At the end of 2018, chemists Dr. Hidayat Hussain, currently a Humboldt scholar at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, and Prof. René Csuk from the MLU Halle published a book on the natural products of frankincense.
Historically, frankincense has special religious and medical relevance. The precious tree resin is currently undergoing a renaissance in drug research and the wellness industry.
For the first time, their book summarises research results of bioactive substances of the genus Boswellia, to which frankincense belongs. Focussing on new findings in the development of bioactive compounds, they also present comprehensive overviews of the various frankincense species and historical aspects of their use.
The traditional applications of this medicinal plant coincide with previous scientific studies on anti-inflammatory effects and treatment of chronic diseases. Boswellia could also have a potential use for cancer treatment. Currently, additional serious clinical trials are needed to confirm effectiveness. The plant itself may contain other ingredients that have not yet been researched but may be of interest.
Original publication:
Al-Harrasi A., Hussain H., Csuk R., Yar Khan H. Chemistry and Bioactivity of Boswellic Acids and Other Terpenoids of the Genus Boswellia. Elsevier (2019). doi: 10.1016/C2016-0-04058-5