Researchers find Boswellia, an extract of frankincense, shows anti-cancer activity in small trial

Medical Xpress / Medical University of South Carolina / Breast Cancer Research and Treatment ^ | Jan. 11, 2024 | Leslie Cantu / Ingrid V. Bonilla Valente et al

[ConservativeMind]

Extracts of a plant used in traditional medicine for centuries have shown anti-proliferative effects against breast cancer in a small early-stage clinical trial.

Researchers provided breast cancer patients with an extract of the Boswellia tree—probably best known as the source of frankincense—and instructed them to take it each day until surgery. The researchers then compared the activity of cancer cells in each woman's tumor removed during surgery with the activity in the piece of her tumor that was removed during the biopsy.

"We looked at differences in the growth rate of the tumors before and after treatment, and we found that the tumors after treatment had a lower growth rate compared to before treatment," said Nancy Klauber-DeMore, M.D.

The team also looked at biopsy and tumor samples of women who didn't take the Boswellia extract.

"We saw a statistically significant reduction in tumor proliferation compared to the non-treated group, so the implications are that Boswellia, this extract of frankincense, does have anti-cancer activity in humans," Klauber-DeMore said.

The Boswellia extract was supplied from an Indian company, focusing on Boswellia serrata, one of a handful of Boswellia species that produce frankincense resin.

The study was a "window of opportunity" trial, meaning that the researchers took advantage of the open days before each patient's surgery was scheduled, during which the patients took the supplements. Because the primary treatment for the 20 patients in the study was surgery, they would not otherwise have been receiving any type of treatment during that time.

"Window of opportunity trials are done with drugs to see if they have any anti-tumor activity in humans," Klauber-DeMore explained. "It can speed up the drug development process because late-stage clinical trials can cost millions of dollars."

The patients in the trial had minimal side effects from the Boswellia, she said.

[ConservativeMind]

Frankincense is available as a supplement and is its sap gum form.

[ConservativeMind]

The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List
This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.

Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.

[Red Badger]

Gold, frankincense and myrrh................

[Williams]

Thank you very much for these posts, which are informative and helpful.

[sauropod]

Bkmk

[gleeaikin]

I believe myrrh powder has been recommended for tooth brushing and mouth healing.