boswellia thurifera gum

Boswellia thurifera gum, known commonly as olibanum gum (Boswellia thurifera) or frankincense gum, is a natural resin obtained from trees of the Boswellia genus. This substance appears as a solid, aromatic gum with a characteristic woody odor and flavor reminiscent of frankincense. It is used extensively in the flavor and fragrance industries due to its distinctive sensory profile. Boswellia thurifera gum's molecular composition relates closely to other types of olibanum resins, and it is referenced in controlled vocabularies such as PubChem. The gum is harvested mainly from Boswellia thurifera trees native to arid regions and has historical significance in perfumery and ceremonial uses. Its natural sourcing as a plant exudate ensures a complex mixture of volatile compounds responsible for its woody and balsamic notes.

Boswellia thurifera gum occurs naturally as a resinous exudate from wounds in the Boswellia thurifera tree, which grows in arid and semi-arid environments. The gum's distinct woody and frankincense aroma makes it valuable for incorporation into flavors and fragrances. It is commonly employed in perfumery and aromatic products to impart a characteristic balsamic-woody scent. Regulatory standards such as IFRA (Global) provide guidelines on its use concentration to ensure safety in consumer products. Additionally, it appears on lists supported by the FDA (US) as a flavoring or fragrance agent. Its versatile sensory properties allow applications across personal care, household products, and culinary flavor enhancements where woody, resinous notes are desired.

Boswellia thurifera gum is a complex mixture of resinous compounds and essential oils, conferring a solid but brittle physical state at room temperature. Its notable woody odor and flavor result from terpenoid and sesquiterpene constituents typical of frankincense resins. This composition lends the gum relatively low volatility for some components while maintaining an aromatic profile suited for gradual release in formulations. These physicochemical traits favor its stability within flavor and fragrance systems, enabling sustained aroma delivery. The resin's solubility characteristics and melting behavior require consideration during formulation processes to maintain olfactory integrity. Overall, these properties make boswellia thurifera gum a reliable natural ingredient for woody and balsamic notes.

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Safety information

Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
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GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
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Hazard statement(s)
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Precautionary statement(s)
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Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:

flavor and fragrance agents

IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice

Safety references

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