Extraction of biologically active compounds by hydrodistillation of Boswellia species gum resins for anti-cancer therapy

established human cancer cell lines of different tissue origins. Besides boswellic acids, frankincense essential oil-induced anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities in tumour cells may result from high-molecularweight compound(s). Harvesting methods, storage conditions and geographic locations can alter the chemotypes of the natural product; therefore, good agriculture practices need to be implemented. In addition, standardisation of distillation procedures and identification of signature compound(s) will be required for quality assurance purposes. Results from preliminary clinical observations suggest that frankincense essential oil may be a viable therapeutic agent for treating a variety of cancers.