ABSTRACT
Plants of the genus Boswellia are renowned for their aromatic oleoresins that are widely used for their fragrance, and as a traditional medicine. The species Boswellia sacra Fleuck., which is native to Oman, is generally regarded as producing the highest quality oleoresin. It is particularly well-known for its anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties. Many of the therapeutic effects of B. sacra correlate with the antioxidant content of the oleoresin. In particular, the terpenoids have been highlighted for their beneficial effects. The triterpenoid compound boswellic acid (and its derivatives) has been particularly well studied for anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity, while smaller volatile terpenoids have been linked with the antibacterial activity of the resin. Additionally, B. sacra flavonoids contribute to the therapeutic properties of this plant via multiple mechanisms. However, despite the therapeutic properties and interesting phytochemistry of B. sacra, other Boswellia spp. (especially Boswellia serrata) have been more extensively studied. This chapter reviews the current knowledge of the medicinal properties and phytochemistry of B. sacra to summarize its therapeutic potential, as well as to highlight gaps in the literature to stimulate further study into this promising species.
