Growth performance, carcass traits and meat physical characteristics of growing Japanese quail fed ginger powder and frankincense oil as feed additives.

This work aimed to investigate the effects of dietary frankincense oil and ginger on the growth efficiency of growing Japanese quail, including live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass traits, and physical characteristics of the meat. In total, 150 unsexed Japanese quail chicks that were 7 d old were utilized in the experiment. The chicks were randomly divided into 5 groups. Each group was divided into 3 replicates with ten birds in a completely randomized design. Group 1 received a basal diet without supplements and was used as a control group. Groups 2 and 3 received basal diets with 250 and 500 mg of ginger per kg of diet, respectively. Groups 4 and 5 received basal diets with 200 and 400 mg of frankincense oil per kg of diet, respectively. Results showed that BW of chicks received 500 mg of ginger and the 2 levels of frankincense oil at 5 wk of age, and 250 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil at 6 wk significantly increased. BWG was significantly increased by using 500 mg of ginger and 2 levels of frankincense oil at 1 to 3 wk, 250 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil at 3 to 6 wk, and 1 to 6 wk of age, in comparison with the control group. Treatments insignificantly influenced feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved considerably by using 250 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense at 3 to 6 wk and 1 to 6 wk of age, respectively. Gizzard% was notably reduced with 200 mg of frankincense oil. The pH value of meat was significantly increased by having 2 levels of ginger. Still, water holding capacity and tenderness significantly decreased owing to 500 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil. We can conclude that adding ginger and frankincense oil to Japanese quail diets may be beneficial.

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

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.

Species-Specific quantification of bioactive boswellic acids in Boswellia resin using NIR spectroscopy, HPLC and Multivariate data analysis.

The bioactive compounds Acetyl-11-keto-ß-boswellic acid (AKBA) and 11-keto-ß-boswellic acid (KBA), found in the resin of the Boswellia tree, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, rendering Boswellia resin an intriguing natural medicinal products. However, the content of boswellic acids varies across different Boswellia species and proper knowledge of its species-dependent nature, as well as alternatives to the resource- and time-intensive HPLC analysis, are lacking. Here we present a comprehensive investigation into the boswellic acid content of seven Boswellia species from ten countries and introduce a novel and non-destructive Near-Infrared spectroscopy method for predicting boswellic acid concentrations in solid resin samples. The HPLC-UV reference analysis revealed AKBA concentrations of up to 7.27 % (w/w) with KBA concentrations reaching up to 1.28 % (w/w). Principal Component Analysis of the HPLC and NIR spectroscopy data unveiled species-specific variations, facilitating differentiation based on boswellic acid content, characteristic chromatograms and NIR spectra. Using the HPLC-UV quantification as reference, we developed a Partial Least Squares regression model based on NIR spectra of the resin samples. This model demonstrated highly satisfactory predictive capabilities for AKBA content, achieving a root mean square error of prediction of 0.74 % (w/w) and an R2val of 0.79 in independent test set validation. Although the model was less effective for predicting KBA content, it still offered valuable estimates. The spectroscopic method introduced in this study provides a cost-effective and solvent-free approach for predicting boswellic acid content, demonstrating the potential for application in non-laboratory settings through the use of miniaturized NIR spectrometers. Consequently, this method aligns well with the principles of green chemistry and addresses the growing demand for alternative analytical techniques.

Rapid Detection of Adulteration in Boswellia Extracts with Citric Acid by UPLC-HRMS and 1H NMR.

Boswellia serrata ole-gum-resin extracts (BSEs) are commonly used as food supplements, especially in osteoarthritis management. The quality standard is established by determining 11-keto-ß-boswellic acid (KBA) and acetyl-11-keto-boswellic acid (AKBA) content using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or assessing the total boswellic acid (TBA) content by titrimetry. The limited geographical distribution of Boswellia species and increasing industrial demand could increase the risk of adulteration in Boswellia-containing products. In this study, 14 BSEs from commercial sources, used in food supplements, were analyzed in comparison with a USP Reference Standard extract. The KBA and AKBA content was determined by HPLC, whereas the TBA content was determined by titration. Targeted UHPLC-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was applied to identify the carboxylic acid content in the samples. The 1H NMR spectra of extracts were also analyzed. Only two products met the criteria for KBA and AKBA content. Although, the TBA content complied with the expected amount, 10 extracts contained citric acid levels of 6-11% even though citric acid is not a cha-racteristic component of BSEs. Our results suggest undeclared addition of citric acid to comply with declared contents of TBA when using titration methods. Incorporation of citric acid to industrial samples - in order to alter the outcomes of the titration analysis - was demonstrated for the first time.

Potent pigmentation inhibitory activity of incensole-enriched frankincense volatile oil-identification, efficacy and mechanism.

BACKGROUND: Frankincense volatile oil (FVO) has long been considered a side product in pharmaceutical industry since frankincense of large molecular weight is the prime target. However, the volatile oil recycled in the extract process might contain a series of functional actives, serving as promising ingredients in the cosmetic field. METHODS: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer was utilized to determine the species and amount of active ingredients in FVO. Subsequently, zebrafish models were used to evaluate pigmentation inhibition, ROS elimination and neutrophil activation. In vitro DPPH test was also conducted to consolidate the anti-oxidation efficacy. Based on the test results, network pharmacology was incorporated, where GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to discover the interrelations between active ingredients. RESULTS: About 40 actives molecules were identified, including incensole, acetate incensole, and acetate incensole oxide. The FVO demonstrated great depigmentation activity by suppressing melanin synthesis, as well as providing free radical scavenging and anti-inflammation effect. In network pharmacology analysis, 192 intersected targets were identified. By enrichment analysis and network construction, a series of whitening signal pathways, and hub genes, containing STAT3，MAPK3，MAPK1 were identified. CONCLUSION: The current study quantified the components of FVO, evaluated its efficacy in skin depigmentation, and give pioneering insights on the possible mechanism. The results confirmed that the FVO could serve as whitening agent in topical uses.

Basis with RNA-Seq and WGCNA to explore the effect of Frankincense essential oil on dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis through MAPK/NF-κB signaling.

PURPOSE: Frankincense has been shown in studies to have healing benefits for people with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, its underlying mechanisms have not been fully investigated. The objective of this study was to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of Frankincense essential oil (FREO) in improving dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC from multiple perspectives. METHODS: The FREO components were analyzed by GC-MS, and the interactions between the key active components and the mechanism of FREO were determined based on RNA-seq, "quantity-effect" weighting coefficient network pharmacology, WGCNA and pharmacodynamic experiments. The protection of FREO against DSS-induced UC mice was assessed by behavioral and pathological changes through mice. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of MAPK and NF-κB-related proteins by the Western Blotting and immunohistochemistry method. RESULTS: Treatment with FREO significantly improved the symptoms of weight loss, diarrhea, stool blood, and colon shortening in UC mice. Reduced intestinal mucosal damage and the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon. Decreased TNF-α and IL-6 levels in mice's serum and inhibited phosphorylation of ERK, p65 in MAPK and NF-κB signaling. CONCLUSION: FREO may decrease the inflammatory response to reduce the symptoms of UC by modulating the MAPK/ NF-κB pathway. This may be due to the synergistic interaction of the effective ingredient Hepten-2-yl tiglate, 6-methyl-5-, Isoneocembrene A and P-Cymene. This study provides a promising drug candidate and a new concept for the treatment of UC.

Preparation and characterization of brain-targeted polymeric nanocarriers (Frankincense-PMBN-lactoferrin) and in-vivo evaluation on an Alzheimer's disease-like rat model induced by scopolamine.

Experiments have demonstrated that frankincense may offer protection against scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's disease by mitigating cholinergic dysfunction and inhibiting inflammatory mediators. Nevertheless, its instability and limited water solubility lead to diminished medicinal efficacy. In this study, we utilized PMBN (poly [MPC-co-(BMA)-co-(MEONP)]) as a nanocarrier for targeted brain drug delivery of frankincense, employing lactoferrin as a ligand for precise targeting. Characterization of nanoparticle properties was conducted through FTIR and FESEM analysis, and the in-vitro drug release percentage from the nanoparticles was quantified. To induce Alzheimer's-like dementia in rats, scopolamine was intraperitoneally administered at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day for 14 days. Subsequently, behavioral assessments (Y-maze, passive avoidance test, tail suspension test) were performed, followed by evaluations of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and brain histopathology at the conclusion of the treatment period. The results revealed that the nanoparticles had a size of 106.6 nm and a zeta potential of -3.8 mV. The maximum release of frankincense in the PBS environment from PMBN nanoparticles was 18.2 %, in accordance with the Peppas model. Behavioral tests indicated that targeted drug nanoparticles (F-PMBN-Lf) exhibited the capability to alleviate stress and depression while enhancing short-term memory in scopolamine-induced animals. Additionally, F-PMBN-Lf counteracted the scopolamine-induced elevation of AChE activity and GSH levels. However, it resulted in decreased activity of the antioxidant enzyme CAT compared to the scopolamine group. Histological analysis of brain tissue suggested that F-PMBN-Lf exerted a notable neuroprotective effect, preserving neuronal cells in contrast to the scopolamine-induced group. It appears that the polymer nanoparticles containing this plant extract have introduced a novel neuroprotective approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Unlocking the Anticancer Potential of Frankincense Essential Oils (FEOs) Through Nanotechnology: A Review.

Cancer is a group of heterogeneous diseases that occur when cells in the body proliferate and divide uncontrollably. As the current treatment modalities have pros and cons, the discovery of new chemotherapeutic agents with the least side effects is one of the most investigated research areas. In this context, plant-based natural products are a rich source of drugs and have served humanity for ages. Frankincense essential oils (FEOs) are among the most promising plant-based oils in Gulf countries. In addition to their high cultural value, FEOs are also famous for their engaging biological activities, including anti-cancerous. However, the practical application of FEOs is often hindered/by their low water solubility, limited bioavailability, high volatility, and sensitivity toward heat, humidity, light, or oxygen. Thus, a significant demand for technological advancement would improve their ability to target particular cells and tissues. Nanotechnology emerged as an exciting approach in this context. Through suitable nano-formulation (functionalization or encapsulation into a nanostructure), issues arising due to solubility, targeting capability, and delivery can be controlled.

Potential role of dietary Boswellia serrata resin against mancozeb fungicide-induced immune-antioxidant suppression, histopathological alterations, and genotoxicity in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus.

This study was established to look into the toxicological consequences of chronic exposure to a fungicide (mancozeb; MAZ) on the immune-antioxidant response, gene expressions, hepato-renal functions, and histological pictures of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Additionally, the effectiveness of Indian frankincense resin extract (IFRE) to mitigate their toxicity was taken into account. Fish (n =240; average body weight: 22.45 ± 2.21 g) were randomized into four groups for eight weeks in six replicates (control, IFRE, MAZ, and IFRE + MAZ), where ten fish were kept per replicate. The control and IFRE groups received basal diets that included 0.0 and 5 g/kg of IFRE without MAZ exposure. The MAZ and IFRE+MAZ groups received the same diets and were exposed to 1/10 of the 96-h of LC50 of MAZ (1.15 mg/L). The outcomes displayed that MAZ exposure resulted in a lower survival rate (56.67 %) and significantly decreased levels of immune-antioxidant variables (antiprotease, complement3, phagocytic activity, lysozyme, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity) compared to the control group. The MAZ-exposed fish showed the greatest levels of lipid peroxide (malondialdehyde), alkaline phosphatase, alanine amino-transferase, and stress indicators (cortisol and glucose). Additionally, histopathological alterations, including vacuolation, severe necrosis, degeneration, and mononuclear cell infiltrations in the hepatic, renal, and splenic tissues resulted, besides a reduction in the melanomacrophage center in the spleen. A down-regulation of immune-antioxidant-associated genes [toll-like receptors (TLR-2 and TLR-7), nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κß), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 3 gamma b (pik3r3b), interleukins (IL-1ß and IL-8), glutathione synthetase (GSS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] were the consequences of the MAZ exposure. Remarkably, the dietary inclusion of IFRE in MAZ-exposed fish augmented the immune-antioxidant parameters, including their associated genes, decreased stress response, and increased survival rate (85 %) compared with the MAZ-exposed fish. Moreover, dietary IFRE improved hepato-renal function indices by preserving the histological architecture of the hepatic, renal, and splenic tissues. The insights of this study advocate the use of an IFRE-dietary addition to protect Nile tilapia from MAZ toxicity, which provides perspectives for future implementations in enhancing fish health for sustainable aquaculture.

In vitro efficacy of Boswellia carterii resin extracts formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate against Tetranychus urticae and phytopathogenic fungi.

Contemporary agriculture heavily relies on pesticides for pest eradication and disease management. Consequently, current study was carried out to assess the acaricidal/antifungal efficacy of emulsifiable concentrate (10 % EC) derived from Boswellia carterii (B. carterii) against adult females of Tetranychus urticae (T. urticae), and five fungal pathogens. The meticulous examination of the chemical constitution of the crude extracts derived from the resin of B. carterii was conducted through the employment of the venerable technique known as Gas-Liquid Chromatography (GLC). The formulated petroleum-ether extract (FPEE) and formulated ethyl-acetate extract (FEAE) of B. carterii at a concentration of 10 mg ml-1 exhibited notable antioxidant activity with rates of 62.0 % and 90.8 %, respectively. In vitro, the FEAE exhibited potent inhibition against all the tested phytopathogenic fungi at different concentrations, whereas FPEE showed comparatively less efficacy. Interestingly, at 4000 ppm concentration, FEAE completely ceased the mycelial growth compared with the control. Moreover, following a span of 72 h of intervention, FPEE exhibited a greater degree of toxicity towards mature females of the T. urticae. This was evidenced by the LC50 value of 422.52 parts per million (ppm) for FPEE, which surpassed the LC50 value of 539.50 ppm observed for FEAE. In summary, the present study indicates that B. carterii resin formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate (10 % EC) can offer a natural and effective alternative for integrated pest management, thereby reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and offering a more environmentally sustainable strategy for pest control.

Evaluating the Potential of Boswellia rivae to Provide Sustainable Livelihood Benefits in Eastern Ethiopia.

Frankincense is an oleo-gum-resin collected from wild Boswellia spp. trees, and widely used in perfumery, cosmetics, aromatherapy, incense, and other industries. Boswellia rivae, growing in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya, is one source of frankincense, but is little-commercialized compared to species such as B. sacra, B. frereana, and B. papyrifera. In this study, we examine the resin essential oil chemistry and harvesting systems of B. rivae in order to evaluate its potential for increased trade and potential positive livelihood benefits. Boswellia rivae produces an essential oil rich in α-thujene (0.1-12.4%), α-pinene (5.5-56.4%), ß-pinene (0.3-13.0%), δ-3-carene (0.1-31.5%), p-cymene (1.4-31.2%), limonene (1.8-37.3%), ß-phellandrene (tr-5.6%), trans-pinocarveol (0.1-5.0%), trans-verbenol (0.1-11.2%), and trans-ß-elemene (0-5.7%), similar to major commercial species, although it is difficult to detect mixing of B. rivae and Commiphora africana resins from chemistry alone. The B. rivae trees are not actively tapped, so resin collection has a neutral impact on the health of the trees, and resin production is unaffected by drought. Consequently, collecting resins acts as a key income supplementing livestock herding, as well as a safety net protecting pastoral communities from the severe negative effects of climate change-exacerbated drought on livestock. Therefore, Boswellia rivae is well positioned chemically, ecologically, and socially to support expanded trade.

Water extract of frankincense and myrrh inhibits liver cancer progression and epithelial­mesenchymal transition through Wnt/ß­catenin signaling.

Wnt/ß-catenin signaling is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), which serves an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) invasion and metastasis. Frankincense and myrrh (FM) are antitumor agents commonly used in clinical practice. The present study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of water extract of FM on the progression of liver cancer cells. FM was applied to study its effects on HCC cell proliferation. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated by wound healing and Transwell assays. In addition, western blot was used to study the protein levels associated with EMT and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. The nuclear translocation of ß-catenin was detected by immunofluorescence assay. A non-toxic dose of FM significantly inhibited invasion and metastasis of liver cancer cells. Furthermore, FM promoted expression of EMT marker E-cadherin, while decreasing expression of vimentin and N-cadherin. Finally, the protein and the nuclear staining levels of Disheveled 2 and ß-catenin were both suppressed by water extract of FM. The water extract of FM inhibited the migration and invasion of liver cancer cells and inhibited EMT by suppressing activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Antimicrobial Activity of Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) Oil and Smoke against Pathogenic and Airborne Microbes.

As they continuously evolve, plants will remain a renewable source for antimicrobial compounds. Omani frankincense is produced by B. sacra trees and is graded into Hojari, Nejdi, Shazri or Sha'bi. Air can be a source for pathogenic or food spoilage microbes; thus, inactivating airborne microbes is necessary in environments such as food and animal production areas. This study investigated the antimicrobial activity and the chemistry of steam-distilled oils of Hojari and Sha'bi grades. It also analyzed the antimicrobial activity of frankincense smoke and the size of its solid particles. Chemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the oils against Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC 6571), Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli (NCTC 10418), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NCTC 10662), Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium citrinum, Alternaria alternata and Fusarium solani was determined using well diffusion and micro-well dilution methods. A microscopic technique was used to determine the size of frankincense smoke solid particles. Microbes were exposed to frankincense smoke to test their susceptibility to the smoke. Hojari and Sha'bi oils were similar in composition and contained monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The Hojari and the Sha'bi oils possessed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. The largest growth inhibition zones were obtained with S. cerevisiae and F. solani. An MIC of 1.56% (v/v) was found with E. coli, S. cerevisiae and F. solani. Frankincense smoke contained fine irregular solid particles with a diameter range of 0.8-2287.4 µm, and thus may pose a health risk to susceptible individuals. The smoke had potent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and airborne bacteria, yeast and mold, with a maximum inhibition of 100%. It was concluded that Hojari and Sha'bi frankincense oils and smoke had significant antimicrobial activity that can be exploited in controlling human, animal and plant pathogenic microbes.

Influences of dietary supplementation of ginger powder and frankincense oil on productive performance, blood biochemical parameters, oxidative status and tissues histomorphology of laying Japanese quail.

The objective of the current study was to ascertain the effect of using ginger powder or frankincense oil at different levels on the production rate, biochemical properties of blood, and immune response of laying Japanese quail housed from 12 to 21 wk of age. Three hundred sexually mature quail (200 females and 100 males) were distributed among 5 groups at 12 wk of age in a completely randomized design. Group 1: received basal diet not including additives and acted as a control group. Groups 2 and 3: received a basal diet with 250 and 500 mg ginger/kg feed, respectively. Groups 4 and 5: received a basal diet with 200 and 400 mg frankincense oil/kg feed, respectively. Results revealed that egg production parameters of laying Japanese quail were not influenced by ginger or frankincense oil added in all groups tested during experimental periods except at the time (15-18 wks.). Moreover, egg weight was significantly increased only during the period (15-18 wks.) and total period (12-21 wk of age), and group 5 recorded the highest weight during the 2 periods studied. Feed additives did not impact feed consumption or feed conversion ratio (FCR). Except for WBCs, Hb, and monocytes, treatments impacted blood hematological parameters. Also, blood serum parameters were influenced by feed additives, except total protein, albumin, globulin, and creatinine were not influenced. Moreover, histological examination of the spleen was influenced by feed additives. It is concluded that utilizing frankincense oil or ginger powder in diets of laying Japanese quails enhanced blood serum properties and improved reproductive and productive performance.

Comparative Analysis of Pharmacokinetics and Metabolites of Three Main Terpenoids before and after Compatibility of Frankincense and Myrrh in Rats by UHPLC-MS.

BACKGROUND: 3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) and 11-keto-boswellic acid (KBA) are the main active components of frankincense as pentacyclic triterpenoids, which are designated by the European Pharmacopoeia 8.0 as the quality standard for the evaluation of Indian frankincense, 2-methoxy-8,12-epoxygermacra- 1(10),7,11-trien-6-one (MCS134) is a non-volatile sesquiterpene compound in myrrh. OBJECTIVE: In this paper, the absorption pharmacokinetics and metabolites of AKBA, KBA and MCS134 after frankincense, myrrh and their compatibility were analyzed, elaborated their absorption and metabolism mechanism and provided the ideas for the research on the bioactive components of frankincense and myrrh compatibility in vivo. METHODS: The area under the blood concentration time curve (AUC), half-life (t_1/2) and drug clearance (CL) of AKBA, KBA and MCS134 in rats were analyzed by LC-TQ / MS. The metabolites of AKBA, KBA and MCS134 in rats were analyzed by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography with a linear ion trap-high resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry system (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS). RESULTS: The results showed that AKBA, KBA and MCS134 reached the maximum plasma concentration at about 2 h, 2 h and 15 min, respectively. AUC_0-t and t_1/2 of the three components increased in varying degrees after compatibility, and the clearance/ bioavailability (CL/F) decreased. AKBA, KBA and MCS134 were metabolized in phase I and phase II in rats, and there represented differences before and after compatibility. CONCLUSION: After the compatibility of frankincense and myrrh, the absorption of effective components was improved to some extent, and there were some differences in the metabolites in rats. The results provide ideas for elucidating the in vivo effect mechanism of frankincense and myrrh.

Neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory activity of frankincense in bile duct ligaion-induced hepatic encephalopathy.

Objectives: Hepatic encephalopathy induces cognitive disturbances. Patients show neuroinflammation due to accumulation of toxic substances. Frankincense has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Accordingly, we intended to evaluate the impact of frankincense on memory performance, inflammation, and the amount of hippocampal neurons in bile duct-ligated rats. Materials and Methods: The bile duct was ligated in three groups of adult male Wistar rats (BDL groups). In two of these groups, frankincense was administered (100 or 200 mg/kg; by gavage) starting from one week before surgery to 28 days after surgery. The third BDL group received saline. In the sham group, the bile duct was not ligated and the animals received saline. Twenty-eight days after surgery, spatial memory was evaluated by the Morris water maze test. Five rats from each group were sacrificed to measure the expression of the hippocampal tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Three rats from each group were perfused to determine the amount of hippocampal neurons. Results: Bile duct ligation impaired memory acquisition, while frankincense amended it. Bile duct ligation significantly increased the expression of TNF-α. Frankincense reduced TNF-α in BDL rats, significantly. The number of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas was significantly lower in the BDL group and in the group that received frankincense (100 mg/kg) equated to the sham group. Frankincense (200 mg/kg) augmented the amount of neurons in the CA1 area, slightly and in the CA3 area, significantly. Conclusion: The results indicate the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of frankincense in bile duct ligation-induced hepatic encephalopathy.

Effects of frankincense on experimentally induced renal stones in rats.

Objectives: Frankincense (Luban) is a resin obtained from trees of genus Boswellia. The south of Oman hosts Boswellia sacra trees known to have many social, religious and medicinal uses. The anti-inflammatory and therapeutic potential of Luban has recently attracted the interest of the scientific community. The aim is to study the efficacy of Luban water extract and its essential oils on experimentally induced renal stones in rats. Materials and Methods: A rat model of urolithiasis induced by trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline (HLP) was used. Wistar Kyoto rats (27 males, 27 females) were randomly distributed into nine equal groups. Treatment groups were given Uralyt-U (standard) or Luban (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg/day), starting Day 15 from HLP induction for a duration of 14 days. The prevention groups were given Luban in similar doses, starting Day 1 of HLP induction for 28 days. Several plasma biochemical and histological parameters were recorded. Data were analysed with GraphPad Software. Comparisons were performed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bonferroni test. Results: The lithogenic effects of HLP, such as an increase in urine oxalate and cystine, an increase in plasma uric acid and an increase in kidney levels of calcium and oxalate, have all been best significantly reversed by the Luban dose of 150 mg/kg/day. The histological changes of HLP on the kidney tissue including calcium oxalate crystal formation, cystic dilatation, high degree of tubular necrosis, inflammatory changes, atrophy and fibrosis have also been ameliorated by Luban dose of 150 mg/kg/day. Conclusion: Luban has shown a significant improvement in the treatment and prevention of experimentally induced renal stones, particularly at a dose of 150 mg/kg/day. Further studies on the effect of Luban in other animal models and humans with urolithiasis are warranted.

Enhancing Cu2+ Ion Removal: An Innovative Approach Utilizing Modified Frankincense Gum Combined with Multiwalled Carbon Tubes and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as Adsorbent.

Aquatic pollution, which includes organic debris and heavy metals, is a severe issue for living things. Copper pollution is hazardous to people, and there is a need to develop effective methods for eliminating it from the environment. To address this issue, a novel adsorbent composed of frankincense-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Fr-MMWCNTs) and Fe3O4 [Fr-MWCNT-Fe3O4] was created and subjected to characterization. Batch adsorption tests showed that Fr-MWCNT-Fe3O4 had a maximum adsorption capacity of 250 mg/g at 308 K and could efficiently remove Cu2+ ions over a pH range of 6 to 8. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, and its thermodynamics were identified as endothermic. Functional groups on the surface of modified MWCNTs improved their adsorption capacity, and a rise in temperature increased the adsorption efficiency. These results highlight the Fr-MWCNT-Fe3O4 composites' potential as an efficient adsorbent for removing Cu2+ ions from untreated natural water sources.

Assessment of Physicochemical Parameters and Contaminants in Herbal Dietary Supplements Used in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a complex disorder characterized by chronic gastrointestinal inflammation. Thus, patients prefer to use herbal dietary supplements containing turmeric, Indian frankincense, green chiretta, and black pepper in an attempt to cope better with their chronic condition. The dietary supplements' dosage forms and herbal ingredients were assessed in terms of the products' physicochemical parameters (weight uniformity, friability, disintegration, rupture test, tablet's breaking force, and powder flowability) in view of the USP-NF requirements. In addition, contaminants such as organic solvents and ethylene oxide were evaluated using gas chromatography. Assessment of gluten via an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay was also performed. Most of the products met USP requirements. The high average weight of one multicomponent tablet sample with a high breaking force value can explain the observed negative results of the disintegration test. A total of 26% of samples tested positive for gluten, but the most alarming fact is that the ethylene oxide levels found in two samples were up to 30 times higher than the EU limit. Accordingly, dietary supplement quality control is of fundamental importance.

Frankincense ameliorates endometriosis via inducing apoptosis and reducing adhesion.

Background: Frankincense, a resin derived from trees of the Boswellia genus, has been used as an incense and a type of herbal medicine for treating inflammatory diseases such arthritis, chronic bowel illness, and asthma. While endometriosis is a well-known inflammatory gynecological illness caused by the ectopic attachment and development of uterine tissue over the menstrual cycle, the impact of frankincense on this illness is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of frankincense on endometriosis. Methods: We used a network pharmacological assessment, in vitro and in vivo investigations with a human endometriotic cell line as well as a syngeneic uterine transfer mouse model. High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis was used to compare water-extracted frankincense (Fr) to its reference compounds and validate the sample. Results: A network pharmacological analysis suggested a positive effect of Fr on endometriosis. Fr relieved endometriosis by reducing ectopic endometrial adherence and development, according to both in vivo and in vitro models. We suggested that the ER stress/p53-apoptosis and chemokine-migration/adhesion pathways underlie Fr's anti-endometriotic action using RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Conclusion: This study revealed the potential effect of Fr on endometriosis using an experimental investigation. Fr may have the potential to be an effective and safe treatment for endometriosis.