boswellia papyrifera

Boswellia papyrifera is a species of the Boswellia tree whose resin is commonly known as frankincense or olibanum. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is now studied for its potential therapeutic effects. The primary active constituents are boswellic acids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and possible anti-cancer properties. Mechanistically, these acids inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), and nuclear transcription factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling pathways, leading to decreased production of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Boswellic acids may also induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines through p53-independent pathways and other mechanisms involving nitric oxide generation and reactive oxygen species[2][4][6]. Clinical studies have shown that Boswellia papyrifera may improve visuospatial memory in patients with multiple sclerosis but does not significantly affect verbal memory or information processing speed[5]. Its resin content varies by species; B. papyrifera typically contains higher β-AKB concentrations compared to other Boswellia species[6].

Other names

frankincenseolibanumBP