FRANKINCENSE
[Tam:
Kungiliyam, Tel: Gujjilamu, Mal; Kunthirikkam, Kan: Dhupa Hindi : Loban/
Lohaban ]
I
am afraid that this name can spin off mixed reactions ranging between curiosity
and an irritating discomfort from absolute unfamiliarity. Still the item is
something of value in different domains. The obscurity of the name is a major
reason for driving us away from the very topic. But, the material is a plant
product- ‘resin’ to be precise and is obtained from tree species of the genus
‘Boswellia’ and of species B.sacra/
B.carteri, B,thurefera of family
–Burseraceae. The resin is used in perfumes and incense [Dhoop or agarbathies].
The essential oil from Frankincense is said to possess a variety of medicinal
properties as ‘antiseptic’/ ‘astringent’
/digestive , diuretic, carminative as uterine medicine.
In
the Ayurvedic system , frankincense has been a historic medicine for treating
‘Arthritis’, wound healing besides strengthening the female hormone profile.
Besides
being used in religious functions, frankincense as been used in ‘Aroma therapy
and in ‘perfumery’. Essential
oil from frankincense is obtained by steam distillation of dry resin.
Chemically, the essential oil contains acid resins, gum, 3 acetyl-beta-
boswellic acid and alpha boswellic acid,
4 –O-methyl glucuronic acid, incensole acetate, some terpenes and pentacyclic
triterpenoids.
Boswellic
acid is said to possess ant-proliferative potential against many forms of
cancer. Frankincense oil is said to show selective suppression of cancer cells
without interfering with normal cells,
The
less known frankincense possesses phenomenal potential against cancer cells.
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