Showing papers on "Boswellia sacra published in 2003"

The Frankincense Tree (Boswellia sacra Flueck., Burseraceae) in Dhofar, southern Oman: field-investigations on the natural populations

Abstract: Summary Dhofar, the southern region of Oman is, together with Yemen and N Somalia, where the Frankincense tree Boswellia sacra grows. The aim of this research was to investigate the location and floristic peculiarities of the most relevant populations of Boswellia in order to propose future measures for their safeguard and improvement. The most important Frankincense sites in Dhofar are described and mapped. A floristic list of 180 taxa is also given: some are new to Oman or to the Dhofar region.

Tamjan - Olibanum Boswellia sacra

Abstract: The family Burseraceae with 20 genera and about 600 species is represented in North- East Africa, Arabia, India and tropical America. Oleoresin canals are found in the phloem and, in some species of Boswellia, in the pith. Frankincense or olibanum is an oleo-gum-resin obtained by incision from the bark of species of Boswellia. Boswellia sacra Roxb., B. carteri Birdw. and B. papyrifera Hochst are small trees indigenous to Arabia and North-Eastern Africa. Of medicinal irfterest is Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr., growing in India (Indian Olibanum or Salaiguggal). The drug occurs in more or less ovoid tears. The surface is dusty and of a yellowish or greenish colour. Odour is characteristic, especially when burned. Taste is slightly bitter. Olibanum contains 5-9% volatile oil, about 60-70% of resin and 27-35% of gum. The drug is used in incense and fumigating preparations. Today its medicinal effects again increase attention. Of all the various medicinal applications in the past the antiarthritic and antirheumatic, analgesic and sedative effects have been confirmed by modem medicine. The pharmacologically most important constituents are derivatives of boswellic acid, which are contained in the Indian, the Somalian and the Arabian Boswellia species. The Boswellia serrata extract H 15 was used for the treatment of active Crohn's disease.