Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Properties of Frankincense: Implications for Anticancer Therapy

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#animals #humans #antineoplastic-agents #frankincense #neoplasms

Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Properties of Frankincense: Implications for Anticancer Therapy

Wu et al., 2024 | Chin J Integr Med | Systematic Review

Citation

Wu Yong-Rong, Xiong Wei, ... Zhou Qing. Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Properties of Frankincense: Implications for Anticancer Therapy. Chin J Integr Med. 2024-Aug;30(8):759-767. doi:10.1007/s11655-024-4105-x

Abstract

The discovery of novel antitumor agents derived from natural plants is a principal objective of anticancer drug research. Frankincense, a widely recognized natural antitumor medicine, has undergone a systematic review encompassing its species, chemical constituents, and diverse pharmacological activities and mechanisms. The different species of frankincense include Boswellia serrata, Somali frankincense, Boswellia frereana, and Boswellia arabica. Various frankincense extracts and compounds exhibit antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties and antioxidation, memory enhancement, and immunological regulation capabilities. They also have comprehensive effects on regulating flora. Frankincense and its principal chemical constituents have demonstrated promising chemoprophylactic and therapeutic abilities against tumors. This review provides a systematic summary of the mechanism of action underlying the antitumor effects of frankincense and its major constituents, thus laying the foundations for developing effective tumor-combating targets.

Key Findings

This review provides a systematic summary of the mechanism of action underlying the antitumor effects of frankincense and its major constituents, thus laying the foundations for developing effective tumor-combating targets.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Frankincense
  • Neoplasms
  • Plant Extracts

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: boswellia

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09