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Hsuehkung Lin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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differential effects of selective Frankincense ru xiang essential oil versus non selective sandalwood tan xiang essential oil on cultured bladder cancer cells a microarray and bioinformatics study
Chinese Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Mikhail G Dozmorov, Cole Woolley, Mahmoud M. Suhail, Kar-ming Fung, Qingqing Yang, Hsuehkung Lin, Jonathan D Wren, Gary D YoungAbstract:Background: Frankincense (Boswellia carterii, known as Ru Xiang in Chinese) and sandalwood (Santalum album, known as Tan Xiang in Chinese) are cancer preventive and therapeutic agents in Chinese medicine. Their biologically active ingredients are usually extracted from Frankincense by hydrodistillation and sandalwood by distillation. This study aims to investigate the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities of Frankincense and sandalwood essential oils in cultured human bladder cancer cells. Methods: The effects of Frankincense (1,400–600 dilutions) (v/v) and sandalwood (16,000–7,000 dilutions) (v/v) essential oils on cell viability were studied in established human bladder cancer J82 cells and immortalized normal human bladder urothelial UROtsa cells using a colorimetric XTT cell viability assay. Genes that responded to essential oil treatments in human bladder cancer J82 cells were identified using the Illumina Expression BeadChip platform and analyzed for enriched functions and pathways. The chemical compositions of the essential oils were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results: Human bladder cancer J82 cells were more sensitive to the pro-apoptotic effects of Frankincense essential oil than the immortalized normal bladder UROtsa cells. In contrast, sandalwood essential oil exhibited a similar potency in suppressing the viability of both J82 and UROtsa cells. Although Frankincense and sandalwood essential oils activated common pathways such as inflammatory interleukins (IL-6 signaling), each essential oil had a unique molecular action on the bladder cancer cells. Heat shock proteins and histone core proteins were activated by Frankincense essential oil, whereas negative regulation of protein kinase activity and G protein-coupled receptors were activated by sandalwood essential oil treatment. Conclusion: The effects of Frankincense and sandalwood essential oils on J82 cells and UROtsa cells involved different mechanisms leading to cancer cell death. While Frankincense essential oil elicited selective cancer cell death via NRF-2-mediated oxidative stress, sandalwood essential oil induced non-selective cell death via DNA damage and cell cycle arrest.
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Frankincense essential oil prepared from hydrodistillation of boswellia sacra gum resins induces human pancreatic cancer cell death in cultures and in a xenograft murine model
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012Co-Authors: Mahmoud M. Suhail, Cole Woolley, Kar-ming Fung, Gary Young, Qingqing Yang, Amy Cao, Russell G Postier, Jingzhe Zhang, Hsuehkung LinAbstract:Regardless of the availability of therapeutic options, the overall 5-year survival for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer remains less than 5%. Gum resins from Boswellia species, also known as Frankincense, have been used as a major ingredient in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat a variety of health-related conditions. Both Frankincense chemical extracts and essential oil prepared from Boswellia species gum resins exhibit anti-neoplastic activity, and have been investigated as potential anti-cancer agents. The goals of this study are to identify optimal condition for preparing Frankincense essential oil that possesses potent anti-tumor activity, and to evaluate the activity in both cultured human pancreatic cancer cells and a xenograft mouse cancer model. Boswellia sacra gum resins were hydrodistilled at 78°C; and essential oil distillate fractions were collected at different durations (Fraction I at 0–2 h, Fraction II at 8–10 h, and Fraction III at 11–12 h). Hydrodistillation of the second half of gum resins was performed at 100°C; and distillate was collected at 11–12 h (Fraction IV). Chemical compositions were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS); and total boswellic acids contents were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Frankincense essential oil-modulated pancreatic tumor cell viability and cytotoxicity were determined by colorimetric assays. Levels of apoptotic markers, signaling molecules, and cell cycle regulators expression were characterized by Western blot analysis. A heterotopic (subcutaneous) human pancreatic cancer xenograft nude mouse model was used to evaluate anti-tumor capability of Fraction IV Frankincense essential oil in vivo. Frankincense essential oil-induced tumor cytostatic and cytotoxic activities in animals were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Longer duration and higher temperature hydrodistillation produced more abundant high molecular weight compounds, including boswellic acids, in Frankincense essential oil fraactions. Human pancreatic cancer cells were sensitive to Fractions III and IV (containing higher molecular weight compounds) treatment with suppressed cell viability and increased cell death. Essential oil activated the caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway, induced a rapid and transient activation of Akt and Erk1/2, and suppressed levels of cyclin D1 cdk4 expression in cultured pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, Boswellia sacra essential oil Fraction IV exhibited anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities against pancreatic tumors in the heterotopic xenograft mouse model. All fractions of Frankincense essential oil from Boswellia sacra are capable of suppressing viability and inducing apoptosis of a panel of human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Potency of essential oil-suppressed tumor cell viability may be associated with the greater abundance of high molecular weight compounds in Fractions III and IV. Although chemical component(s) responsible for tumor cell cytotoxicity remains undefined, crude essential oil prepared from hydrodistillation of Boswellia sacra gum resins might be a useful alternative therapeutic agent for treating patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis.
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Frankincense oil derived from Boswellia carteri induces tumor cell specific cytotoxicity
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2009Co-Authors: Mark Barton Frank, Kar-ming Fung, Qing Yang, Jeanette Osban, Joseph T Azzarello, Marcia R Saban, Ricardo Saban, Richard A Ashley, Jan C Welter, Hsuehkung LinAbstract:Background Originating from Africa, India, and the Middle East, Frankincense oil has been important both socially and economically as an ingredient in incense and perfumes for thousands of years. Frankincense oil is prepared from aromatic hardened gum resins obtained by tapping Boswellia trees. One of the main components of Frankincense oil is boswellic acid, a component known to have anti-neoplastic properties. The goal of this study was to evaluate Frankincense oil for its anti-tumor activity and signaling pathways in bladder cancer cells. Methods Frankincense oil-induced cell viability was investigated in human bladder cancer J82 cells and immortalized normal bladder urothelial UROtsa cells. Temporal regulation of Frankincense oil-activated gene expression in bladder cancer cells was identified by microarray and bioinformatics analysis. Results Within a range of concentration, Frankincense oil suppressed cell viability in bladder transitional carcinoma J82 cells but not in UROtsa cells. Comprehensive gene expression analysis confirmed that Frankincense oil activates genes that are responsible for cell cycle arrest, cell growth suppression, and apoptosis in J82 cells. However, Frankincense oil-induced cell death in J82 cells did not result in DNA fragmentation, a hallmark of apoptosis. Conclusion Frankincense oil appears to distinguish cancerous from normal bladder cells and suppress cancer cell viability. Microarray and bioinformatics analysis proposed multiple pathways that can be activated by Frankincense oil to induce bladder cancer cell death. Frankincense oil might represent an alternative intravesical agent for bladder cancer treatment.
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Frankincense oil derived from Boswellia carteri induces tumor cell specific cytotoxicity
BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 2009Co-Authors: Mark Barton Frank, Kar-ming Fung, Qingqing Yang, Jeanette Osban, Joseph T Azzarello, Marcia R Saban, Ricardo Saban, Richard A Ashley, Jan C Welter, Hsuehkung LinAbstract:Originating from Africa, India, and the Middle East, Frankincense oil has been important both socially and economically as an ingredient in incense and perfumes for thousands of years. Frankincense oil is prepared from aromatic hardened gum resins obtained by tapping Boswellia trees. One of the main components of Frankincense oil is boswellic acid, a component known to have anti-neoplastic properties. The goal of this study was to evaluate Frankincense oil for its anti-tumor activity and signaling pathways in bladder cancer cells. Frankincense oil-induced cell viability was investigated in human bladder cancer J82 cells and immortalized normal bladder urothelial UROtsa cells. Temporal regulation of Frankincense oil-activated gene expression in bladder cancer cells was identified by microarray and bioinformatics analysis. Within a range of concentration, Frankincense oil suppressed cell viability in bladder transitional carcinoma J82 cells but not in UROtsa cells. Comprehensive gene expression analysis confirmed that Frankincense oil activates genes that are responsible for cell cycle arrest, cell growth suppression, and apoptosis in J82 cells. However, Frankincense oil-induced cell death in J82 cells did not result in DNA fragmentation, a hallmark of apoptosis. Frankincense oil appears to distinguish cancerous from normal bladder cells and suppress cancer cell viability. Microarray and bioinformatics analysis proposed multiple pathways that can be activated by Frankincense oil to induce bladder cancer cell death. Frankincense oil might represent an alternative intravesical agent for bladder cancer treatment.
Frans Bongers - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Frankincense in peril
Nature Sustainability, 2019Co-Authors: Frans Bongers, Abeje Eshete, Groenendijk Peter E, Tesfaye Bekele, Emiru Birhane, Abebe Damtew, Mathieu Decuyper, Alemu Gezahgne, Atkilt Girma, Mohamed A. KhamisAbstract:The harvest of plant parts and exudates from wild populations contributes to the income, food security and livelihoods of many millions of people worldwide. Frankincense, an aromatic resin sourced from natural populations of Boswellia trees and shrubs, has been cherished by world societies for centuries. Boswellia populations are threatened by over-exploitation and ecosystem degradation, jeopardizing future resin production. Here, we reveal evidence of population collapse of B. papyrifera—now the main source of Frankincense—throughout its geographic range. Using inventories of 23 populations consisting of 21,786 trees, growth-ring data from 202 trees and demographic models on the basis of 7,246 trees, we find that over 75% of studied populations lack small trees, natural regeneration has been absent for decades, and projected Frankincense production will be halved in 20 yr. These changes are caused by increased human population pressure on Boswellia woodlands through cattle grazing, frequent burns and reckless tapping. A literature review showed that other Boswellia species experience similar threats. Populations can be restored by establishing cattle exclosures and fire-breaks, and by planting trees and tapping trees more carefully. Concerted conservation and restoration efforts are urgently needed to secure the long-term availability of this iconic product. Wild plants anchor ecosystems and local economies. The iconic resin Frankincense comes from Boswellia trees. This study documents the population collapse of B. papyrifera, the main Frankincense source, throughout its range, suggesting conservation and restoration is vital.
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Uniquely regenerating Frankincense tree populations in western Ethiopia
Forest Ecology and Management, 2017Co-Authors: Mindaye Teshome, Abeje Eshete, Frans BongersAbstract:Dry tropical forests provide a wide range of forest products that directly support the livelihoods of people. These forests are the most threatened and least protected forests due to expansion of agriculture and pasture lands, unregulated grazing, forest fire, unregulated collection of wood and other forest products. Dry forests of Ethiopia are heavily affected by such human induced factors. The iconic Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst is a dominant tree species of this forest and the principal source of the globally traded Frankincense. The species lacks regeneration in all forests evaluated so far. Frankincense forests in relatively wetter dry land areas with little or no human related disturbance are not evaluated so far. Here we quantified the regeneration status of the Frankincense tree in such areas and evaluated these forests in comparison to non-regenerating Frankincense forests elsewhere. We surveyed two-ha plots in each of five districts in Benishangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia. The Frankincense tree populations showed two different regeneration patterns: inverse J-shaped and bell-shaped pattern. The presence of regenerating populations in three of our study areas is in sharp contrast to all earlier studies on this species. The healthy regeneration might be related with the availability of more favourable conditions such as better precipitation, lower levels of anthropogenic disturbances and younger ages of the three woodlands. These unique, regenerating Frankincense tree populations need recognition and should be delineated as priority areas for conservation, which includes their role as source of genetic material. Better attention of conservation practitioners, policy makers and Frankincense companies may help this species to survive and therewith its emblematic Frankincense.
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Frankincense yield is related to tree size and resin-canal characteristics
Forest Ecology and Management, 2015Co-Authors: Motuma Tolera, Ute Sass-klaassen, Abeje Eshete, Frans Bongers, Frank J. SterckAbstract:Boswellia papyrifera Hochst. is the most important global source of Frankincense. Tree numbers are rapidly decreasing in many populations of B. papyrifera in Ethiopia, where most of the internationally traded Frankincense comes from. Improper tapping is among the frequently mentioned reasons for this decrease within populations. We still lack sustainable techniques for Frankincense tapping, and these techniques are not yet tuned to individual trees since we are unaware how tree characteristics influence Frankincense yield. This study investigates the relationships between different tree characteristics and their relation to Frankincense yield. We selected 53 trees and measured Frankincense yield and their DBH, tree age, number of leaf apices, radial growth, bark thickness, total resin-canal area, and total number of resin canals in a cross-section. Regression and path analysis were used to unravel cause-effect relationships between tree characteristics and Frankincense yield. Frankincense yield was independent of the actual radial growth rate, but increased with increasing total resin-canal area in the bark, stem diameter, tree age, and the number of leaf apices. We show that Frankincense yield by trees is not only a simple function of tree size. Remarkably, trees that grew slower over their whole life history produced more Frankincense, suggesting an intra-specific trade-off in growth rate and Frankincense production. Overall, this study thus shows that Frankincense production is the result of complex plant trait networks and long term tree life properties. The results contribute to management regimes that minimize the damage to trees, while maximizing benefits in terms of Frankincense yield and can also be used for selection and propagation of trees which are well suited for Frankincense production.
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Frankincense tree recruitment failed over the past half century
Forest Ecology and Management, 2013Co-Authors: Motuma Tolera, Ute Sass-klaassen, Abeje Eshete, Frans Bongers, Frank J. SterckAbstract:Abstract Boswellia papyrifera (Burseraceae) trees grow in dry woodlands south of the Sahara and produce Frankincense, the economically important olio-gum resin used for cultural and religious ceremonies throughout the world and as raw material in several industries. Across its distribution area, this species is threatened by farmland expansion, fire, improper tapping and overgrazing. Most of its populations lack saplings and small-sized trees (e.g. B. papyrifera , including verification of annual growth-ring formation, and (2) constructs the population age structure and discusses consequences thereof for population maintenance and long-term Frankincense production. We could prove that B. papyrifera forms annual growth rings. The average radial annual growth rate of B. papyrifera is 1.15 mm (s.d. = 0.22) and varies significantly among the sampled trees. Age and diameter of B. papyrifera trees are significantly correlated. From the population-age structure, it becomes obvious that the current B. papyrifera populations lack successful recruitment since 1955, which we attribute to intensive grazing and fire associated with the escalating increase of human settlement in the area. Lack of recruitment leads to rapidly declining populations resulting in strongly reduced Frankincense production. Management aimed at seedling survival and sustainable use of relic trees is urgent.
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Resin secretory structures of Boswellia papyrifera and implications for Frankincense yield.
Annals of botany, 2012Co-Authors: Motuma Tolera, Ute Sass-klaassen, Frank J. Sterck, David J. Menger, Paul Copini, Frans BongersAbstract:†Background and Aims Frankincense, a gum-resin, has been tapped from Boswellia papyrifera trees for centuries. Despite the intensive tapping and economic interest of B. papyrifera, information on the resin secretory structures, which are responsible for synthesis, storage and transport of Frankincense, is virtually absent. This study describes the type, architecture and distribution of resin secretory structures of B. papyrifera and its relevance for the ecophysiology and economic use of the tree. †Methods The type and architecture of resin secretory structures present in bark and wood was investigated from transversal, tangential and radial sections of bark and wood samples. The diameter and density (number of resin canals mm 22 ) of axial resin canals were determined from digital images of thin sections across the different zones of inner bark. †Key Results Resin canals form a three-dimensional network within the inner bark. Yet, the intact resin-conducting and producing network is on average limited to the inner 6.6 mm of the inner bark. Within the inner bark, the density of non-lignified axial resin canals decreases and the density of lignified resin canals increases from the vascular cambium towards the outer bark. In the wood, only radial resin canals were encountered. †Conclusions Frankincense tapping techniques can be improved based on knowledge of bark anatomy and distribution and architecture of resin secretory structures. The suggested new techniques will contribute to a more sustainable Frankincense production that enhances the contribution of Frankincense to rural livelihoods and the national economy.
Kar-ming Fung - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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differential effects of selective Frankincense ru xiang essential oil versus non selective sandalwood tan xiang essential oil on cultured bladder cancer cells a microarray and bioinformatics study
Chinese Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Mikhail G Dozmorov, Cole Woolley, Mahmoud M. Suhail, Kar-ming Fung, Qingqing Yang, Hsuehkung Lin, Jonathan D Wren, Gary D YoungAbstract:Background: Frankincense (Boswellia carterii, known as Ru Xiang in Chinese) and sandalwood (Santalum album, known as Tan Xiang in Chinese) are cancer preventive and therapeutic agents in Chinese medicine. Their biologically active ingredients are usually extracted from Frankincense by hydrodistillation and sandalwood by distillation. This study aims to investigate the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities of Frankincense and sandalwood essential oils in cultured human bladder cancer cells. Methods: The effects of Frankincense (1,400–600 dilutions) (v/v) and sandalwood (16,000–7,000 dilutions) (v/v) essential oils on cell viability were studied in established human bladder cancer J82 cells and immortalized normal human bladder urothelial UROtsa cells using a colorimetric XTT cell viability assay. Genes that responded to essential oil treatments in human bladder cancer J82 cells were identified using the Illumina Expression BeadChip platform and analyzed for enriched functions and pathways. The chemical compositions of the essential oils were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results: Human bladder cancer J82 cells were more sensitive to the pro-apoptotic effects of Frankincense essential oil than the immortalized normal bladder UROtsa cells. In contrast, sandalwood essential oil exhibited a similar potency in suppressing the viability of both J82 and UROtsa cells. Although Frankincense and sandalwood essential oils activated common pathways such as inflammatory interleukins (IL-6 signaling), each essential oil had a unique molecular action on the bladder cancer cells. Heat shock proteins and histone core proteins were activated by Frankincense essential oil, whereas negative regulation of protein kinase activity and G protein-coupled receptors were activated by sandalwood essential oil treatment. Conclusion: The effects of Frankincense and sandalwood essential oils on J82 cells and UROtsa cells involved different mechanisms leading to cancer cell death. While Frankincense essential oil elicited selective cancer cell death via NRF-2-mediated oxidative stress, sandalwood essential oil induced non-selective cell death via DNA damage and cell cycle arrest.
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Frankincense essential oil prepared from hydrodistillation of boswellia sacra gum resins induces human pancreatic cancer cell death in cultures and in a xenograft murine model
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012Co-Authors: Mahmoud M. Suhail, Cole Woolley, Kar-ming Fung, Gary Young, Qingqing Yang, Amy Cao, Russell G Postier, Jingzhe Zhang, Hsuehkung LinAbstract:Regardless of the availability of therapeutic options, the overall 5-year survival for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer remains less than 5%. Gum resins from Boswellia species, also known as Frankincense, have been used as a major ingredient in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat a variety of health-related conditions. Both Frankincense chemical extracts and essential oil prepared from Boswellia species gum resins exhibit anti-neoplastic activity, and have been investigated as potential anti-cancer agents. The goals of this study are to identify optimal condition for preparing Frankincense essential oil that possesses potent anti-tumor activity, and to evaluate the activity in both cultured human pancreatic cancer cells and a xenograft mouse cancer model. Boswellia sacra gum resins were hydrodistilled at 78°C; and essential oil distillate fractions were collected at different durations (Fraction I at 0–2 h, Fraction II at 8–10 h, and Fraction III at 11–12 h). Hydrodistillation of the second half of gum resins was performed at 100°C; and distillate was collected at 11–12 h (Fraction IV). Chemical compositions were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS); and total boswellic acids contents were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Frankincense essential oil-modulated pancreatic tumor cell viability and cytotoxicity were determined by colorimetric assays. Levels of apoptotic markers, signaling molecules, and cell cycle regulators expression were characterized by Western blot analysis. A heterotopic (subcutaneous) human pancreatic cancer xenograft nude mouse model was used to evaluate anti-tumor capability of Fraction IV Frankincense essential oil in vivo. Frankincense essential oil-induced tumor cytostatic and cytotoxic activities in animals were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Longer duration and higher temperature hydrodistillation produced more abundant high molecular weight compounds, including boswellic acids, in Frankincense essential oil fraactions. Human pancreatic cancer cells were sensitive to Fractions III and IV (containing higher molecular weight compounds) treatment with suppressed cell viability and increased cell death. Essential oil activated the caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway, induced a rapid and transient activation of Akt and Erk1/2, and suppressed levels of cyclin D1 cdk4 expression in cultured pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, Boswellia sacra essential oil Fraction IV exhibited anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities against pancreatic tumors in the heterotopic xenograft mouse model. All fractions of Frankincense essential oil from Boswellia sacra are capable of suppressing viability and inducing apoptosis of a panel of human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Potency of essential oil-suppressed tumor cell viability may be associated with the greater abundance of high molecular weight compounds in Fractions III and IV. Although chemical component(s) responsible for tumor cell cytotoxicity remains undefined, crude essential oil prepared from hydrodistillation of Boswellia sacra gum resins might be a useful alternative therapeutic agent for treating patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis.
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Frankincense oil derived from Boswellia carteri induces tumor cell specific cytotoxicity
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2009Co-Authors: Mark Barton Frank, Kar-ming Fung, Qing Yang, Jeanette Osban, Joseph T Azzarello, Marcia R Saban, Ricardo Saban, Richard A Ashley, Jan C Welter, Hsuehkung LinAbstract:Background Originating from Africa, India, and the Middle East, Frankincense oil has been important both socially and economically as an ingredient in incense and perfumes for thousands of years. Frankincense oil is prepared from aromatic hardened gum resins obtained by tapping Boswellia trees. One of the main components of Frankincense oil is boswellic acid, a component known to have anti-neoplastic properties. The goal of this study was to evaluate Frankincense oil for its anti-tumor activity and signaling pathways in bladder cancer cells. Methods Frankincense oil-induced cell viability was investigated in human bladder cancer J82 cells and immortalized normal bladder urothelial UROtsa cells. Temporal regulation of Frankincense oil-activated gene expression in bladder cancer cells was identified by microarray and bioinformatics analysis. Results Within a range of concentration, Frankincense oil suppressed cell viability in bladder transitional carcinoma J82 cells but not in UROtsa cells. Comprehensive gene expression analysis confirmed that Frankincense oil activates genes that are responsible for cell cycle arrest, cell growth suppression, and apoptosis in J82 cells. However, Frankincense oil-induced cell death in J82 cells did not result in DNA fragmentation, a hallmark of apoptosis. Conclusion Frankincense oil appears to distinguish cancerous from normal bladder cells and suppress cancer cell viability. Microarray and bioinformatics analysis proposed multiple pathways that can be activated by Frankincense oil to induce bladder cancer cell death. Frankincense oil might represent an alternative intravesical agent for bladder cancer treatment.
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Frankincense oil derived from Boswellia carteri induces tumor cell specific cytotoxicity
BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 2009Co-Authors: Mark Barton Frank, Kar-ming Fung, Qingqing Yang, Jeanette Osban, Joseph T Azzarello, Marcia R Saban, Ricardo Saban, Richard A Ashley, Jan C Welter, Hsuehkung LinAbstract:Originating from Africa, India, and the Middle East, Frankincense oil has been important both socially and economically as an ingredient in incense and perfumes for thousands of years. Frankincense oil is prepared from aromatic hardened gum resins obtained by tapping Boswellia trees. One of the main components of Frankincense oil is boswellic acid, a component known to have anti-neoplastic properties. The goal of this study was to evaluate Frankincense oil for its anti-tumor activity and signaling pathways in bladder cancer cells. Frankincense oil-induced cell viability was investigated in human bladder cancer J82 cells and immortalized normal bladder urothelial UROtsa cells. Temporal regulation of Frankincense oil-activated gene expression in bladder cancer cells was identified by microarray and bioinformatics analysis. Within a range of concentration, Frankincense oil suppressed cell viability in bladder transitional carcinoma J82 cells but not in UROtsa cells. Comprehensive gene expression analysis confirmed that Frankincense oil activates genes that are responsible for cell cycle arrest, cell growth suppression, and apoptosis in J82 cells. However, Frankincense oil-induced cell death in J82 cells did not result in DNA fragmentation, a hallmark of apoptosis. Frankincense oil appears to distinguish cancerous from normal bladder cells and suppress cancer cell viability. Microarray and bioinformatics analysis proposed multiple pathways that can be activated by Frankincense oil to induce bladder cancer cell death. Frankincense oil might represent an alternative intravesical agent for bladder cancer treatment.
Abeje Eshete - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Frankincense in peril
Nature Sustainability, 2019Co-Authors: Frans Bongers, Abeje Eshete, Groenendijk Peter E, Tesfaye Bekele, Emiru Birhane, Abebe Damtew, Mathieu Decuyper, Alemu Gezahgne, Atkilt Girma, Mohamed A. KhamisAbstract:The harvest of plant parts and exudates from wild populations contributes to the income, food security and livelihoods of many millions of people worldwide. Frankincense, an aromatic resin sourced from natural populations of Boswellia trees and shrubs, has been cherished by world societies for centuries. Boswellia populations are threatened by over-exploitation and ecosystem degradation, jeopardizing future resin production. Here, we reveal evidence of population collapse of B. papyrifera—now the main source of Frankincense—throughout its geographic range. Using inventories of 23 populations consisting of 21,786 trees, growth-ring data from 202 trees and demographic models on the basis of 7,246 trees, we find that over 75% of studied populations lack small trees, natural regeneration has been absent for decades, and projected Frankincense production will be halved in 20 yr. These changes are caused by increased human population pressure on Boswellia woodlands through cattle grazing, frequent burns and reckless tapping. A literature review showed that other Boswellia species experience similar threats. Populations can be restored by establishing cattle exclosures and fire-breaks, and by planting trees and tapping trees more carefully. Concerted conservation and restoration efforts are urgently needed to secure the long-term availability of this iconic product. Wild plants anchor ecosystems and local economies. The iconic resin Frankincense comes from Boswellia trees. This study documents the population collapse of B. papyrifera, the main Frankincense source, throughout its range, suggesting conservation and restoration is vital.
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Uniquely regenerating Frankincense tree populations in western Ethiopia
Forest Ecology and Management, 2017Co-Authors: Mindaye Teshome, Abeje Eshete, Frans BongersAbstract:Dry tropical forests provide a wide range of forest products that directly support the livelihoods of people. These forests are the most threatened and least protected forests due to expansion of agriculture and pasture lands, unregulated grazing, forest fire, unregulated collection of wood and other forest products. Dry forests of Ethiopia are heavily affected by such human induced factors. The iconic Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst is a dominant tree species of this forest and the principal source of the globally traded Frankincense. The species lacks regeneration in all forests evaluated so far. Frankincense forests in relatively wetter dry land areas with little or no human related disturbance are not evaluated so far. Here we quantified the regeneration status of the Frankincense tree in such areas and evaluated these forests in comparison to non-regenerating Frankincense forests elsewhere. We surveyed two-ha plots in each of five districts in Benishangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia. The Frankincense tree populations showed two different regeneration patterns: inverse J-shaped and bell-shaped pattern. The presence of regenerating populations in three of our study areas is in sharp contrast to all earlier studies on this species. The healthy regeneration might be related with the availability of more favourable conditions such as better precipitation, lower levels of anthropogenic disturbances and younger ages of the three woodlands. These unique, regenerating Frankincense tree populations need recognition and should be delineated as priority areas for conservation, which includes their role as source of genetic material. Better attention of conservation practitioners, policy makers and Frankincense companies may help this species to survive and therewith its emblematic Frankincense.
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Frankincense yield is related to tree size and resin-canal characteristics
Forest Ecology and Management, 2015Co-Authors: Motuma Tolera, Ute Sass-klaassen, Abeje Eshete, Frans Bongers, Frank J. SterckAbstract:Boswellia papyrifera Hochst. is the most important global source of Frankincense. Tree numbers are rapidly decreasing in many populations of B. papyrifera in Ethiopia, where most of the internationally traded Frankincense comes from. Improper tapping is among the frequently mentioned reasons for this decrease within populations. We still lack sustainable techniques for Frankincense tapping, and these techniques are not yet tuned to individual trees since we are unaware how tree characteristics influence Frankincense yield. This study investigates the relationships between different tree characteristics and their relation to Frankincense yield. We selected 53 trees and measured Frankincense yield and their DBH, tree age, number of leaf apices, radial growth, bark thickness, total resin-canal area, and total number of resin canals in a cross-section. Regression and path analysis were used to unravel cause-effect relationships between tree characteristics and Frankincense yield. Frankincense yield was independent of the actual radial growth rate, but increased with increasing total resin-canal area in the bark, stem diameter, tree age, and the number of leaf apices. We show that Frankincense yield by trees is not only a simple function of tree size. Remarkably, trees that grew slower over their whole life history produced more Frankincense, suggesting an intra-specific trade-off in growth rate and Frankincense production. Overall, this study thus shows that Frankincense production is the result of complex plant trait networks and long term tree life properties. The results contribute to management regimes that minimize the damage to trees, while maximizing benefits in terms of Frankincense yield and can also be used for selection and propagation of trees which are well suited for Frankincense production.
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Frankincense tree recruitment failed over the past half century
Forest Ecology and Management, 2013Co-Authors: Motuma Tolera, Ute Sass-klaassen, Abeje Eshete, Frans Bongers, Frank J. SterckAbstract:Abstract Boswellia papyrifera (Burseraceae) trees grow in dry woodlands south of the Sahara and produce Frankincense, the economically important olio-gum resin used for cultural and religious ceremonies throughout the world and as raw material in several industries. Across its distribution area, this species is threatened by farmland expansion, fire, improper tapping and overgrazing. Most of its populations lack saplings and small-sized trees (e.g. B. papyrifera , including verification of annual growth-ring formation, and (2) constructs the population age structure and discusses consequences thereof for population maintenance and long-term Frankincense production. We could prove that B. papyrifera forms annual growth rings. The average radial annual growth rate of B. papyrifera is 1.15 mm (s.d. = 0.22) and varies significantly among the sampled trees. Age and diameter of B. papyrifera trees are significantly correlated. From the population-age structure, it becomes obvious that the current B. papyrifera populations lack successful recruitment since 1955, which we attribute to intensive grazing and fire associated with the escalating increase of human settlement in the area. Lack of recruitment leads to rapidly declining populations resulting in strongly reduced Frankincense production. Management aimed at seedling survival and sustainable use of relic trees is urgent.
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Frankincense production is determined by tree size and tapping frequency and intensity
Forest Ecology and Management, 2012Co-Authors: Abeje Eshete, Frank J. Sterck, Frans BongersAbstract:Resin production in trees probably depends on trade-offs within the tree, its environment and on tapping activities. Frankincense, the highly esteemed resin from dry woodland Frankincense trees of Boswellia papyrifera is exploited in traditional ways for millennia. New exploitation practices lead to weak trees and non-sustainable resin production. For 500 trees from four populations of B. papyrifera we evaluated how Frankincense yield is affected by different tapping intensities (number of incision spots) and frequencies (number of resin collection rounds during the dry season), since both of them have been intensified recently. These effects are considered for trees of different size, since larger trees probably provide more resources for resin production. We predicted that Frankincense production would initially increase with tapping intensity and tapping frequency, but later level-off because of resin depletion. Frankincense production varied highly: yield per tree per year of all 500 monitored trees averaged 261 g (±231, but largely varied and ranged from 41 to 1829 g. We indeed found that resin yield increased with tapping intensity, but not anymore beyond an intensity of 6–9 incision spots. Yield peaked around the seventh collection round, and declined thereafter. Yield increased with trunk diameter, but leveled-off beyond trees with a stem diameter of >20 cm. These patterns were similar across populations, and between contrasting areas. Our results suggest that high tapping intensity risks short-term resource depletion, warranting tuning down the intensity of the current collection practices. Less intense tapping rounds per season will reduce damage, increase the health of tree populations, and contribute to long term Frankincense production. This study thus allows for developing less damaging and more sustainable management for Frankincense trees.
Yasser A. Khadrawy - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Effect of Frankincense oil on the neurochemical changes induced in rat model of status epilepticus
Clinical Phytoscience, 2020Co-Authors: Eman N. Hosny, Mohamed E. Elhadidy, Hussein G. Sawie, Ayman Kilany, Yasser A. KhadrawyAbstract:Background The current objective is to evaluate the effect of Frankincense oil on the convulsions and the associated neurochemical alterations produced in pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus rat model. Methods Rats were divided randomly into: control, status epilepticus rat model and rat model of status epilepticus pretreated with Frankincense oil daily for 5 days before pilocarpine treatment. On the fifth day, after pilocarpine injection, rats were observed to evaluate the severity of seizures for 2 h. The oxidative stress parameters malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione and nitric oxide, the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β and acetylcholinesterase were determined in the cortex, hippocampus and striatum. Dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin were measured in the cortex and striatum. Results The status epilepticus model exhibited repetitive seizures in the form of generalized tonic- clonic convulsions after 30 min. of pilocarpine injection. This was associated with a significant increase in the levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide and a significant decrease in reduced glutathione in the three regions. A significant increase was also observed in interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and acetylcholinesterase. In the cortex and striatum, a significant decrease was recorded in monoamine levels. Pretreatment of rat model of status epilepticus with Frankincense oil decreased the severity of seizures that appeared in the form of tremors and facial automatisms and prevented the increase in malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and acetylcholinesterase and the decrease in reduced glutathione induced by pilocarpine in the studied brain regions. Frankincense oil failed to restore the decreased level of cortical serotonin and dopamine. In the striatum, Frankincense oil improved the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine but failed to restore the decreased dopamine levels. Conclusion It is clear from the present results that Frankincense oil reduced the severity of seizures induced by pilocarpine. This could be mediated by its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
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Effect of Frankincense oil on the neurochemical changes induced in rat model of status epilepticus
Clinical Phytoscience, 2020Co-Authors: Eman N. Hosny, Mohamed E. Elhadidy, Hussein G. Sawie, Ayman Kilany, Yasser A. KhadrawyAbstract:The current objective is to evaluate the effect of Frankincense oil on the convulsions and the associated neurochemical alterations produced in pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus rat model. Rats were divided randomly into: control, status epilepticus rat model and rat model of status epilepticus pretreated with Frankincense oil daily for 5 days before pilocarpine treatment. On the fifth day, after pilocarpine injection, rats were observed to evaluate the severity of seizures for 2 h. The oxidative stress parameters malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione and nitric oxide, the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β and acetylcholinesterase were determined in the cortex, hippocampus and striatum. Dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin were measured in the cortex and striatum. The status epilepticus model exhibited repetitive seizures in the form of generalized tonic- clonic convulsions after 30 min. of pilocarpine injection. This was associated with a significant increase in the levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide and a significant decrease in reduced glutathione in the three regions. A significant increase was also observed in interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and acetylcholinesterase. In the cortex and striatum, a significant decrease was recorded in monoamine levels. Pretreatment of rat model of status epilepticus with Frankincense oil decreased the severity of seizures that appeared in the form of tremors and facial automatisms and prevented the increase in malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and acetylcholinesterase and the decrease in reduced glutathione induced by pilocarpine in the studied brain regions. Frankincense oil failed to restore the decreased level of cortical serotonin and dopamine. In the striatum, Frankincense oil improved the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine but failed to restore the decreased dopamine levels. It is clear from the present results that Frankincense oil reduced the severity of seizures induced by pilocarpine. This could be mediated by its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
