Boswellia sacra
Boswellia sacra
Boswellia sacra, commonly known as Frankincense, originates from traditional medicine practices in regions such as Somalia and Yemen. Traditionally, it has not been extensively used for specific medicinal purposes; however, its resin is valued for various cultural and ceremonial applications. Scientific evidence suggests potential antiviral properties with combined extracts of Boswellia sacra and Nerium oleander showing activity against respiratory syncytial virus in vitro. Additionally, a study indicated synergistic anticancer effects when frankincense was used in conjunction with sorafenib, reducing the effective concentration needed for treatment. Essential oils from Boswellia sacra stem and leaves have shown diverse biological activities including antidiabetic, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. The nanoemulgel form of Boswellia sacra oil has demonstrated enhanced antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects compared to the pure oil. No major safety concerns or known drug interactions have been recorded for Boswellia sacra.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that combined extracts from Boswellia sacra and Nerium oleander showed antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus and other viruses in vitro.
- The combination of frankincense aqueous extract and sorafenib showed synergistic anticancer activity against HepG2 cells, reducing the effective concentration of sorafenib required.
- The study identified essential oils from Boswellia sacra stem and leaves, showing varying biological activities including antidiabetic, anticancer, and antimicrobial effects.
- The Boswellia sacra oil nanoemulgel demonstrated enhanced antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects compared to the pure oil.
Frequently asked questions
What is Boswellia sacra?
Boswellia sacra (Boswellia sacra) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Boswellia sacra?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Boswellia sacra; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that combined extracts from Boswellia sacra and Nerium oleander showed antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus and other viruses in vitro.
How strong is the evidence for Boswellia sacra?
The strongest finding for Boswellia sacra carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Boswellia sacra safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Boswellia sacra in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Boswellia sacra interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Boswellia sacra in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Boswellia sacra?
Boswellia sacra is also known as: Ладанное дерево, Arbre à encens.
Is Boswellia sacra a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Chemo Profiling and In Vitro and In Silico Exploration of Essential Oils From Stem and Leaves of Boswellia sacra Fluck. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Synergistic anticancer activity of frankincense aqueous extract with sorafenib in HepG2 cells and its UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS-based metabolomic profiling. literature abstract metadata
- T2 New Insights into the Combined Antiviral Effect of Extracts from Nerium oleander and Boswellia sacra Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus: A Preliminary Report. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Potent Anticancer, Antimicrobial, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Boswellia sacra Extracted Oil Nanoemulgel. literature abstract metadata