The oleogum resins of Boswellia species known as
frankincense have been used for ages in
traditional medicine in India, China and the Arabian world independent of its use for cultural and religious rituals in Europe. During the past two decades, scientific investigations provided mounting evidence for the therapeutic potential of
frankincense. We conducted a systematic review on the anti-inflammatory and anti-
cancer activities of Boswellia species and their chemical ingredients (e.g. 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β
boswellic acid, α- and β-boswellic
acids, 11-keto-β-
boswellic acid and other boswellic
acids, lupeolic
acids,
incensole, cembrenes, triterpenediol, tirucallic
acids, and olibanumols).
Frankincense acts by multiple mechanisms, e.g. by the inhibition of
leukotriene synthesis, of
cyclooxygenase 1/2 and
5-lipoxygenase, of oxidative stress, and by regulation of immune cells from the innate and acquired immune systems. Furthermore,
frankincense modulates signaling transduction responsible for cell cycle arrest and inhibition of proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and
metastasis. Clinical trials showed the efficacy of
frankincense and its
phytochemicals against
osteoarthritis,
multiple sclerosis,
asthma,
psoriasis and erythematous
eczema, plaque-induced
gingivitis and
pain.
Frankincense revealed beneficial effects towards
brain tumor-related
edema, but did not reduce
glioma size. Even if there is no treatment effect on
brain tumors itself, the management of
glioma-associated
edema may represent a desirable improvement. The therapeutic potential against other
tumor types is still speculative. Experimental toxicology and clinical trials revealed only mild adverse side effects. More randomized clinical trials are required to estimate the full clinical potential of
frankincense for
cancer therapy.