Ru Xiang (Olibanum / Frankincense)

Ru Xiang (Olibanum/Frankincense) is a resin with minimal conventional macronutrient significance as it is used in small therapeutic doses rather than as a food source. Key bioactive compounds include: Boswellic acids (primary active constituents, comprising 25-35% of the resin) — notably acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA, ~5-8% of total resin weight), 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA), α-boswellic acid, and β-boswellic acid, which are the principal anti-inflammatory agents acting as 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors. Essential oil fraction constitutes approximately 5-9% of the resin, containing monoterpenes such as α-pinene (~10-15% of oil), limonene (~5-10%), and p-cymene; sesquiterpenes including incensole acetate (~3-7% of oil), which has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Polysaccharides (arabinogalactans) account for approximately 65-70% of the resin mass, contributing to immune-modulating effects. Triterpene alcohols including tirucallol and α- and β-amyrins are present at ~1-3%. The resin contains trace minerals including calcium (~12-18 mg/10g dose), magnesium (~3-5 mg/10g dose), and potassium (~5-8 mg/10g dose). Fiber-like polysaccharide content is approximately 3-5g per 10g resin. Bioavailability notes: Boswellic acids have poor aqueous solubility; absorption is significantly enhanced (up to 3-fold) when taken with a high-fat meal. AKBA has the highest bioactivity but lowest natural concentration; lipid-based formulations improve systemic absorption. Standard therapeutic extracts are typically standardized to 65% total boswellic acids with minimum 30% AKBA content.