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Nischang V, Witt FM, Börner F, Gomez M, Jordan PM, Werz O. Frankincense preparation promotes formation of inflammation-resolving lipid mediators by manipulating lipoxygenases in human innate immune cells. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1332628. [PMID: 38239198 PMCID: PMC10794731 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1332628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Frankincense preparations are frequently used as traditional anti-inflammatory remedies in folk medicine with increasing popularity. Boswellic acids (BAs), especially 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-βBA (AKBA), are unique anti-inflammatory principles of frankincense, with multiple pharmacological actions and target proteins. We recently showed that AKBA favorably impacts lipid mediator (LM) networks in innate immune cells, by modulation of lipoxygenase (LOX) activities. Thus, AKBA binds to allosteric sites in 5-LOX, shifting the regiospecificity to a 12/15-lipoxygnating enzyme, and to an analogous site in 15-LOX-1, leading to enzyme activation, which favors specialized pro-resolving mediator (SPM) formation at the expense of leukotriene production. Methods: Here, we investigated Boswellin super® (BSR), a commercially available frankincense extract with ≥30% AKBA, used as remedy that approved efficacy in osteoarthritis trials, for its ability to modulate LM pathways in human monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) phenotypes, neutrophils, and neutrophil/platelet co-incubations. LM profiling was performed by using targeted ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-MS). Results: BSR concentration-dependently (10-100 μg/ml) suppressed formation of pro-inflammatory 5-LOX products including LTB4 in exotoxin-stimulated M1-MDM and neutrophils, and strongly elevated 12/15-LOX products and SPM in activated M2-MDM and neutrophil/platelet cocultures, starting at 10 μg/mL. Also, BSR (≥10 μg/mL) induced robust 12/15-LOX product and SPM generation in resting M2-MDM, which was further markedly elevated when exogenous docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosahexaenoic acid (EPA) were supplied, and induced translocation of 15-LOX from a soluble to a particulate locale in M2 MDM. Discussion: We conclude that BSR especially when co-added with DHA and EPA, promotes the LM class switch in innate immune cells from pro-inflammatory to pro-resolving mediators, which might be a plausible mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory actions of BSR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Nischang
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Finja M. Witt
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Friedemann Börner
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Paul M. Jordan
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Werz
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
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Püski P, Körmöczi T, Berkecz R, Barta A, Bajtel Á, Kiss T. Rapid Detection of Adulteration in Boswellia Extracts with Citric Acid by UPLC-HRMS and 1H NMR. J Diet Suppl 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38165273 DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2023.2299886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Boswellia serrata ole-gum-resin extracts (BSEs) are commonly used as food supplements, especially in osteoarthritis management. The quality standard is established by determining 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA) and acetyl-11-keto-boswellic acid (AKBA) content using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or assessing the total boswellic acid (TBA) content by titrimetry. The limited geographical distribution of Boswellia species and increasing industrial demand could increase the risk of adulteration in Boswellia-containing products. In this study, 14 BSEs from commercial sources, used in food supplements, were analyzed in comparison with a USP Reference Standard extract. The KBA and AKBA content was determined by HPLC, whereas the TBA content was determined by titration. Targeted UHPLC-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was applied to identify the carboxylic acid content in the samples. The 1H NMR spectra of extracts were also analyzed. Only two products met the criteria for KBA and AKBA content. Although, the TBA content complied with the expected amount, 10 extracts contained citric acid levels of 6-11% even though citric acid is not a cha-racteristic component of BSEs. Our results suggest undeclared addition of citric acid to comply with declared contents of TBA when using titration methods. Incorporation of citric acid to industrial samples - in order to alter the outcomes of the titration analysis - was demonstrated for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Püski
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tímea Körmöczi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Analysis, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Róbert Berkecz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Analysis, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anita Barta
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ákos Bajtel
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tivadar Kiss
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Al-Kharousi ZS, Mothershaw AS, Nzeako B. Antimicrobial Activity of Frankincense ( Boswellia sacra) Oil and Smoke against Pathogenic and Airborne Microbes. Foods 2023; 12:3442. [PMID: 37761150 PMCID: PMC10527873 DOI: 10.3390/foods12183442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As they continuously evolve, plants will remain a renewable source for antimicrobial compounds. Omani frankincense is produced by B. sacra trees and is graded into Hojari, Nejdi, Shazri or Sha'bi. Air can be a source for pathogenic or food spoilage microbes; thus, inactivating airborne microbes is necessary in environments such as food and animal production areas. This study investigated the antimicrobial activity and the chemistry of steam-distilled oils of Hojari and Sha'bi grades. It also analyzed the antimicrobial activity of frankincense smoke and the size of its solid particles. Chemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the oils against Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC 6571), Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli (NCTC 10418), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NCTC 10662), Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium citrinum, Alternaria alternata and Fusarium solani was determined using well diffusion and micro-well dilution methods. A microscopic technique was used to determine the size of frankincense smoke solid particles. Microbes were exposed to frankincense smoke to test their susceptibility to the smoke. Hojari and Sha'bi oils were similar in composition and contained monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The Hojari and the Sha'bi oils possessed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. The largest growth inhibition zones were obtained with S. cerevisiae and F. solani. An MIC of 1.56% (v/v) was found with E. coli, S. cerevisiae and F. solani. Frankincense smoke contained fine irregular solid particles with a diameter range of 0.8-2287.4 µm, and thus may pose a health risk to susceptible individuals. The smoke had potent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and airborne bacteria, yeast and mold, with a maximum inhibition of 100%. It was concluded that Hojari and Sha'bi frankincense oils and smoke had significant antimicrobial activity that can be exploited in controlling human, animal and plant pathogenic microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra S. Al-Kharousi
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 34, Al-Khod 123, Oman;
| | - Ann S. Mothershaw
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 34, Al-Khod 123, Oman;
| | - Basil Nzeako
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 35, Al-Khod 123, Oman;
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Hussain M, Hussaini SS, Shariq M, Alzahrani H, Alholaisi AA, Alharbi SH, Alsharif SA, Al-Gethami W, Ali SK, Alaghaz ANMA, Siddiqui MA, Seku K. Enhancing Cu 2+ Ion Removal: An Innovative Approach Utilizing Modified Frankincense Gum Combined with Multiwalled Carbon Tubes and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as Adsorbent. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28114494. [PMID: 37298968 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28114494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquatic pollution, which includes organic debris and heavy metals, is a severe issue for living things. Copper pollution is hazardous to people, and there is a need to develop effective methods for eliminating it from the environment. To address this issue, a novel adsorbent composed of frankincense-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Fr-MMWCNTs) and Fe3O4 [Fr-MWCNT-Fe3O4] was created and subjected to characterization. Batch adsorption tests showed that Fr-MWCNT-Fe3O4 had a maximum adsorption capacity of 250 mg/g at 308 K and could efficiently remove Cu2+ ions over a pH range of 6 to 8. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, and its thermodynamics were identified as endothermic. Functional groups on the surface of modified MWCNTs improved their adsorption capacity, and a rise in temperature increased the adsorption efficiency. These results highlight the Fr-MWCNT-Fe3O4 composites' potential as an efficient adsorbent for removing Cu2+ ions from untreated natural water sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mushtaq Hussain
- Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Technology, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Shinas 324, Oman
| | - Syed Sulaiman Hussaini
- Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Technology, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Shinas 324, Oman
| | - Mohammad Shariq
- Department of Physics, College of Science, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan Alzahrani
- Department of Physics, College of Science, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arafa A Alholaisi
- Department of Physics, Al-Qunfudah University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24382, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samar H Alharbi
- Department of Physics, Al-Qunfudah University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24382, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sirajah A Alsharif
- Department of Physics, Al-Qunfudah University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24382, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wafa Al-Gethami
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Al-Hawiah, Taif City P.O. Box 11099, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Kashif Ali
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohd Asim Siddiqui
- Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Technology, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Shinas 324, Oman
| | - Kondaiah Seku
- Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Technology, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Shinas 324, Oman
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DeCarlo A, Johnson S, Abdikadir A, Satyal P, Poudel A, Setzer WN. Evaluating the Potential of Boswellia rivae to Provide Sustainable Livelihood Benefits in Eastern Ethiopia. Plants (Basel) 2023; 12:2024. [PMID: 37653941 PMCID: PMC10222219 DOI: 10.3390/plants12102024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Frankincense is an oleo-gum-resin collected from wild Boswellia spp. trees, and widely used in perfumery, cosmetics, aromatherapy, incense, and other industries. Boswellia rivae, growing in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya, is one source of frankincense, but is little-commercialized compared to species such as B. sacra, B. frereana, and B. papyrifera. In this study, we examine the resin essential oil chemistry and harvesting systems of B. rivae in order to evaluate its potential for increased trade and potential positive livelihood benefits. Boswellia rivae produces an essential oil rich in α-thujene (0.1-12.4%), α-pinene (5.5-56.4%), β-pinene (0.3-13.0%), δ-3-carene (0.1-31.5%), p-cymene (1.4-31.2%), limonene (1.8-37.3%), β-phellandrene (tr-5.6%), trans-pinocarveol (0.1-5.0%), trans-verbenol (0.1-11.2%), and trans-β-elemene (0-5.7%), similar to major commercial species, although it is difficult to detect mixing of B. rivae and Commiphora africana resins from chemistry alone. The B. rivae trees are not actively tapped, so resin collection has a neutral impact on the health of the trees, and resin production is unaffected by drought. Consequently, collecting resins acts as a key income supplementing livestock herding, as well as a safety net protecting pastoral communities from the severe negative effects of climate change-exacerbated drought on livestock. Therefore, Boswellia rivae is well positioned chemically, ecologically, and socially to support expanded trade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjanette DeCarlo
- The Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E, Suite 100, Lehi, UT 84043, USA; (A.D.); (P.S.)
- Grossman School of Business, University of Vermont, 55 Colchester Ave, 100 Kalkin Hall, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Stephen Johnson
- FairSource Botanicals, LLC, 560 Fox Drive #643, Fox Island, WA 98333, USA
| | - Abdinasir Abdikadir
- Somali Region Pastoral and Agro-Pastoral Research Institute, Jigjiga P.O. Box 1020, Ethiopia
| | - Prabodh Satyal
- The Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E, Suite 100, Lehi, UT 84043, USA; (A.D.); (P.S.)
| | - Ambika Poudel
- The Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E, Suite 100, Lehi, UT 84043, USA; (A.D.); (P.S.)
| | - William N. Setzer
- The Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E, Suite 100, Lehi, UT 84043, USA; (A.D.); (P.S.)
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA
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Farahani MK, Bitaraf FS, Atashi A, Jabbarpour Z. Evaluation of anticancer effects of frankincense on breast cancer stem-like cells. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2023; 6:e1693. [PMID: 36806721 PMCID: PMC9939999 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relapse and metastasis in breast cancer are linked to cancer stem cells (CSCs) resistant to anticancer therapies. The presence of cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) and their ability to self-renew is determined by in vitro spheroid formation. AIMS Many studies have found that frankincense has anticancer impacts, although these effects on breast CSLCs have never been evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS A population of heterogeneous breast tumor cells was extracted from the tumor mass after generating an animal model of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Spheroid formation was used as an in vitro assay to determine the existence of CSLCs in these cells. MTT assay was used to determine frankincense's cytotoxic activity. An annexin V- propidium iodide (PI) staining and scratch test were used to assess the induction of apoptosis and antimetastatic effects of frankincense. The frankincense extract has significant cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on breast CSLCs. Although, the breast CSLCs are more resistant to these impacts than other breast cancer cells. CONCLUSION Our study is the first report that indicates that frankincense extract has anticancer properties in breast CSLCs. Compared to many anticancer chemicals, which have limited potential to battle cancer stem cells, frankincense is an appropriate option to combat breast CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fateme Sadat Bitaraf
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of MedicineShahroud University of Medical SciencesShahroudIran
| | - Amir Atashi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of ParamedicalShahroud University of Medical SciencesShahroudIran
| | - Zahra Jabbarpour
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Disease Research InstituteTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Johnson S, Abdikadir A, Satyal P, Poudel A, Setzer WN. Conservation Assessment and Chemistry of Boswellia ogadensis, a Critically Endangered Frankincense Tree. Plants (Basel) 2022; 11:3381. [PMID: 36501419 PMCID: PMC9735944 DOI: 10.3390/plants11233381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Boswellia ogadensis is a critically endangered species of frankincense tree, restricted to a small area of the Shabelle river valley in southern Ethiopia. It has only been recorded from two botanical collecting trips, in 1972 and 2006, with no indication of the abundance, threats, or population status of the trees, and it was listed on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species as "Critically Endangered" in 2018. More recent expeditions, in 2019 and 2021, were not able to locate the species, raising concerns about its continued survival. We carried out a field survey in June 2022 to re-locate the species, assess the threat level it is facing, and collect samples of resin for analysis. This survey revealed that B. ogadensis is present in more locations than previously recorded, and is more abundant than thought. While it is facing multiple threats, including grazing, cutting for firewood, and insect attacks, these threats vary geographically, and there are populations that appear to be healthy and regenerating well. While more research is needed, the current survey indicates that downlisting to "Endangered" status may be appropriate. Samples of resin were also collected and analyzed using gas chromatographic techniques, revealing that while the essential oil profile is similar to that of other Boswellia species (dominated by α-thujene, α-pinene, p-cymene, and terpenin-4-ol), there are chemical markers that can distinguish it from other sympatric Boswellia species, indicating the potential for this to be used as a tool to monitor whether B. ogadensis is being harvested alongside other more common Boswellia species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Johnson
- FairSource Botanicals, LLC, 560 Fox Drive #643, Fox Island, WA 98333, USA
| | - Abdinasir Abdikadir
- Somali Region Pastoral and Agro-Pastoral Research Institute, Jigjiga P.O. Box 1020, Ethiopia
| | - Prabodh Satyal
- The Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E, Suite 100, Lehi, UT 84043, USA
| | - Ambika Poudel
- The Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E, Suite 100, Lehi, UT 84043, USA
| | - William N. Setzer
- The Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E, Suite 100, Lehi, UT 84043, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805-1911, USA
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Su SL, Miao XD, Li JS, Zhao LH, Fan RY, Shang EX, Zhu Y, Qian DW, Duan JA. [Combination characteristics of frankincense and myrrh and progress and prospect of their combination efficacy and mechanism]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 2022; 47:5789-5796. [PMID: 36471996 DOI: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20220801.601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Herbal pair is formed based on the experience summary of doctors' deep understanding and perception of the medicinal nature in long-term clinical practice. It gradually becomes the exquisite structural unit for preparing traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) prescriptions, and often plays a core bridge role in the prescription combination. Frankincense and myrrh are raw resin materials of incense abroad, which are subsequently included as Chinese medicinal herbs and endowed with rich medicinal connotation. With the functions of relaxing Zang-fu organs, activating blood and relieving pain, they have definite clinical efficacy. From the perspective of herbal description and clinical application, this study systematically analyzed the combination of frankincense and myrrh as well as their combination proportion, efficacy characterization, diseases and syndromes, effective components and action mechanism. On this basis, the focus of in-depth research of frankincense-myrrh and the application prospects were proposed, in order to further reveal the potential meditation law of this herbal pair, thus contributing to clinical practice and drug innovation of traditional Chinese medicine, and providing reference for understanding of TCM medicinal nature and research of herbal pairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Lan Su
- Jiangsu Blood-regulating Prescription Innovative Drug Engineering Center, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Resourcs Industrialization of Chinese Meteria Medica and Prescription-oriented Innovative Drugs, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Miao
- Jiangsu Blood-regulating Prescription Innovative Drug Engineering Center, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Resourcs Industrialization of Chinese Meteria Medica and Prescription-oriented Innovative Drugs, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jia-Shang Li
- Jiangsu Blood-regulating Prescription Innovative Drug Engineering Center, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Resourcs Industrialization of Chinese Meteria Medica and Prescription-oriented Innovative Drugs, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Li-Hui Zhao
- Jiangsu Blood-regulating Prescription Innovative Drug Engineering Center, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Resourcs Industrialization of Chinese Meteria Medica and Prescription-oriented Innovative Drugs, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ruo-Ying Fan
- Jiangsu Blood-regulating Prescription Innovative Drug Engineering Center, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Resourcs Industrialization of Chinese Meteria Medica and Prescription-oriented Innovative Drugs, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Er-Xin Shang
- Jiangsu Blood-regulating Prescription Innovative Drug Engineering Center, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Resourcs Industrialization of Chinese Meteria Medica and Prescription-oriented Innovative Drugs, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yue Zhu
- Jiangsu Blood-regulating Prescription Innovative Drug Engineering Center, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Resourcs Industrialization of Chinese Meteria Medica and Prescription-oriented Innovative Drugs, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Da-Wei Qian
- Jiangsu Blood-regulating Prescription Innovative Drug Engineering Center, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Resourcs Industrialization of Chinese Meteria Medica and Prescription-oriented Innovative Drugs, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jin-Ao Duan
- Jiangsu Blood-regulating Prescription Innovative Drug Engineering Center, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Resourcs Industrialization of Chinese Meteria Medica and Prescription-oriented Innovative Drugs, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing 210023, China
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Ren M, Ren X, Wang X, Yang Y. Characterization of the incense sacrificed to the sarira of Sakyamuni from Famen Royal Temple during the ninth century in China. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2112724119. [PMID: 35576464 PMCID: PMC9173757 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2112724119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
SignificanceIncense has been linked to ceremonies, religions, medicines, and cosmetics worldwide for thousands of years. While Chinese texts in the Tang dynasty (618 to 907 CE) indicate that numerous exotic aromatic substances were already being introduced into China through the land and maritime Silk Road, this has been rarely demonstrated archaeologically. This study identifies three types of incense associated with the sacred sarira of Sakyamuni Budda from the underground palace of Famen Royal Temple in central China, providing direct evidence of aromatics including elemi, agarwood, and frankincense as well as their composite product, namely Hexiang (blending of aromatics), in Buddhist activities, which may have promoted the spread of incense and the development of aromatic knowledge systems in medieval China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Ren
- Department of Conservation Science, Palace Museum, Beijing 100009, China
| | - Xinlai Ren
- Famen Temple Museum, Baoji 722201, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Department of Conservation Science, Palace Museum, Beijing 100009, China
| | - Yimin Yang
- Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Khajehdehi M, Khalaj-Kondori M, Baradaran B. Molecular evidences on anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and memory-boosting effects of frankincense. Phytother Res 2022; 36:1194-1215. [PMID: 35142408 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chemical diversity of natural products with drug-like features has attracted much attention from medicine to develop more safe and effective drugs. Their anti-inflammatory, antitumor, analgesic, and other therapeutic properties are sometimes more successful than chemical drugs in controlling disease due to fewer drug resistance and side effects and being more tolerable in a long time. Frankincense, the oleo gum resin extracted from the Boswellia species, contains some of these chemicals. The anti-inflammatory effect of its main ingredient, boswellic acid, has been traditionally used to treat many diseases, mainly those target memory functions. In this review, we have accumulated research evidence from the beneficial effect of Frankincense consumption in memory improvement and the prevention of inflammation and cancer. Besides, we have discussed the molecular pathways mediating the therapeutic effects of this natural supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Khajehdehi
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khalaj-Kondori
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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11
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Börner F, Werner M, Ertelt J, Meins J, Abdel-Tawab M, Werz O. Analysis of Boswellic Acid Contents and Related Pharmacological Activities of Frankincense-Based Remedies That Modulate Inflammation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:660. [PMID: 34358086 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracts of frankincense, the gum resin of Boswellia species, have been extensively used in traditional folk medicine since ancient times and are still of great interest as promising anti-inflammatory remedies in Western countries. Despite their common therapeutic use and the intensive pharmacological research including studies on active ingredients, modes of action, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and clinical efficacy, frankincense preparations are available as nutraceuticals but have not yet approved as a drug on the market. A major issue of commercially available frankincense nutraceuticals is the striking differences in their composition and quality, especially related to the content of boswellic acids (BAs) as active ingredients, mainly due to the use of material from divergent Boswellia species but also because of different work-up and extraction procedures. Here, we assessed three frequently used frankincense-based preparations for their BA content and the interference with prominent pro-inflammatory actions and targets that have been proposed, that is, 5-lipoxygenase and leukotriene formation in human neutrophils, microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1, and inflammatory cytokine secretion in human blood monocytes. Our data reveal striking differences in the pharmacological efficiencies of these preparations in inflammation-related bioassays which obviously correlate with the amounts of BAs they contain. In summary, high-quality frankincense extracts display powerful anti-inflammatory effectiveness against multiple targets which can be traced back to BAs as bioactive ingredients.
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12
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Greve HL, Kaiser M, Mäser P, Schmidt TJ. Boswellic Acids Show In Vitro Activity against Leishmania donovani. Molecules 2021; 26:3651. [PMID: 34203815 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In continuation of our search for leads from medicinal plants against protozoal pathogens, we detected antileishmanial activity in polar fractions of a dichloromethane extract from Boswellia serrata resin. 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA) could be isolated from these fractions and was tested in vitro against Leishmania donovani axenic amastigotes along with five further boswellic acid derivatives. 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) showed the strongest activity with an IC50 value of 0.88 µM against axenic amastigotes but was inactive against intracellular amastigotes in murine macrophages
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13
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Hussain H, Ali I, Wang D, Hakkim FL, Westermann B, Rashan L, Ahmed I, Green IR. Boswellic acids: privileged structures to develop lead compounds for anticancer drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 16:851-867. [PMID: 33650441 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1892640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Cancer has been identified to be the second major cause of death internationally as exemplified by ca. 9.6 million deaths in 2018 along with ca. 18 million new patients in 2018 that have been recorded. Natural boswellic acids (BAs) and their source, frankincense, have been reported to possess in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects toward various cancer cells.Areas covered: This comprehensive review focuses on the importance of boswellic acids (BAs) for the establishment of future treatments of cancer. Moreover, potent semisynthetic derivatives of BAs have been described along with their mode of action. In addition, important structural features of the semisynthetic BAs required for cytotoxic effects are also discussed.Expert opinion: Numerous semisynthetic BAs illustrate excellent cytotoxic effects. Of note, compounds bearing cyanoenone moieties in ring A, endoperoxides and hybrids display increased and more potent cytotoxic effects compared with other semisynthetic BAs. Moreover, BAs have the potential to conjugate or couple with other anticancer compounds to synergistically increase their combined anticancer effects. In addition, to get derived BAs to become lead anticancer compounds, future research should focus on the preparation of ring A cyanoenones, endoperoxides, and C-24 amide analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidayat Hussain
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg, Germany
| | - Iftikhar Ali
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Key Laboratory for Applied Technology of Sophisticated Analytical Instruments of Shandong Province, Shandong Analysis and Test Center, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China.,Department of Chemistry, Karakoram International University, Gilgit, Pakistan
| | - Daijie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Key Laboratory for Applied Technology of Sophisticated Analytical Instruments of Shandong Province, Shandong Analysis and Test Center, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Faruck L Hakkim
- Department of Urology Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota (Twin Cities), Minneapolis, USA
| | - Bernhard Westermann
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg, Germany
| | - Luay Rashan
- Medicinal Plants Division, Research Center, Dhofar University, Salalah, Oman
| | - Ishtiaq Ahmed
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ivan R Green
- Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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14
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Lai SC, You RI, Chen TT, Chang Y, Liu CZ, Chen HP, Wu C. Rapid Identification of Commercial Frankincense Products by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2021; 25:895-905. [PMID: 33645476 DOI: 10.2174/1386207324666210301092111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frankincense is a resin secreted by the Boswellia tree. It is used in perfumery, aromatherapy, skincare, and traditional Chinese medicine. However, all Boswellia species are under threat owing to habitat loss and overexploitation. As a result, the market is getting flooded with counterfeit frankincense products. OBJECTIVE This study aims to establish a high-throughput method to screen and identify the authenticity of commercial frankincense products. We report, for the first time, a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)-based method for rapid and high-throughput screening of frankincense samples. METHODS MALDI-TOF MS, HPLC, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity assay were used to examine the frankincense samples. RESULTS Well-resolved peaks of frankincense triterpenoids in the spectra were observed in the crude extract of commercial samples, including α-boswellic acids (αBAs), β-boswellic acids (βBAs), 11-keto-β-boswellic acids (KBAs), acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acids (AKBAs), and their esters. These compounds can be used as indicators for determining the authenticity of frankincense. CONCLUSION Unlike LC-MS, which is a time-consuming and expensive method, and TLC, which requires a reference sample, our inexpensive, rapid high-throughput identification method based on MALDI-TOF MS is ideal for large-scale screening of frankincense samples sold in the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Chih Lai
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine,Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004. Taiwan
| | - Ren-In You
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004. Taiwan
| | - Tz-Ting Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Tamkang University, Tamsui, New Taipei City 25137. Taiwan
| | - Yu Chang
- Department of Biochemistry, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004. Taiwan
| | - Chao-Zong Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004. Taiwan
| | - Hao-Ping Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004. Taiwan
| | - Chunhung Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Tamkang University, Tamsui, New Taipei City 25137. Taiwan
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15
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Schmiech M, Ulrich J, Lang SJ, Büchele B, Paetz C, St-Gelais A, Syrovets T, Simmet T. 11-Keto-α-Boswellic Acid, a Novel Triterpenoid from Boswellia spp. with Chemotaxonomic Potential and Antitumor Activity against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26020366. [PMID: 33445710 PMCID: PMC7828217 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Boswellic acids, and particularly 11-keto-boswellic acids, triterpenoids derived from the genus Boswellia (Burseraceae), are known for their anti-inflammatory and potential antitumor efficacy. Although boswellic acids generally occur as α-isomers (oleanane type) and β-isomers (ursane type), 11-keto-boswellic acid (KBA) was found only as the β-isomer, β-KBA. Here, the existence and natural occurrence of the respective α-isomer, 11-keto-α-boswellic acid (α-KBA), is demonstrated for the first time. Initially, α-KBA was synthesized and characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and a highly selective, sensitive, and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was developed by Design of Experiments (DoE) using a pentafluorophenyl stationary phase. This method allowed the selective quantification of individual 11-keto-boswellic acids and provided evidence for α-KBA in Boswellia spp. oleogum resins. The contents of α-KBA as well as further boswellic acids and the composition of essential oils were used to chemotaxonomically classify 41 Boswellia oleogum resins from 9 different species. Moreover, α-KBA exhibited cytotoxicity against three treatment-resistant triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines in vitro and also induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 xenografts in vivo. The respective β-isomer and the acetylated form demonstrate higher cytotoxic efficacies against TNBC cells. This provides further insights into the structure-activity relationship of boswellic acids and could support future developments of potential anti-inflammatory and antitumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schmiech
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.S.); (J.U.); (S.J.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Judith Ulrich
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.S.); (J.U.); (S.J.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Sophia Johanna Lang
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.S.); (J.U.); (S.J.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Berthold Büchele
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.S.); (J.U.); (S.J.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Christian Paetz
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany;
| | | | - Tatiana Syrovets
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.S.); (J.U.); (S.J.L.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (T.S.); Tel.: +49-731-500-65604 (T.S.); +49-731-500-65600 (T.S.)
| | - Thomas Simmet
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.S.); (J.U.); (S.J.L.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (T.S.); Tel.: +49-731-500-65604 (T.S.); +49-731-500-65600 (T.S.)
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16
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Halim SA, Khan A, Csuk R, Al-Rawahi A, Al-Harrasi A. Diterpenoids and Triterpenoids From Frankincense Are Excellent Anti-psoriatic Agents: An in silico Approach. Front Chem 2020; 8:486. [PMID: 32671018 PMCID: PMC7330179 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects 2–3% of the global population and requires an effective treatment. Frankincense has been long known for its potent anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, a structural bioinformatics approach was used to evaluate the efficacy of individual active components of frankincense, macrocyclic diterpenoid derivatives (1-27), and boswellic acids (28-46) in the treatment of psoriasis. Initially, major druggable targets of psoriasis were identified. Subsequently, structure-based screening was employed by using three different docking algorithms and scoring functions (MOE, AutoDock Vina, and MVD) for the target fishing of compounds against 18 possible targets of psoriasis. Janus Kinase 1, 2, 3 (JAK 1/2/3), eNOS, iNOS, interleukin-17 (IL-17), and Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were identified as the preferred molecular targets for these compounds. This computational analysis reflects that frankincense diterpenoids and triterpenoids can serve as excellent anti-psoriatic agents by targeting major cytokines (TNF-α, IL-17, IL-13, IL-23, and IL-36γ,) exacerbated in psoriasis, and inflammatory pathways particularly JAK1/2/3, eNOS, iNOS, MAPK2, and IFNγ. The results were compared with the reported experimental findings which correlates well with our in-silico verdicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobia Ahsan Halim
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Ajmal Khan
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Rene Csuk
- Organic Chemistry, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ahmed Al-Rawahi
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
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17
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Kieliszek M, Edris A, Kot AM, Piwowarek K. Biological Activity of Some Aromatic Plants and Their Metabolites, with an Emphasis on Health-Promoting Properties. Molecules 2020; 25:E2478. [PMID: 32471063 PMCID: PMC7321084 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25112478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The biological activities of four aromatic plants, namely frankincense, myrrh, ginger, and turmeric, were reviewed in the current study. The volatile fraction (essential oil) as well as the nonvolatile fraction of these four plants showed different promising biological activities that are displayed in detail. These activities can include protection from and/or alleviation of some ailment, which is supported with different proposed mechanisms of action. This review aimed to finally help researchers to get a handle on the importance of considering these selected aromatic plants, which have not been thoroughly reviewed before, as a potential adjuvant to classical synthetic drugs to enhance their efficiency. Moreover, the results elicited in this review encourage the consumption of these medicinal plants as an integrated part of the diet to boost the body's overall health based on scientific evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Kieliszek
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159 C, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Amr Edris
- Aroma & Flavor Chemistry Department, Food Industries & Nutrition Division, National Research Center, El Behose Street, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Anna Maria Kot
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159 C, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Kamil Piwowarek
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159 C, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
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18
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Chen YH, Chen WC, Tsai KS, Liu PL, Tsai MY, Lin TC, Yu SC, Chen HY. Efficacy of Frankincense and Myrrha in Treatment of Acute Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome. Chin J Integr Med 2020; 26:519-26. [PMID: 32279153 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-020-3216-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy of frankincense and myrrha in the treatment of acute interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). METHODS The effects of frankincense and myrrha on the proliferation and migration of primary human urothelial cells (HUCs) were assessed in vitro. In the animal study, 48 virgin female rats were randomized into 4 groups (12 in each group): (1) control group (saline-injected control); (2) cyclophosphamide (CYP) group (intraperitoneal injected 150 mg/kg CYP); (3) CYP + pentosan polysulfate sodium group (orally received 50 mg/kg pentosan polysulfate sodium); and (4) CYP + frankincense and myrrha group [orally received frankincense (200 mg/kg) and myrrha (200 mg/kg)]. Rats orally received pentosan polysulfate sodium or frankincense and myrrha on day 1, 2, and 3. The experiments were performed on day 4. Pain and cystometry assessment behavior test were performed. Voiding interval values were assessed in rats under anesthesia. Finally, immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to confirm the location and level, respectively, of cell junction-associated protein zonula occludens-2 (ZO-2) expression. RESULTS Low dose frankincense and myrrha increased cell proliferation and migration in HUCs compared with control (P<0.05). Rats with acute IC/PBS rats exhibited lower voiding interval values, pain tolerance, and ZO-2 expression (P<0.05). Voiding interval values and pain tolerance were higher in the frankincense and myrrha group than CYP group (P<0.05). ZO-2 expression in the bladder was increased in the CYP + pentosan polysulfate and frankincense + myrrha groups compared with the CYP-induced acute IC/PBS group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION frankincense and myrrha modulate urothelial wound healing, which ameliorates typical features of acute IC/PBS in rats.
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Miao XD, Zheng LJ, Zhao ZZ, Su SL, Zhu Y, Guo JM, Shang EX, Qian DW, Duan JA. Protective Effect and Mechanism of Boswellic Acid and Myrrha Sesquiterpenes with Different Proportions of Compatibility on Neuroinflammation by LPS-Induced BV2 Cells Combined with Network Pharmacology. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24213946. [PMID: 31683684 PMCID: PMC6864549 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24213946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Frankincense and myrrha (FM), commonly used as a classical herbal pair, have a wide range of clinical applications and definite anti-inflammatory activity. However, anti-neuroinflammation effects and mechanisms are not clear. In this study, we adopted a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced microglial (BV2) cell model and a network pharmacology method to reveal the anti-neuroinflammatory effects and mechanisms of boswellic acid (BA) and myrrha sesquiterpenes (MS) with different proportions of compatibility. The data showed that the different ratios of BA and MS had different degrees of inhibition of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression, down-regulated the phosphor-nuclear factor kappa B/nuclear factor kappa B (p-NF-ҡB)/(NF-ҡB), phosphorylated protein kinase b/protein kinase b (p-AKT/AKT), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) protein expression levels, and increased phospho-PI3 kinase (p-PI3K) protein expression levels. When the ratios of BA and MS were 10:1, 5:1, and 20:1, better effective efficacy was exhibited. According to the correlation analysis between the effect index and bioactive substances, it was suggested that 2-methoxy-5-acetoxy -fruranogermacr-1(10)-en-6-one (Compound 1), 3α-acetyloxylanosta-8,24-dien-21-oic acid (Compound 2), 11-keto-boswellic acid (Compound 3), and 3-acetyl-11-keto-β -boswellic acid (Compound 4) made important contributions to the treatment of neuroinflammation. Furthermore, based on the network pharmacological analysis, it was found that these four active compounds acted on 31 targets related to neuroinflammation and were involved in 32 signaling pathways which mainly related to the immune system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system, suggesting that BA and MS could be used to treat neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dong Miao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization; National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Li-Jie Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Research and Development in Marine Bio-resource Pharmaceutics, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Zi-Zhang Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization; National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Shu-Lan Su
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization; National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yue Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization; National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Jian-Ming Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization; National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Er-Xin Shang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization; National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Da-Wei Qian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization; National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Jin-Ao Duan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization; National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Schmiech M, Lang SJ, Ulrich J, Werner K, Rashan LJ, Syrovets T, Simmet T. Comparative Investigation of Frankincense Nutraceuticals: Correlation of Boswellic and Lupeolic Acid Contents with Cytokine Release Inhibition and Toxicity against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11102341. [PMID: 31581678 PMCID: PMC6836131 DOI: 10.3390/nu11102341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
For centuries, frankincense extracts have been commonly used in traditional medicine, and more recently, in complementary medicine. Therefore, frankincense constituents such as boswellic and lupeolic acids are of considerable therapeutic interest. Sixteen frankincense nutraceuticals were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), revealing major differences in boswellic and lupeolic acid compositions and total contents, which varied from 0.4% to 35.7%. Frankincense nutraceuticals significantly inhibited the release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8, by LPS-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and whole blood. Moreover, boswellic and lupeolic acid contents correlated with TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 inhibition. The nutraceuticals also exhibited toxicity against the human triple-negative breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-453, and CAL-51 in vitro. Nutraceuticals with total contents of boswellic and lupeolic acids >30% were the most active ones against MDA-MB-231 with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) ≤ 7.0 µg/mL. Moreover, a frankincense nutraceutical inhibited tumor growth and induced apoptosis in vivo in breast cancer xenografts grown on the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Among eight different boswellic and lupeolic acids tested, β-ABA exhibited the highest cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 with an IC50 = 5.9 µM, inhibited growth of cancer xenografts in vivo, and released proinflammatory cytokines. Its content in nutraceuticals correlated strongly with TNF-, IL-6, and IL-8 release inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schmiech
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Sophia J Lang
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Judith Ulrich
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Katharina Werner
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Luay J Rashan
- Medicinal Plants Division, Research Center, Dhofar University, Salalah 211, Oman.
| | - Tatiana Syrovets
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Thomas Simmet
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
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Liang D, Ning Z, Song Z, Wang C, Liu Y, Wan X, Peng S, Liu Z, Lu A. The Effects of Vinegar Processing on the Changes in the Physical Properties of Frankincense Related to the Absorption of the Main Boswellic Acids. Molecules 2019; 24:E3453. [PMID: 31547594 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24193453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Boswellic acids (BAs), as the main components of frankincense, exhibit notable anti-inflammatory properties. However, their pharmaceutical development has been severely limited by their poor oral bioavailability. Traditional Chinese medicinal processing, called Pao Zhi, is believed to improve bioavailability, yet the mechanism is still completely unclear. Previous research suggested that the bioavailability of a drug can be influenced by physical properties. This paper was designed to investigate the physical properties of frankincense and processed frankincense, including the surface morphology, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), specific surface area, porosity, and viscosity. The differences in the intestinal absorption characteristics and equilibrium solubilities between frankincense and processed frankincense were determined by an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a triple quadrupole electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TQ-MS) analysis method. The results showed that vinegar processing can alter the surface morphology, decrease the particle size and PDI, raise the absolute values of the ZP, specific surface area and porosity, and drop the viscosity of frankincense. Meanwhile, the rates of absorption and dissolution of the main BAs were increased after the processing of frankincense. The present study proves that the physical properties were changed after processing, in which case the bioavailability of frankincense was enhanced.
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Cao B, Wei XC, Xu XR, Zhang HZ, Luo CH, Feng B, Xu RC, Zhao SY, Du XJ, Han L, Zhang DK. Seeing the Unseen of the Combination of Two Natural Resins, Frankincense and Myrrh: Changes in Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities. Molecules 2019; 24:E3076. [PMID: 31450584 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24173076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
For the treatment of diseases, especially chronic diseases, traditional natural drugs have more effective therapeutic advantages because of their multi-target and multi-channel characteristics. Among many traditional natural medicines, resins frankincense and myrrh have been proven to be effective in the treatment of inflammation and cancer. In the West, frankincense and myrrh have been used as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies since ancient times; in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, they are used mainly for the treatment of chronic diseases. The main chemical constituents of frankincense and myrrh are terpenoids and essential oils. Their common pharmacological effects are anti-inflammatory and anticancer. More interestingly, in traditional Chinese medicine, frankincense and myrrh have been combined as drug pairs in the same prescription for thousands of years, and their combination has a better therapeutic effect on diseases than a single drug. After the combination of frankincense and myrrh forms a blend, a series of changes take place in their chemical composition, such as the increase or decrease of the main active ingredients, the disappearance of native chemical components, and the emergence of new chemical components. At the same time, the pharmacological effects of the combination seem magically powerful, such as synergistic anti-inflammation, synergistic anticancer, synergistic analgesic, synergistic antibacterial, synergistic blood-activation, and so on. In this review, we summarize the latest research on the main chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of these two natural resins, along with chemical and pharmacological studies on the combination of the two.
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DeCarlo A, Johnson S, Ouédraogo A, Dosoky NS, Setzer WN. Chemical Composition of the Oleogum Resin Essential Oils of Boswellia dalzielii from Burkina Faso. Plants (Basel) 2019; 8:plants8070223. [PMID: 31337133 PMCID: PMC6681306 DOI: 10.3390/plants8070223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Frankincense, the oleogum resin from members of Boswellia, has been used as medicine and incense for thousands of years, and essential oils derived from frankincense are important articles of commerce today. A new source of frankincense resin, Boswellia dalzielii from West Africa has been presented as a new, alternative source of frankincense. In this work, the oleogum resins from 20 different Boswellia dalzielii trees growing in Burkina Faso, West Africa were collected. Hydrodistillation of the resins gave essential oils that were analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. The essential oils were dominated by α-pinene (21.0%–56.0%), followed by carvone (2.1%–5.4%) and α-copaene (1.8%–5.0%). Interestingly, there was one individual tree that, although rich in α-pinene (21.0%), also had a substantial concentration of myrcene (19.2%) and α-thujene (9.8%). In conclusion, the oleogum resin essential oil compositions of B. dalzielii, rich in α-pinene, are comparable in composition to other frankincense essential oils, including B. sacra, B. carteri, and B. frereana. Additionally, the differences in composition between samples from Burkina Faso and those from Nigeria are very slight. There is, however, a rare chemotype of B. dalzielii that is dominated by myrcene, found both in Burkina Faso as well as Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjanette DeCarlo
- Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E, Suite 100, Lehi, UT 84043, USA.
| | - Stephen Johnson
- Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E, Suite 100, Lehi, UT 84043, USA
| | - Amadé Ouédraogo
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Ecology, University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, 03 BP 7021 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Noura S Dosoky
- Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E, Suite 100, Lehi, UT 84043, USA
| | - William N Setzer
- Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E, Suite 100, Lehi, UT 84043, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA.
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Schmiech M, Lang SJ, Werner K, Rashan LJ, Syrovets T, Simmet T. Comparative Analysis of Pentacyclic Triterpenic Acid Compositions in Oleogum Resins of Different Boswellia Species and Their In Vitro Cytotoxicity against Treatment-Resistant Human Breast Cancer Cells. Molecules 2019; 24:E2153. [PMID: 31181656 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24112153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pentacyclic triterpenic acids from oleogum resins of Boswellia species are of considerable therapeutic interest. Yet, their pharmaceutical development is hampered by uncertainties regarding botanical identification and the complexity of triterpenic acid mixtures. Here, a highly sensitive, selective, and accurate method for the simultaneous quantification of eight boswellic and lupeolic acids by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection (HPLC-MS/MS) was developed. The method was applied to the comparative analysis of 41 oleogum resins of the species B. sacra, B. dalzielli, B. papyrifera, B. serrata, B. carterii, B. neglecta, B. rivae, B. frereana, and B. occulta. Multivariate statistical analysis of the data revealed differences in the triterpenic acid composition that could be assigned to distinct Boswellia species and to their geographic growth location. Extracts of the oleogum resins exhibited cytotoxicity against the human, treatment-resistant, metastatic breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Extracts from B. sacra were the most potent ones with an average IC50 of 8.3 ± 0.6 µg/mL. The oleogum resin of the B. sacra was further fractionated to enrich different groups of substances. The cytotoxic efficacy against the cancer cells correlates positively with the contents of pentacyclic triterpenic acids in Boswellia extracts.
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Hakkim FL, Bakshi HA, Khan S, Nasef M, Farzand R, Sam S, Rashan L, Al-Baloshi MS, Abdo Hasson SSA, Jabri AA, McCarron PA, Tambuwala MM. Frankincense essential oil suppresses melanoma cancer through down regulation of Bcl-2/Bax cascade signaling and ameliorates heptotoxicity via phase I and II drug metabolizing enzymes. Oncotarget 2019; 10:3472-90. [PMID: 31191820 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a deadly form of malignancy and according to the World Health Organization 132,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed worldwide each year. Surgical resection and chemo/drug treatments opted for early and late stage of melanoma respectively, however detrimental post surgical and chemotherapy consequences are inevitable. Noticeably melanoma drug treatments are associated with liver injuries such as hepatitis and cholestasis which are very common. Alleviation of these clinical manifestations with better treatment options would enhance prognosis status and patients survival. Natural products which induce cytotoxicity with minimum side effects are of interest to achieve high therapeutic efficiency. In this study we investigated anti-melanoma and hepatoprotective activities of frankincense essential oil (FEO) in both in vitro and in vivo models. Pretreatment with FEO induce a significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent reduction in the cell viability of mouse (B16-F10) and human melanoma (FM94) but not in the normal human epithelial melanocytes (HNEM). Immunoblot analysis showed that FEO induces down regulation of Bcl-2 and up regulation of BAX in B16-F10 cells whereas in FM94 cells FEO induced dose-dependent cleavage of caspase 3, caspase 9 and PARP. Furthermore, FEO (10 μg/ml) treatment down regulated MCL1 in a time-dependent manner in FM94 cells. In vivo toxicity analysis reveals that weekly single dose of FEO (1200 mg/kg body weight) did not elicit detrimental effect on body weight during four weeks of experimental period. Histology of tissue sections also indicated that there were no observable histopathologic differences in the brain, heart, liver, and kidney compare to control groups. FEO (300 and 600 mg/kg body weight) treatments significantly reduced the tumor burden in C57BL/6 mice melanoma model. Acetaminophen (750 mg/kg body weight) was used to induce hepatic injury in Swiss albino mice. Pre treatment with FEO (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) for seven days retained hematology (complete blood count), biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, ALK, total bilirubin, total protein, glucose, albumin/globulin ratio, cholesterol and triglyceride), and the level of phase I and II drug metabolizing enzymes (cytochrome P450, cytochromeb5, glutathione-S-transferase) which were obstructed by the administration of acetaminophen. Further liver histology showed that FEO treatments reversed the damages (central vein dilation, hemorrhage, and nuclei condensation) caused by acetaminophen. In conclusion, FEO elicited marked anti-melanoma in both in vitro and in vivo with a significant heptoprotection.
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Johnson S, DeCarlo A, Satyal P, Dosoky NS, Sorensen A, Setzer WN. Organic Certification is Not Enough: The Case of the Methoxydecane Frankincense. Plants (Basel) 2019; 8:E88. [PMID: 30987305 DOI: 10.3390/plants8040088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Frankincense, the oleo-gum-resin of Boswellia trees, has been an important religious and medicinal element for thousands of years, and today is used extensively for essential oils. One of the most popular frankincense species is Boswellia sacra Flueck. (syn. Boswellia carteri Birdw.) from Somalia and Somaliland. Recent increases in demand have led to many areas being overharvested, emphasizing the need for incentives and monitoring for sustainable harvesting, such as certification schemes. Concurrently, a new chemical component, called methoxydecane, has emerged in oils claimed to be B. carteri, suggesting the possibility of a chemical marker of overharvesting or other stress that could aid in monitoring. To find the source of this new chemical component, we sampled resin directly from trees in areas producing the new methoxydecane chemotype. This revealed that methoxydecane comes not from Boswellia carteri, but from a newly described frankincense species, Boswellia occulta. The presence of Boswellia occulta oil in essential oil sold as pure B. carteri, including certified organic oil, emphasizes the current lack of traceability in the supply chain and the ineffectiveness of organic certification to secure purity and sustainable harvesting in wildcrafted species.
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Monzote L, Herrera I, Satyal P, Setzer WN. In-Vitro Evaluation of 52 Commercially-Available Essential Oils Against Leishmania amazonensis. Molecules 2019; 24:E1248. [PMID: 30934998 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24071248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by members of the Leishmania genus of parasitic protozoa that cause different clinical manifestations of the disease. Current treatment options for the cutaneous disease are limited due to severe side effects, poor efficacy, limited availability or accessibility, and developing resistance. Essential oils may provide low cost and readily available treatment options for leishmaniasis. In-vitro screening of a collection of 52 commercially available essential oils has been carried out against promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis. In addition, cytotoxicity has been determined for the essential oils against mouse peritoneal macrophages in order to determine selectivity. Promising essential oils were further screened against intracellular L. amazonensis amastigotes. Three essential oils showed notable antileishmanial activities: frankincense (Boswellia spp.), coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), and wintergreen (Gualtheria fragrantissima Wall.) with IC50 values against the amastigotes of 22.1 ± 4.2, 19.1 ± 0.7, and 22.2 ± 3.5 μg/mL and a selectivity of 2, 7, and 6, respectively. These essential oils could be explored as topical treatment options for cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Byler KG, Setzer WN. Protein Targets of Frankincense: A Reverse Docking Analysis of Terpenoids from Boswellia Oleo-Gum Resins. Medicines (Basel) 2018; 5:medicines5030096. [PMID: 30200355 PMCID: PMC6163972 DOI: 10.3390/medicines5030096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Frankincense, the oleo-gum resin of Boswellia trees, has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times. Frankincense has been used to treat wounds and skin infections, inflammatory diseases, dementia, and various other conditions. However, in many cases, the biomolecular targets for frankincense components are not well established. Methods: In this work, we have carried out a reverse docking study of Boswellia diterpenoids and triterpenoids with a library of 16034 potential druggable target proteins. Results:Boswellia diterpenoids showed selective docking to acetylcholinesterase, several bacterial target proteins, and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. Boswellia triterpenoids targeted the cancer-relevant proteins (poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, tankyrase, and folate receptor β), inflammation-relevant proteins (phospholipase A2, epoxide hydrolase, and fibroblast collagenase), and the diabetes target 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Conclusions: The preferential docking of Boswellia terpenoids is consistent with the traditional uses and the established biological activities of frankincense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendall G Byler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA.
| | - William N Setzer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA.
- Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E, Suite 102, Lehi, UT 84043, USA.
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29
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DeCarlo A, Johnson S, Poudel A, Satyal P, Bangerter L, Setzer WN. Chemical Variation in Essential Oils from the Oleo-gum Resin of Boswellia carteri: A Preliminary Investigation. Chem Biodivers 2018; 15:e1800047. [PMID: 29696822 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201800047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Frankincense, the oleo-gum resin of Boswellia species, has been an important element of traditional medicine for thousands of years. Frankincense is still used for oral hygiene, to treat wounds, and for its calming effects. Different Boswellia species show different chemical profiles, and B. carteri, in particular, has shown wide variation in essential oil composition. In order to provide insight into the chemical variability in authentic B. carteri oleoresin samples, a hierarchical cluster analysis of 42 chemical compositions of B. carteri oleo-gum resin essential oils has revealed at least three different chemotypes, i) an α-pinene-rich chemotype, ii) an α-thujene-rich chemotype, and iii) a methoxydecane-rich chemotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjanette DeCarlo
- Aromatic Plant Research Center, 615 St. George Square Court, Suite 300, Winston-Salem, NC, 27103, USA
| | - Stephen Johnson
- Aromatic Plant Research Center, 615 St. George Square Court, Suite 300, Winston-Salem, NC, 27103, USA
| | - Ambika Poudel
- Aromatic Plant Research Center, 615 St. George Square Court, Suite 300, Winston-Salem, NC, 27103, USA
| | - Prabodh Satyal
- Aromatic Plant Research Center, 615 St. George Square Court, Suite 300, Winston-Salem, NC, 27103, USA
| | - Loren Bangerter
- dōTERRA International, 389 South 1300 West, Pleasant Grove, UT, 84062, USA
| | - William N Setzer
- Aromatic Plant Research Center, 615 St. George Square Court, Suite 300, Winston-Salem, NC, 27103, USA.,Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, 35899, USA
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Loeser K, Seemann S, König S, Lenhardt I, Abdel-Tawab M, Koeberle A, Werz O, Lupp A. Protective Effect of Casperome ®, an Orally Bioavailable Frankincense Extract, on Lipopolysaccharide- Induced Systemic Inflammation in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:387. [PMID: 29731716 PMCID: PMC5921439 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Despite recent advances in critical care, sepsis remains a crucial cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units. Therefore, the identification of new therapeutic strategies is of great importance. Since ancient times, frankincense is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, the present study intends to evaluate if Casperome® (Casp), an orally bioavailable soy lecithin-based formulation of standardized frankincense extract, is able to ameliorate systemic effects and organ damages induced by severe systemic inflammation using a murine model of sepsis, i.e., intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Methods: Male 60-day-old mice were assigned to six treatment groups: (1) control, (2) LPS, (3) soy lecithin (blank lecithin without frankincense extract), (4) Casp, (5) soy lecithin plus LPS, or (6) Casp plus LPS. Soy lecithin and Casp were given 3 h prior to LPS treatment; 24 h after LPS administration, animals were sacrificed and health status and serum cytokine levels were evaluated. Additionally, parameters representing liver damage or liver function and indicating oxidative stress in different organs were determined. Furthermore, markers for apoptosis and immune cell redistribution were assessed by immunohistochemistry in liver and spleen. Results: LPS treatment caused a decrease in body temperature, blood glucose levels, liver glycogen content, and biotransformation capacity along with an increase in serum cytokine levels and oxidative stress in various organs. Additionally, apoptotic processes were increased in spleen besides a pronounced immune cell infiltration in both liver and spleen. Pretreatment with Casp significantly improved health status, blood glucose values, and body temperature of the animals, while serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in all organs tested were significantly diminished. Finally, apoptotic processes in spleen, liver glycogen loss, and immune cell infiltration in liver and spleen were distinctly reduced. Casp also appears to induce various cytochromeP450 isoforms, thus causing re-establishment of liver biotransformation capacity in LPS-treated mice. Conclusion: Casp displayed anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and hepatoprotective effects. Thus, orally bioavailable frankincense extracts may serve as a new supportive treatment option in acute systemic inflammation and accompanied liver dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Loeser
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Chair of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Semjon Seemann
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefanie König
- Chair of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Isabell Lenhardt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Koeberle
- Chair of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Werz
- Chair of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Amelie Lupp
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Koeberle A, Henkel A, Verhoff M, Tausch L, König S, Fischer D, Kather N, Seitz S, Paul M, Jauch J, Werz O. Triterpene Acids from Frankincense and Semi-Synthetic Derivatives That Inhibit 5-Lipoxygenase and Cathepsin G. Molecules 2018; 23:E506. [PMID: 29495286 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23020506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related diseases, such as osteoarthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, are often associated with chronic unresolved inflammation. Neutrophils play central roles in this process by releasing tissue-degenerative proteases, such as cathepsin G, as well as pro-inflammatory leukotrienes produced by the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway. Boswellic acids (BAs) are pentacyclic triterpene acids contained in the gum resin of the anti-inflammatory remedy frankincense that target cathepsin G and 5-LO in neutrophils, and might thus represent suitable leads for intervention with age-associated diseases that have a chronic inflammatory component. Here, we investigated whether, in addition to BAs, other triterpene acids from frankincense interfere with 5-LO and cathepsin G. We provide a comprehensive analysis of 17 natural tetra- or pentacyclic triterpene acids for suppression of 5-LO product synthesis in human neutrophils. These triterpene acids were also investigated for their direct interference with 5-LO and cathepsin G in cell-free assays. Furthermore, our studies were expanded to 10 semi-synthetic BA derivatives. Our data reveal that besides BAs, several tetra- and pentacyclic triterpene acids are effective or even superior inhibitors of 5-LO product formation in human neutrophils, and in parallel, inhibit cathepsin G. Their beneficial target profile may qualify triterpene acids as anti-inflammatory natural products and pharmacological leads for intervention with diseases related to aging.
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Xia D, Lou W, Fung KM, Wolley CL, Suhail MM, Lin HK. Cancer Chemopreventive Effects of Boswellia sacra Gum Resin Hydrodistillates on Invasive Urothelial Cell Carcinoma: Report of a Case. Integr Cancer Ther 2016; 16:605-611. [PMID: 27531547 PMCID: PMC5739138 DOI: 10.1177/1534735416664174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A 52-year-old Hispanic male presented with hematuria and was later diagnosed with a large invasive high-grade urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) of the urinary bladder, but with ambiguous pT1/pT2 staging regarding musclaris propria invasion by UCC. The conventional treatment including radical cystoprostatectomy followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy was presented. The patient decided to delay the standard therapy until a later stage, but elected to go through transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) without Bacillus Calmette-Guérin instillation. Following TURBT, the patient started oral Boswellia sacra gum resin (aka frankincense or Ru Xiang in Chinese) hydrodistillates (BSGRH) administration at 3 mL daily with lifestyle changes, and continued this regimen in the last 25 months. Within the first year after diagnosis, the patient experienced 2 recurrences. Recurrent tumors were removed by TURBT alone and both tumors were far smaller than the original one. After the second recurrence, the patient has no detectible cancer in the bladder based on cystoscopy for 14 months and has an intact genitourinary system. His liver and kidney functions are considered to be normal based on blood chemistry tests. This index case suggests that BSGRH may have cancer chemopreventive effects on UCC. The use of Boswellia-derived products in the management of cancer has been well document in other published studies, and boswellic acids have been suggested to be the major component. However, BSGRH contains very little boswellic acids. Demonstration of cancer chemoprevention using BSGRH is one step forward in isolating the key components other than boswellic acids in frankincense. The critical question as to whether these components can simultaneously activate multiple pathways in cancer cells to execute cancer suppression/cytotoxicity or prevention effects remains to be addressed. More studies including identification of key molecules, pharmacokinetics of major compounds, as well as long-term benefits and possible adverse effects will be needed to meet the guidelines of the US Food and Drug Administration for botanical drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Xia
- 1 Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Lou
- 1 Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kar-Ming Fung
- 2 University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,3 Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Cole L Wolley
- 4 Highland Consulting and Research, American Fork, UT, USA
| | | | - Hsueh-Kung Lin
- 2 University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Chen Y, Zhou C, Ge Z, Liu Y, Liu Y, Feng W, Li S, Chen G, Wei T. Composition and potential anticancer activities of essential oils obtained from myrrh and frankincense. Oncol Lett 2013; 6:1140-1146. [PMID: 24137478 PMCID: PMC3796379 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2013.1520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the composition and potential anticancer activities of essential oils obtained from two species, myrrh and frankincense, by hydrodistillation. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), 76 and 99 components were identified in the myrrh and frankincense essential oils, respectively, with the most abundant components, 2-Cyclohexen-1-one, 4-ethynyl-4-hydroxy-3,5,5-trimethyl- and n-Octylacetate, accounting for 12.01 and 34.66%, respectively. The effects of the two essential oils, independently and as a mixture, on five tumor cell lines, MCF-7, HS-1, HepG2, HeLa and A549, were investigated using the MTT assay. The results indicated that the MCF-7 and HS-1 cell lines showed increased sensitivity to the myrrh and frankincense essential oils compared with the remaining cell lines. In addition, the anticancer effects of myrrh were markedly increased compared with those of frankincense, however, no significant synergistic effects were identified. The flow cytometry results indicated that apoptosis may be a major contributor to the biological efficacy of MCF-7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingli Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, P.R. China ; Biopharmaceutical Institute of the Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang 158000, P.R. China
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Abstract
Carbohydrates fixed by photosynthesis are stored in plant organs in the form of starch or sugars. Starch and sugars sum to the total non-structural carbohydrate pool (TNC) and may serve as intermediate pools between assimilation and utilization. We examined the impact of tapping on TNC concentrations in stem-wood, bark and root tissues of the frankincense tree (Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst) in two natural woodlands of Ethiopia. Two tapping treatments, one without tapping (control) and the other with tapping at 12 incisions, are applied on experimental trees. Trees are tapped in the leafless dry period, diminishing their carbon storage pools. If storage pools are not refilled by assimilation during the wet season, when crowns are in full leaf, tapping may deplete the carbon pool and weaken Boswellia trees. The highest soluble sugar concentrations were in the bark and the highest starch concentrations in the stem-wood. The stem-wood contains 12 times higher starch than soluble sugar concentrations. Hence, the highest TNC concentrations occurred in the stem-wood. Moreover, wood volume was larger than root or bark volumes and, as a result, more TNC was stored in the stem-wood. As predicted, tapping reduced the TNC concentrations and pool sizes in frankincense trees during the dry season. During the wet season, these carbon pools were gradually filled in tapped trees, but never to the size of non-tapped trees. We conclude that TNC is dynamic on a seasonal time scale and offers resilience against stress, highlighting its importance for tree carbon balance. But current resin tapping practices are intensive and may weaken Boswellia populations, jeopardizing future frankincense production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tefera Mengistu
- Centre for Ecosystem Studies, Forest Ecology and Forest Management, Wageningen University, PO Box 47, 6700AA Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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Tolera M, Menger D, Sass-Klaassen U, Sterck FJ, Copini P, Bongers F. Resin secretory structures of Boswellia papyrifera and implications for frankincense yield. Ann Bot 2013; 111:61-8. [PMID: 23223203 PMCID: PMC3523649 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcs236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Frankincense, a gum-resin, has been tapped from Boswellia papyrifera trees for centuries. Despite the intensive tapping and economic interest of B. papyrifera, information on the resin secretory structures, which are responsible for synthesis, storage and transport of frankincense, is virtually absent. This study describes the type, architecture and distribution of resin secretory structures of B. papyrifera and its relevance for the ecophysiology and economic use of the tree. METHODS The type and architecture of resin secretory structures present in bark and wood was investigated from transversal, tangential and radial sections of bark and wood samples. The diameter and density (number of resin canals mm(-2)) of axial resin canals were determined from digital images of thin sections across the different zones of inner bark. KEY RESULTS Resin canals form a three-dimensional network within the inner bark. Yet, the intact resin-conducting and producing network is on average limited to the inner 6·6 mm of the inner bark. Within the inner bark, the density of non-lignified axial resin canals decreases and the density of lignified resin canals increases from the vascular cambium towards the outer bark. In the wood, only radial resin canals were encountered. CONCLUSIONS Frankincense tapping techniques can be improved based on knowledge of bark anatomy and distribution and architecture of resin secretory structures. The suggested new techniques will contribute to a more sustainable frankincense production that enhances the contribution of frankincense to rural livelihoods and the national economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motuma Tolera
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University and Research Centre, PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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Siddiqui MZ. Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview. Indian J Pharm Sci 2011; 73:255-61. [PMID: 22457547 PMCID: PMC3309643 DOI: 10.4103/0250-474x.93507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2010] [Revised: 05/30/2011] [Accepted: 06/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The resin of Boswellia species has been used as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies and in medicines since time immemorial. Boswellia serrata (Salai/Salai guggul), is a moderate to large sized branching tree of family Burseraceae (Genus Boswellia), grows in dry mountainous regions of India, Northern Africa and Middle East. Oleo gum-resin is tapped from the incision made on the trunk of the tree and is then stored in specially made bamboo basket for removal of oil content and getting the resin solidified. After processing, the gum-resin is then graded according to its flavour, colour, shape and size. In India, the States of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh are the main source of Boswellia serrata. Regionally, it is also known by different names. The oleo gum-resins contain 30-60% resin, 5-10% essential oils, which are soluble in the organic solvents, and the rest is made up of polysaccharides. Gum-resin extracts of Boswellia serrata have been traditionally used in folk medicine for centuries to treat various chronic inflammatory diseases. The resinous part of Boswellia serrata possesses monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, tetracyclic triterpenic acids and four major pentacyclic triterpenic acids i.e. β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, responsible for inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes. Out of these four boswellic acids, acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid is the most potent inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme responsible for inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Z. Siddiqui
- Processing and Product Development Division, Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums, Namkum, Ranchi-834 010, India
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Ghorpade RP, Chopra A, Nikam TD. In vitro zygotic embryo germination and propagation of an endangered Boswellia serrata Roxb., a source of boswellic acid. Physiol Mol Biol Plants 2010; 16:159-165. [PMID: 23572965 PMCID: PMC3550602 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-010-0017-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to establish an efficient protocol for development of seedlings of an endangered medicinally important forest tree Boswellia serrata Roxb., for mass plantation and consistent supply of salai guggul. The green mature fruits served as source of seeds. The excised green zygotic embryos were cultured on Gamborg (B5), McCown and Loyd (WPM) and Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) media fortified with different concentration of sucrose and on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 3 % sucrose, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (0-300 mg l(-l)), Gibberellic acid (GA3), Indoleacetic acid (IAA), Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), Indole-3-Butyric acid (IBA) or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4 D) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) or kinetin (Kin) individually. The highest frequency of embryo germination (96 %) and conversion into seedling was obtained on MS medium containing 3 % sucrose together with 200 mg l(-l) PVP; other media were either inferior or induced abnormalities in the seedlings including callus formation from the zygotic embryos. Fully developed seedlings could be successfully established in soil with about 94 % survival. The embryos from mature dry seeds did not respond for germination in any of the experiments. In conclusion, selection of zygotic embryo from green mature seeds and their in vitro germination is important for propagation of B. serrata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi P. Ghorpade
- />Department of Botany, University of Pune, Pune, 411 007 Maharashtra India
- />Center for Rheumatic Diseases, 11, Hermes Elegance, 1988 Convent Street, Camp, Pune, 411 001 Maharashtra India
| | - Arvind Chopra
- />Center for Rheumatic Diseases, 11, Hermes Elegance, 1988 Convent Street, Camp, Pune, 411 001 Maharashtra India
| | - Tukaram D. Nikam
- />Department of Botany, University of Pune, Pune, 411 007 Maharashtra India
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Abstract
There is growing use of anticancer complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) worldwide. The purpose of the current study is to assess a sizeable variety of natural and plant sources of diverse origin, to ascertain prospective research directives for cancer treatment and potential new chemotherapy drug sources. In this study, 374 natural extracts (10 microg/mL-5 mg/mL) were evaluated for dose-dependent tumoricidal effects using immortal neuroblastoma of spontaneous malignant origin. The findings indicate no pattern of tumoricidal effects by diverse plants with similar families/genus under the classes Pinopsida, Equisetopsida, Lycopodiosida, Filicosida, Liliopsida Monocotyledons or Magnoliopsida Dicotyledons. The results indicate that many of the most commonly used CAMs exhibited relatively weak tumoricidal effects including cats claw, astragalus, ginseng, echinacea, mistletoe, milk thistle, slippery elm, cayenne, chamomile, don quai, meadowsweet, motherwort and shepherd's purse. The data demonstrate that the most potent plant extracts were randomly dispersed within the plantae kingdom (LC(50) = 31-490 microg/mL) in order of the lowest LC(50) Dioscorea villosa (Dioscoreaceae) > Sanguinaria canadensis (Papaveraceae) > Dipsacus asper (Dipsacaceae) > Populus balsamifera (Salicaceae) > Boswellia carteri (Burseraceae) > Cyamopsis psoralioides (Fabaceae) > Rhamnus cathartica (Rhamnaceae) > Larrea tridentate (Zygophyllaceae) > Dichroa febrifuga (Hydrangeaceae) > Batschia canescens (Boraginaceae) > Kochia scoparia (Chenopodiaceae) > Solanum xanthocarpum (Solanaceae) > Opoponax chironium (Umbelliferae) > Caulophyllum thalictroides (Berberidaceae) > Dryopteris crassirhizoma (Dryopteridaceae) > Garcinia cambogia (Clusiaceae) > Vitex agnus-castus (Verbenaceae) > Calamus draco (Arecaceae). These findings show tumoricidal effect by extracts of wild yam root, bloodroot, teasel root, bakuchi seed, dichroa root, kanta kari, garcinia fruit, mace, dragons blood and the biblically referenced herbs: balm of gilead bud, frankincense and myrrh gum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Mazzio
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, Florida 32307, USA
| | - Karam F. A. Soliman
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, Florida 32307, USA
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