One of the principal constituents in the gum resin is boswellic acid which exhibits anti-inflammatory activity.
The gum resin is used as an ointment for sores and has anti-inflammatory, antiatherosclerotic and antiarthritic activities. The nonphenolic fraction of the gum resin had marked sedative and analgesic action. The fraction potentiated secobarbitone induced hypnosis. In rats it produced a marked and long-lasting hypotensive action.
The gum is a well known household fumigant and is used as an anti-inflammatory agent when applied externally. Internally, besides being antiarthritic, it has expectorant effects. It also reduces body weight.
