plaque-induced gingivitis: a double blinded randomized clinical trial.” Daru 19.4 (2011).

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Tables and editing added by Tatjana Djakovic, MS.

Posted March 19, 2013.

Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health.  She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians.  Visit her website at  www.awarenesswellness.com

References:

  1.  Khosravi SM, et al. The effect of Frankincense in the treatment of moderate plaque-induced gingivitis: a double blinded randomized clinical trial.  DARU 2011; 19:4 288-294.
  2. Kirtikar, KRBB.  In: Indian Medicinal Plants.  Periodical Experts, Delhi, 1935.