Tears of the Olibanum Tree: The Incredible Medicine of Frankincense
Frankincense Used in the Past
In western Judeo-Christian culture, frankincense (otherwise known as olibanum in Arabic) is mainly associated with the Christmas Story of the Three Wise Men (Magi) who journeyed from the East (Arabia) to bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ child. Yet, in other cultures around the world such as the Middle East, China and India, Frankincense has been used reverently for thousands of years for medicinal, religious and ceremonial purposes, as well as to beautify the body. It was thought that the smoke from burning the resin of frankincense had divine powers and would provide a direct connection to God. Exemplification of its significance is evident with its inclusion in the tomb of the ancient Egyptian King Tutankhamen (1341 BC- 1323 BC) as well as recorded in ancient Chinese medicine books dating back to 500 AD. The distinct Egyptian black eyeliner of seen in ancient Egyptian art was actually ground and charred frankincense resin known as kohl.
The origin of frankincense is traced back to the Arabian Peninsula. According to Herodotus (5th century BC Greek historian), “Arabia is the only country which produces frankincense, myrrh, cassia and cinnamon…” At one time, there was an active over-land frankincense trade route that started in the Dhofar region of Oman, went through Yemen and followed the Red Sea coast to reach Jerusalem and Egypt. The production and trade of frankincense may have lasted for up to 6,000 years, spurring the creation of villages and towns along the route. Caravans of camels transporting frankincense were often targets of raids, since frankincense commanded prices equal to that of gold. It is likely that frankincense grew in areas across the Red Sea, such as Ethiopia and Somalia, but the initiation of the frankincense trade route began with gum resin from Omani trees. Due to raiding, desertification and other religious zealotry, the trade route dried up after about 300AD.
Origin and Harvest
Frankincense is an oleo-gum-resin produced by several tree species of the Boswellia genus and the family Burseraceae, which is distinguished for its resin bearing ducts. There are about 15 members of this genus, native to the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, India and China. The method of extraction is simple and fairly unchanged since ancient times. An incision is made in the bark of the tree resulting in a milky gum-like substance exuding from the cut area. This oleo-gum-resin is then either scrapped off the tree with an iron tool or collected on palm mats when the resin drips to the ground. Resin is then dried and later sold in markets around the world.
The method of harvesting, or tapping, of Boswellia varies according to species and the customs of the region. For example, in Somalia tapping usually occurs in two separate periods, each lasting 3-4 months with successive 15-day intervals. The period between harvests depends upon the onset and extent of rains. In India, the collection is done once a year, commencing at the end of October. In Oman, there are ancient rituals pertaining to resin harvest as well as a sense of guardianship for the trees passed down to each generation.
Active Components
Although botanically there are numerous species of olibanum (Arabic for frankincense), only a few species produce the frankincense mainly used for purposes around the world; the type and quality of the resin depends upon its origin. Species most commonly uses are Boswellia sacra (from Oman, Yemen and Somalia), B papyrifera in tropical north east and west Africa, B frerana in Somalia and B serrata in India. In Omani tradition, the best quality resin is pale in colour, formed as opalescent tears 5mm-25mm long.
The chemical analysis of frankincense is well researched. The oleo-gum-resin substance of frankincense contains 3-8% volatile oil, an ether (common laboratory solvent) soluble resin fraction of 60-70% and an ether-insoluble fraction of 23-30 per cent. The ether soluble resin contains sesquiterpenes, alcohols, esters and boswellic acids and the ether-insoluble contains polysaccharides and diterpenoids. The composition of the volatile oil differs according to climate, harvest conditions and geographical location, but in general, all oil contains numerous monoterpenes (C10 compounds in the form of hydrocarbons, alcohols and keytones) and sesquiterpenes (C15 compounds) as well as diterpenes.
Medicinal and Therapeutic Uses
Uses of the oleo-gum resin, the essential oil as well as isolated compounds of frankincense has been studied, with more interest growing by the year. Frankincense oil exhibits antibacterial, antifungal and immunostimulant activity in vito. What is of current particular interest is the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity of frankincense from Indian B serrata, with the active component being boswellic acids. Below are three traditional therapeutic or medicinal applications of frankincense and of recent medical research attention.
Asthma: Asthma is known to be a inflammatory-caused illness. A 2006 paper from the University of Tuebingen, Germany indicates that boswellic acid, an active component of frankincense, has shown to act as an anti-inflammatory agent in preliminary studies. The paper further states that boswellic acid inhibits 5-lipoxygenase as well as cytokines (inflammation mediators) and thus promising for treatment of asthma without the side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Cancer: Throughout the centuries many illnesses, including cancer, have been treated using frankincense resin. Rising attention has been given to the possible anti-cancer uses of frankincense. A study published in March of this year investigated the induction of tumor cell cytotoxicity using Boswellia carteri. This study found that frankincense oil appears to distinguish between cancerous and normal bladder cells as well as suppress cancer cell viability. Such a finding might indicate use of frankincense as an alternative agent to treat bladder cancer.
Asthma: Much like arthritis, asthma is an inflammatory-caused illness. A 2006 paper from the University of Tuebingen, Germany indicates that boswellic acid, an active component of frankincense, has shown to act as an anti-inflammatory agent in preliminary studies. The paper further states that boswellic acid inhibits 5-lipoxygenase as well as cytokines and thus promising for treatment of asthma without the side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Concluding Thoughts
Frankincense has a long and favorable history with human kind, seen throughout the centuries as having traditional, ceremonial and medicinal significance. In ancient times its preparation and transport to other countries was often hazardous and costly; this was reflected in its great worth and how it was used. Frankincense was considered a valuable commodity for kings and queens alike and was also used for religious purposes. The Magi from the East certainly thought it a worthy gift for the child Jesus. For the past few years, pharmacological studies have given credence to some of the traditional uses of frankincense resin and have shown that ancient remedies might be applicable today, and in some cases such as arthritis and asthma, used as an alternative to conventional drugs. It is evident that interest is resurging in this plant product; we would all be wise as well to see the value of frankincense.
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