Chemistry, Pharmacology and Medicinal Property of Frankincense  (Boswellia Species): From the Selection of Traditional Applications to the  Novel Phytotherapy for the Prevention and Treatment of Serious Diseases.

Dr. Dr. Rafie Hamidpour; Dr. Soheila Hamidpour; Dr. Mohsen Hamidpour; Mrs. Mina Shahlari

Authors

Dr. Dr. Rafie Hamidpour
Dr. Soheila Hamidpour
Dr. Mohsen Hamidpour
Mrs. Mina Shahlari

Keywords:

boswellia species, anti-inflammatory, chronic diseases, cancer, memory enhancement

Abstract

Frankincense, the resinous extract from the trees of the genus Boswellia, has been used for centuries in ceremonial, cosmetic, cultural and as a traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments especially inflammatory diseases including asthma, arthritis, cerebral edema, chronic pain syndrome, chronic bowel diseases, cancer and some other illnesses. Boswellic acids are the active compounds of frankincense and AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid) is the most important and effective acid among them. Some studies have shown that the use of frankincense can also improve the learning and enhance the memory in animals and human. It seems that frankincense might have a potential ability to be used as an alternative natural medicine not only for chronic and inflammatory diseases but also for the patients with brain and memory disorders.

Downloads

How to Cite

Chemistry, Pharmacology and Medicinal Property of Frankincense (Boswellia Species): From the Selection of Traditional Applications to the Novel Phytotherapy for the Prevention and Treatment of Serious Diseases. (2015). Global Journal of Medical Research, 15(18), 15-22. https://medicalresearchjournal.org/index.php/GJMR/article/view/

Download Citation

Author Biographies

Dr. Dr. Rafie Hamidpour

Dr. Rafie Hamidpour is a distinguished researcher and professor in the field of biomedical sciences, with a particular focus on the chemistry, pharmacology, and medicinal properties of natural compounds. He earned his PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Bradford in 2003 and holds a doctorate in Biomedical/Bioscience from the University of Central Missouri. Dr. Hamidpour has served as a Professor at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, in the Department of Hematology and Blood Banking from 1990 to 2024. He is the founder and lead researcher at Pars Bioscience LLC, a research center based in Leawood, Kansas, where he investigates traditional remedies and their modern phytotherapeutic applications. His notable works include comprehensive studies on the medicinal properties of camphor, sage, frankincense, and Rhodiola rosea, exploring their potential in treating a wide range of diseases from cancer to metabolic disorders. With over 45 publications and more than 1,100 citations, Dr. Hamidpour's research bridges traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific validation, contributing significantly to the field of phytotherapy and drug targeting in cancer.

Dr. Soheila Hamidpour

Dr. Soheila Hamidpour is a researcher affiliated with Pars Bioscience in Leawood, Kansas, United States. She earned her PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Bradford in 2003. With a career spanning over three decades, she has served as a Professor of Hematology and Blood Banking at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Her research focuses on the chemistry, pharmacology, and medicinal properties of natural products, including camphor, sage, frankincense, and Rhodiola rosea, exploring their potential in treating various diseases. Dr. Hamidpour has contributed to 52 publications, accumulating over 1,000 citations, with an h-index of 10 and an i10-index of 11.

Dr. Mohsen Hamidpour

Dr. Mohsen Hamidpour is a researcher affiliated with Pars Bioscience in Leawood, Kansas, United States. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Bradford and has served as a Professor at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. His research focuses on the chemistry, pharmacology, and medicinal properties of natural products, including camphor, sage, frankincense, and Rhodiola rosea. With over 85 publications and more than 1,200 citations, his work has contributed significantly to the understanding of traditional remedies for various diseases. Dr. Hamidpour's h-index of 14 and i10-index of 24 reflect his impact in the field. He is also an active contributor to the academic community, with his work indexed in OpenAlex and ORCID.

Mrs. Mina Shahlari

Mina Shahlari is a researcher affiliated with Pars Bioscience in Leawood, Kansas, United States. Her work focuses on the chemistry, pharmacology, and medicinal properties of traditional remedies, including camphor, sage, frankincense, and Rhodiola rosea. She has contributed to several studies exploring the potential of these natural compounds in treating various diseases such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, depression, dementia, lupus, autism, heart disease, and other serious conditions. With 13 publications and over 930 citations, her research has garnered significant attention in the field of phytotherapy. Her h-index of 8 and i10-index of 7 reflect her growing impact in the scientific community.

References

Afsharypuor S, Rahmany M (2005) Essential Oil Constituents of Two African Olibanums Available in Isfahan Commercial Market. 1, 167-70.

Hasan Safayhi, Beatrice Rall, Eckart-Roderich Sailer, Hermann Ammon (1997) Inhibition by Boswellic Acids of Human Leukocyte Elastase. 281(1), 460-463. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-3565(24)36628-5

Jehad Yousef (2011) Identifying frankincense impact by biochemical analysis and histological examination on rats. 18(2), 189-194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2010.10.005

C. Michie, E. Cooper (1991) Frankincense and Myrrh as Remedies in Children. 84(10), 602-605. https://doi.org/10.1177/014107689108401011

M. Siddiqul (2011) Boswellia Serrata, a Potential Antiinflammatory Agent: An Overview. 73(3), 255-261.

Marc Chevrier, Abigail Ryan, Null- Lee, Ma Zhongze, Zhang Wu-Yan, Charles Via (2005) Boswellia carterii Extract Inhibits TH1 Cytokines and Promotes TH2 Cytokines In Vitro. 12(5), 575-580. https://doi.org/10.1128/cdli.12.5.575-580.2005

Carole Mathe, Jacques Connan, Paul Archier, Michel Mouton, Catherine Vieillescazes (2007) Analysis of Frankincense in Archaeological Samples by Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry. 97(7), 433-445. https://doi.org/10.1002/adic.200790029

Shah SA, Rathod IS, Suhagina BN, Pandya SS, Parmar VK (2008) A Simple High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for the Estimation of Boswellic Acids from the Market Formulations Containing Boswellia serrata Extract. 46(8), 735-738. https://doi.org/10.1093/chromsci/46.8.735

Mohamad Nusier, Hameed Bataineh, Ziad Bataineh, Haytham Daradka (2007) Effect of Frankincense (Boswellia thurifera) on Reproductive System in Adult Male Rat. 53(4), 365-370. https://doi.org/10.1248/jhs.53.365

Zhao W, Entschladen F, Liu H, Niggemann B, Fang Q, Zaenker K (2003) Boswellic acid acetate induces differentiation and apoptosis in highly metastatic melanoma and fibrosarcoma cells. 27(1), 67-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0361-090x(02)00170-8

H. Ammon (2006) Boswellic Acids in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases. 72(12), 1100-1116. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-947227

Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Salim Al-Saidi (2008) Phytochemical Analysis of the Essential Oil from Botanically Certified Oleogum Resin of Boswellia sacra (Omani Luban). 13(9), 2181-2189. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules13092181

Toon Rijkers, Woldeselassie Ogbazghi, Marius Wessel, Frans Bongers (2006) The effect of tapping for frankincense on sexual reproduction in Boswellia papyrifera. 43(6), 1188-1195. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2664.2006.01215.x

S. Goyal, P. Sharma, U. Ramchandani, S. Shivastanva, P. Dubey (2011) Novel Anti- Inflammatory Topical Herbal Gels Containing Withania Somnifera and Boswellia Serrata. 2(4), 1087-1094.

Raja AF, Ali F, Khan IA, Shawl AS, Arora DS, Shah BA, Taneia SC (2011) Acetyl-11- Keto-B-boswellic Acid (AKBA): Targeting Oral Cavity Pathogens. 22.

Qurishi Y, Hamid A, Zargar MA, Singh SK, Saxena AK (2010) Potential Role of Natural Molecules in Health and Disease: Importance of Boswellic Acid. 4(25), 2778-2785.

K. Birkner, Boswellia (2006) Boswellia, The Pain Herb.

Siemoneit U, Koeberle A, Rossi A, Dehm F, Verhoff M, Reckel S (2011) Inhibition of microsomal prostaglandin E2synthase‐1 as a molecular basis for the anti‐inflammatory actions of boswellic acids from frankincense. 162(1), 147-162. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01020.x

M. Samani, H. Mahmoodian, A. Moghadamnia, Bejeh Mir, A. Chitsazan, M. (2011) The Effect of Frankincense in the Treatment of Moderate Plaqueinduced Gingivitis: A Double Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial. 19(4), 288-294.

Cuaz-Perolin C, Billiet L, Bauge E, Copin C, Scott- D, Genze F (2008) Antiinflammatory and Antiatherogenic Effects of the NF-kB Inhibitor Acetyl- 11- keto-B-Boswellic Acid in LPS-Challenged ApoE- /- Mice. 28(2), 272-277. https://doi.org/10.1161/atvbaha.107.155606

Gupta I, Gupta V, Parihar A, Gupta S, Lutke R, Safayhi H Effects of Boswellia Serrata Gum Resin in Patients with Bronchial Asthma: results of a Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, 6-week Clinical Study. 3(11), 511-514.

H. Eyre, J. Hills, D. Watkins (2003) Eyre H, Hills J, Watkins D. 6.

Roja Rahimi, M. Shams-Ardekani, M. Abdollahi (2010) A review of the efficacy of traditional Iranian medicine for inflammatory bowel disease. 16(36), 4504. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v16.i36.4504

M. Alam, H. Khan, L. Samiullah, K. Siddique (2012) A Review on Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies of Kundur (Boswellia Serrata Roxb Ex Colebr.)-A Unani Drug. 2(3), 148-156.

Parihar Gupta I, G. Malhotra P Effects of Gum Resin of Boswellia serrata in Patients with Chronic Colitis. 2, 37-43.

Estrada AC, Syrovets T, Pitterle K, Lunov O, Buchele B, Schimana-Pfeifer J (2010) Tirucallic Acids Are Novel Pleckstrin Homology Domain-Dependent Akt Inhibitors Inducing Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells. 77(3), 378-387. https://doi.org/10.1124/mol.109.060475

Xia L, Chen D, Han R (2005) Boswellic acid acetate induces apoptosis through caspase-mediated pathways in myeloid leukemia cells. 4(3), 381-388. https://doi.org/10.1158/1535-7163.mct-03-0266

T. Simmet, H. Ammon (2001) Use of Boswellic Acid for Treating Brain Tumors. Thomas Simmet, assignee. 6.

Kerry Bone (2011) Boswellia and Brain Inflammation. 23.

J. Kavitha, J. Rossario, J. Chandran, P. Anbu, Bakkiyanathan (2007) Hypoglycemic and Other Related Effects of Boswellia Glabra in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats. 51(1), 29-39.

Ahmed Shehata, L. Quintanilla-Fend, Sabrina Bettio, C. Singh, Hpt Ammon (2011) Prevention of multiple low-dose streptozotocin (MLD-STZ) diabetes in mice by an extract from gum resin of Boswellia serrata (BE). 18(12), 1037-1044. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2011.06.035

F. Ahmadpour, F. Namjoyan, M. Azemi, M. Khodayar, Darvish Padok, A. Panahi, M. (2012) Ahmadpour F, Namjoyan F, Azemi M, Khodayar M, Darvish Padok A, Panahi M. Antioxidant Capacity and Anti-diabetic Effect of Boswellia Serrata Aqueous Extract in Female Diabetic Rats and the Possible Histological Changes in the Liver and Kidney. 7(5), 17.

Raja AF, Ali F, Khan IA, Shawl AS, Arora DS (2011) Antistaphylococcal and Biofilm Inhibitory Activities of Acetyl-11-keto-β- Boswellic Acid from Boswellia Serrata.

Hosseini M, Hadjzadeh MA, Derakhshan M, Havakhah S, Behnam F, Rakhshandeh H (2010) The beneficial effects of olibanum on memory deficit induced by hypothyroidism in adult rats tested in Morris water maze. 33(3), 463-468. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12272-010-0317-z

M. Sharifabad, E. Esfandiari, H. Alaei (2004) Effects of Frankincense Aqueous Extract during Gestational Period on Increasing Power of Learning and Memory in Adult Offsprings. 21(71), 16-20.

M. Sharifabad, E. Esfandiari (2007) A Morphometeric Study on CA3 Hippocampal Field in Young Rats following Maternal Administration of Boswellia Serrata Resin during Gestation. 10(3), 176-182.

M. Sharifabad, E. Esfandiari (2011) Effect of Boswellia Serrata Triana & Planch. Gum Resin Administration during Lactation on Morphology of Pyramidal Neurones in Hippocampus of Rat. 2(1), 45-52.

Chowdary KPR, Reddy GR (2012) Formulation and Evaluation of Diclofenac Controlled Release Tablets Employing Olibanum Resin. 3(4), 1090-1095.

Kpr Chowdary, P. Mohapatra, M. Krishna (2009) Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of the Natural Resin Coated Microcapsules of Nifedipine. 21(6), 4199-4204.

B. Rao, M. Shivalingam, Kpr Chowdary, N. Sunitha, V. Rao (2012) Preparation and Evaluation for Controlled Release of Olibanum Resin Coated Microcapsules of Carbamazepine. 3(2), 71-76.