Chemical constituents of diterpenoids from Boswellia carterii / 中国中药杂志

This paper explored the chemical constituents of Boswellia carterii by column chromatography on silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS column chromatography, and semi-preparative HPLC. The structures of the compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectroscopic data such as infrared radiation(IR), ultra violet(UV), mass spectrometry(MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR). Seven diterpenoids were isolated and purified from n-hexane of B. carterii. The isolates were identified as(1S,3E,7E,11R,12R)-11-hydroxy-1-isopropyl-4,8,12-trimethyl-15-oxabicyclo[10.2.1]pentadeca-3,7-dien-5-one(1),(1R,3S,4R,7E,11E)-4,8,12,15,15-pentamethyl-14-oxabicyclo[11.2.1]hexadeca-7,11-dien-4-ol(2), incensole(3),(-)-(R)-nephthenol(4), euphraticanoid F(5), dilospirane B(6), and dictyotin C(7). Among them, compounds 1 and 2 were new and their absolute configurations were determined by comparison of the calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroisms(ECDs). Compounds 6 and 7 were obtained from B. carterii for the first time.

One new cembranoid diterpene from gum resin of Boswellia carterii / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to study the chemical components from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii. Five cembranoid diterpenes were isolated from the gum resin of B. carterii by various of column chromatographies including silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified on the basis of physicochemical properties, mass spectrometry(MS), nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR), Ultraviolet(UV) and infrared(IR) spectroscopic data. These compounds were identified as(1S,2E,4R,5S,7E,11E)-4-methoxy-5-hydroxycembrane(1),(1R~*,4R~*,5E,8E,12E,15E)-4-hydroxycembra-5,8,12,15-tetraene(2), cembrene A(3),(3S,4S,7R)-4-hydroxycembrane(4), and pavidolide D(5). Compound 1 was a new compound. Compounds 2, 4, and 5 were obtained from the gum resin of B. carterii for the first time. Compound 2 showed weak inhibition on the human liver cancer cell line HepG2.

[ effects of Boswellia serrata and Lavandula angustifolia extracts administration on improving erection dysfunction following opioid dependence]

Background: Erection dysfunction, weakness, the inability to achieve an erection or hold the erection long enough to reach sexual relationship is said. Prevalence studies indicate that 20 to 22 percent of men around the world suffer from erectile dysfunction. Several methods have been proposed to improve this process but those have been unsuccessful mainly due to multiple complications

Objective: The aim of this study was assessing the effects of administration of Boswellia serrata and Lavandula angustifolia extracts in improving erection dysfunction following opioid dependence

Methods: Both plants were extracted and formulized for administration. Choosing patients was based on medical standards, questionnaire of International Index of Erection Function and standard criteria test. The proper cases were categorized randomly in one of three groups under study regarding DSM5 criteria. The investigation continued for two month for all groups: oral extract administered group, placebo treatment group and no premature treatment as a control group. The scores gained form fast ejaculating questionnaire were assessed in early stages of treatment [pretest], one month after treatment [posttests], and two month after treatment [fallow]

Results: The results showed with regarding inter group causes; the F value calculated for assessing drug effect in recovery of premature ejaculation in various stages would be meaningful in the level of 0.05 [F=3.601, P<0.05]

Conclusion: It seems that, administration of Boswellia serrata and Lavandula angustifolia extracts compounds can be effective in recovery of erection function in opioid addicted patients

Cardioprotective and antioxidant effects of oleogum resin "Olibanum" from Bos Boswellia carteri Birdw. (Bursearceae) / 中国天然药物

One of the leading causes of death worldwide is cardiovascular disease, hence searching for a cure is an important endeavor. The totally safe, edible, and inexpensive Boswellia plant exudate, known as olibanum or frankincense, is considered to possess diverse medicinal values in traditional medicine and from recent biological studies. Investigating the cardioprotective and antioxidant activities of olibanum from a Boswellia species, family Bursearaceae, namely Boswellia carteri Birdw. was the aim of this study. Cardioprotective activity was evaluated using a model of myocardial infarction induced by isoprenaline (ISO), while antioxidant activity was tested adopting nitric oxide scavenging (NOS) and azino-bis-3-ethyl benzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays. The results revealed a mild cardioprotective effect and weak antioxidant activity.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Boswellia ovalifoliolata bark extracts / 中国天然药物

Paracetamol (PCM) hepatotoxicity is related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and excessive oxidative stress; natural antioxidant compounds have been tested as an alternative therapy. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective activity of an alcoholic extract of Boswellia ovalifoliolata (BO) bark against PCM-induced hepatotoxicity. BO extract also demonstrated antioxidant activity in vitro, as well as scavenger activity against 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. Administration of PCM caused a significant increase in the release of transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase in serum. Significant enhancement in hepatic lipid peroxidation and marked depletion in reduced glutathione were observed after parac intoxication with severe alterations in liver histology. BO treatment was able to mitigate hepatic damage induced by acute intoxication of PCM and showed a pronounced protective effect against lipid peroxidation, deviated serum enzymatic variables, and maintained glutathione status toward control. The results clearly demonstrate the hepatoprotective effect of BO against the toxicity induced by PCM.

Change in dissolution of chemical components of frankincense-myrrh before and after their compatibility and effect on no release of LPS-induced macrophage cells / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the difference of chemical compounds of frankincense-myrrh before and after their compatibility, and evaluate the effect of differentiated compounds on NO generated by LPS-induced peritoneal macrophage cells in rats, in order to discuss synergetic material basis of frankincense-myrrh compatibility from the prospective of change in chemical constituents.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS combined technology was used to analyze the chemical components of frankincense-myrrh before and after their compatibility. MarkerLynx 4. 1 statistical software was used to analyze differentiated compounds before and after their compatibility.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The results of PCA showed that there were significant differences in the combined extracts of frankincense-myrrh and the chromatogram of their combined liquid, suggesting significant differences in their chemical compounds before and after their compatibility; after their compatibility, the dissolution of pentacyclic triterpenoid (alpha-boswellic acid, beta-boswellic acid) and tetracyclic triterpenoid (elemonic acid, 3-acetoxy-16-hydroxy-dammar-24-ene, 3-hydroxytirucalla-8,24-dien-21-oic acid or 3-hydroxytirucalla-7,24-dien-21-oic acid) increased notably, while the dissolution of both yclic sesquiterpenes and macrocyclic diterpenoids decreased. According to the evaluation on in vitro activity, 2-methoxy-8, 12-epoxy-germa-1 (10), 7, 11-triene-6-ketone, 2-methoxy-5-acetoxyl-furan-germa-1 (10)-alkene-6-ketone and 3-carbonyl Euphorbia kansui-8, 24-diene-21-carboxylic acid notably inhibited NO generated by LPS-induced peritoneal macrophage cells in rats.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These findings provide scientific basis and reference for studies on anti-inflammatory material basis of frankincense-myrrh compatibility.</p>

Determination of alpha-pinene and octyl acetate contents in Boswellia serrata / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish method for determining the contents of alpha-pinene and octyl acetate in Boswellia serrata, in order to provide preference for making quality standards for B. serrata and processed B. serrata.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Application of orthogonal design was employed to optimize the solvent, solvent quantity and extraction time. The GC-MS analysis was performed on a Rxi-5ms silica capillary column, running in the electron impact (EI) mode, with ion trap and injector temperature of 200 degrees C and 250 degrees C, respectively. The column oven was initially 50 degrees C and was held for 1 min after injection, followed by temperature ramping at 5 degrees C x min(-1) up to 130 degrees C, holding for 1 min. 1 microL of samples solution were injected in the split mode (1:60). Helium was the carrier gas. The mass spectrometer was set to scan m/z 45450 with an ionizing voltage at 70 eV.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Sample solutions were prepared for 50-fold dose by ultrasonic extraction with hexane for 30 min. The content of alpha-pinene and octyl acetate in 10 batches of B. serrata were 0.021 3-0.149 5, 2.519 6-9.098 0 mg x g(-1), respectively. And, those of alpha-pinene and octyl acetate in processed B. serrata were 0.015 9-0.065 9, 0.801 0-12.812 2 mg x g(-1).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The method is a stable and reliable for determining the contents of alpha-pinene and octyl acetate in B. serrata.</p>

study on the effect of Myrtus communis and Olibanum on Giardia lamblia infection in Egypt

Giardia lamblia is one of the most common protozoal infections in humans. Although metronidazole [MTZ] is the drug of choice for treatment of giardiasis, yet its chemical composition poses major threats. The search for new alternative therapeutic approaches for this parasitic disease in replacement of MTZ. The effect of Myrtus Communis [MC; called Aas plant in Arabic] and Olibanum [OL; called Leban in Arabic] on G. lamblia were studied. Extracts of MC [methyl alcohol, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts] amid ethanol extract of OL were used. In vitro culture of G. lamblia trophozoites on TYI-S-33 medium was done, followed by inoculation of the plants' extracts in three different concentrations. This was evaluated by trophiozoite multiplication, adherence assay and electron microscopic study. The in viva effect was evaluated by histopathological study of the duodenum of experimentally infected mice after treatment by each herb. All plant extracts affected G. lamblia trophozoites in a manner dependent on concentration and time of exposure. In low concentration, both herbs significantly decreased the in vitro adherence of tropliozoites when compared to infection control group, while there was no statistical difference when compared to MTZ control group. Extensive ultrastructural changes of Giardia trophozoites were evident after 48 hours exposure to each medical herb. Histopathological examination of duodenum of G. lamblia infected mice showed epithelial microvillus abnormalities, which improved after administration of MC and OL extracts. Results confirm the antiparasitic effect of MC and OL on G. lamblia as an alternative to MTZ, to overcome its resistance and hazards

GC-MS analysis of volatile oil of olibanum / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the volatile oil of olibanum and apply scientific evidences for its applications.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The volatile oil was analyzed by GC-MS.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>One hundred components were identified,accounting for 91.26% of the total volatile oil, and the main components were octyl acetate, beta-elemene. It contains some transdermal absorption enhancers.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The components of olibanum volatile oil were complicated; the connatural transdermal absorption enhancers make it possible to use in external preparation.</p>

Determination of five boswellic acids in Boswellia serrata / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To develop an HPLC method for determinating the contents of five boswellic acids in Boswellia serrata.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Analysis was performed on a zorbax SB C18 column eluted with acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid in water as mobile phases in gradient elution and the detection wavelengths were 210 nm and 250 nm.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The five ingredients were separated well. The content ranges of alpha-boswellic acid, beta-boswellic acid, 3-acetyl-beta-boswellic acid, 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid and 11-keto-beta-acetyl- boswellic acid were 8.68-16.1, 53.5-246.9, 38.4-192.9, 4.48-5.81, 32.7-44.2 mg x g(-1), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The contents of five individual boswellic acids were different in 12 batches of B. serrata samples.</p>

Herbalism, botany and components analysis study on original plants of frankincense / 中国中药杂志

In order to clarify original plants of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) frankincense, a GC method for determination essential oils and a HPLC method for determination boswellic acids were carried out together with analysis of herbalism, botany, components and pharmacology papers of frankincense. It was concluded that original plants of TCM frankincense include at least Boswellia sacra, B. papyrifera and B. serrata.

Effects of the Spouse's Aromatherapy Massage on Labor Pain, Anxiety and Childbirth Satisfaction for Laboring Women / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the spouse's aromatherapy massage on labor pain, anxiety during labor and childbirth satisfaction for laboring women. METHODS: The subjects of this study were laboring women who didn't have any complication during pregnancy and who have admitted for childbirth with their spouse to E. hospital in D city. This study was carried out from June to November in 2007. The subjects were allocated into three groups: spouse's aromatherapy massage group, spouse's carrier oil massage group and control group. Aromatherapy massage and carrier oil massage was applied for ten minutes every hour after the cervix dilated 5cm. The subjects in the control group were with their spouse during labor. RESULTS: The labor pain by VAS was significantly different among the three groups (Kruskal-Wallis chi2=7.09 p=.029) in the deceleration phase. The anxiety during labor by VAS were significantly different among the three groups (Kruskal-Wallis chi2=6.77 p=.034) in the deceleration phase. There was no significant difference in childbirth satisfaction among the three groups. CONCLUSION: The spouse's aromatherapy massage using Lavender, Clary sage, Frankincense and Neroli could be effective in decreasing labor pain and decreasing anxiety level during labor.

Effects of boswellia papyrifera Gum extract on learning and memory in mice and rats

Learning is defined as the acquisition of information and skills, while subsequent retention of that information is called memory. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Boswellia papyrifera on learning and memory paradigms in mice and rats. This study was held at the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran from September 2006 to March 2008. Male Wistar rats and male NMR1 mice were randomly divided into control, B. papyrifera treated [50, 100, 150 mg/kg, p.o.], and piracetam [150 mg/kg] groups. Radial arm maze [RAM] and Morris water maze [MWM] were the screening tests used to assess the activity of B. papyrifera extract. The mice treated with B, papyrifera [50, 100 and 150 mg/kg] or piracetam [150 mg/kg] showed a decrease in number of days required to learned [P< 0.05] and time taken to find food by the learned mice in radial arm maze [P< 0.01]. In Morris water maze, rats treated with the above mentioned doses showed dose dependent improvement in spatial learning. Escape latency during swimming in water maze in piracetam and B. papyrifera treated animals was significantly lower [P< 0.01] than control. Swimming distance was also significantly lower [P< 0.05] in the treated groups. The results show facilitation of spatial learning and memory processes and thereby validate B. papyrifera traditional use of intelligence improving. The presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins might be responsible for this activity of B. papyrifera

Study of polysaccharides isolated from the oleo-gum-resins of boswellia carteri and commi phora myrrha and their immuno- modulatory activity

The present study aims to isolate the polysaccharides of the oleo-gum-resins of Boswellia carteri and Commiphora myrrha Family Burseraceae, identify their components and test their immuno-modulatory activity for the first time. The polysaccharides were isolated from the oleo-gum-resins of Boswellia carteri and Commiphora myrrha using different chemical and chromatographic techniques. The components of the polysaccharide hydrolysates are estimated qualitatively and quantitatively by using PC and HPLC analysis. The immuno-modulatory activity is tested by splenocyte and mitogen induced lymphocyte proliferation methods. The percentage yield of the isolated polysaccharide was 15.4% and 15.7% from Boswellia carteri and Commiphora myrrha oleo-gum-resins respectively. Galactose and ribose are the major constituting units of the polysaccharide isolated from Boswellia carteri oleo-gum-resin whereas ribose and galacturonic acid are the major constituting units of the polysaccharide isolated from Commiphora myrrha oleo-gum-resin. The polysaccharide of B. carteri oleo-gum-resin showed mild immuno-stimulatory activity at a dose of 5microg/ml, while that of C. myrrha oleo-gum-resin showed no activity at this dose. Chromatographic investigation of the polysaccharides isolated from Boswellia carteri and Commiphora myrrha oleo-gum-resins by PC and HPLC analysis demonstrated their qualitative and quantitative variation in their chemical composition. Higher concentrations of the polysaccharides could be tested for immuno-modulatory activity

Cembrane diterpenes in olibanum / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the constituents in the chloroform extract of olibanum and their antitumor activities.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The compounds were isolated by chromatographic methods and their structures were identified on the basis of spectroscopic methods and X-ray diffraction. The antiproliferative effect of the compounds in human leukemia HL-60 cells was tested by viable cell counting.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Four cembrane diterpenes were isolated and identified as incensole-oxide (1), acetyl incensole-oxide (2), incensole (3), and acetyl incensole (4).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compounds 2 and 4 were isolated from the genus Boswellia for the first time. Compound 4 showed growth inhibitory effect against human leukemia HL-60 cell lines with IG50 value of (16.3 +/- 3.4) micromol x L(-1).</p>

Olibanum Extract Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration and Proliferation in Response to Platelet-Derived Growth Factor

Olibanum (Boswellia serrata) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and anti- cancer effects. This study determined the role of a water extract of olibanum in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated proliferation and migration of rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs). PDGF-BB induced the migration and proliferation of RASMCs that were inhibited by olibanum extract in a dose-dependent manner. The PDGF-BB-increased phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK); the heat shock protein (Hsp) 27 was significantly inhibited by the olibanum extract. The effects of PDGF-BB-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 was not altered by the olibanum extract. Treatment with olibanum extract inhibited PDGF-BB-stimulated sprout out growth of aortic rings. These results suggest that the water extract of olibanum inhibits PDGF-BB-stimulated migration and proliferation in RASMCs as well as sprout out growth, which may be mediated by the inhibition of the p38 MAPK and Hsp27 pathways.

Effects of Aroma Hand Massage on Pain, State Anxiety and Depression in Hospice Patients with Terminal Cancer / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of aroma hand massage on pain, state anxiety and depression in hospice patients with terminal cancer. METHODS: This study was a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. The subjects were 58 hospice patients with terminal cancer who were hospitalized. Twenty eight hospice patients with terminal cancer were assigned to the experimental group (aroma hand massage), and 30 hospice patients with terminal cancer were assigned to the control group (general oil hand massage). As for the experimental treatment, the experimental group went through aroma hand massage on each hand for 5 min for 7 days with blended oil-a mixture of Bergamot, Lavender, and Frankincense in the ratio of 1:1:1, which was diluted 1.5% with sweet almond carrier oil 50 ml. The control group went through general oil hand massage by only sweet almond carrier oil-on each hand for 5 min for 7 days. RESULTS: The aroma hand massage experimental group showed more significant differences in the changes of pain score (t=-3.52, p=.001) and depression (t=-8.99, p=.000) than the control group. CONCLUSION: Aroma hand massage had a positive effect on pain and depression in hospice patients with terminal cancer.

Hypoglycemic and other related effects of Boswellia glabra in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

The hypoglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of the leaves and roots of Boswellia glabra was examined using alloxan-induced diabetic rats. A single oral administration of Boswellia glabra leaf and root extract decreased the blood glucose level. The continued use of leaf and root extract for 28 days produced significant hypoglycemic effects; also there was a decrease in serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, urea and creatinine levels and enzyme activities (alkaline phosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase). Ultra structural studies of beta cell of alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with root extract showed numerous granulated sacs in comparison to rats treated with leaf extract. Thus, rats treated with root extract showed less degranulated sacs and more number of filled secretory granules in comparison to diabetic rats. Thus the use of aqueous extract of Boswellia glabra increased the synthesis of secretory granules in the beta-cell.

Extract of gum resins of Boswellia serrata L. inhibits lipopolysaccharide induced nitric oxide production in rat macrophages along with hypolipidemic property.

Boswellia serrata, Linn F (Burseraceae) is commonly used in Indian system of medicine (Ayurvedic) as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-arthritic and anti-proliferative agent. This study was planned to investigate the water-soluble fraction of the oleoresin gum of Boswellia serrata (BS extract) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide (NO) production by macrophages under in vivo and in vitro conditions. In the previous condition, rats were fed on atherogenic diet (2.5% cholesterol, 1% cholic acid, 15.7 % saturated fat) along with the BS extract for 90 days. Blood was collected for lipid profile and toxicological safety parameters. Peritoneal macrophages were isolated and cultured to see the LPS induced NO production. Under in vivo experiment, BS extract significantly reduced serum total cholesterol (38-48 %), increased serum high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol, 22-30%). Under in vitro experiments with thioglycolate activated macrophages, it inhibited LPS induced (NO) production with IC 50 value at 662 ng /ml. Further, this fraction, in the dose of 15 mg/100 g body wt for 90 days, did not show any increase in serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and blood urea, in normal control animals. However, it significantly reversed the raised SGPT and blood urea in the atherogenic diet-fed animals. Transverse section of liver and kidney also supported its protective effect. Thus it may be concluded that water extract of Boswellia serrata possesses strong hypocholesterolemic property along with increase in serum HDL. It inhibits the LPS induced NO production by the activated rat peritoneal macrophages and show hepato-protective and reno-protective property.

Ultrastructural changes of pneumocytes of rat exposed to arabian incense [Bakhour]

Impacts of air pollution on the human health have been recognized over the last decades. Smokes, in particular, have deleterious effects on the respiratory system. According to a local tradition, incense "Bakhour" is burnt and the resultant heavy smokes are inhaled. The objective of the present study is to investigate the ultrastructural pulmonary changes which can be induced by Arabian incense, Bakhour, exposure. The study was conducted from September through to December 2003, at the Animal House, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Two groups of Wister albino rats, Rattus norvegicus, were used. One group [n=16] was exposed to 420 grams of Bakhour for 14-weeks at the rate of 4 grams/day in the exposure chamber. Additional group of rats, of equal number, was used as non-exposed control. At the end of the exposure period, lung tissues were removed from all experimental animals and processed for electron microscopy. Alveolar pneumocytes of exposed animals revealed significant ultrastructural changes which involved the cell organelles and surfactant material of type II cells. Hyperplasia of alveolar cells was a feature in the affected lung tissue. Neutrophils were recognized infiltrating pulmonary alveoli and accompanied with degenerative and necrotic changes of the alveolar cells. Deposition of collagen fibrils in the alveolar walls was also observed. Basing upon the results of electron microscopy, it was concluded that exposure to Bakhour can induce ultrastructural pulmonary changes which may imply compromised respiratory efficiency