Exploring frankincense essential oil and boswellia extracts: A natural pathway to cancer cell apoptosis and cellular health

Frankincense essential oil, derived from Boswellia species, contains bioactive compounds such as Boswellic acids,
which have demonstrated strong anti-cancer activity. Its ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells without
causing harm to normal cells has attracted significant attention in recent studies, making it one of the promising

therapeutic agents for cancer treatment. This scoping review assesses the molecular pathways by which frank-
incense essential oil acts against cancer cells, particularly focusing on its ability to selectively induce apoptosis.

We survey in vitro and animal research on its use in different cancers such as breast cancer, bladder cancer, and
pancreatic cancer. The findings show that frankincense oil interferes with key signaling pathways in cancer cells,
making them more vulnerable while sparing healthy cells. Although laboratory findings are promising, clinical
evidence remains limited. This review highlights the potential of frankincense as a complementary medicine in
cancer management. However, additional clinical research is needed to determine the effectiveness, activity, and
safety of frankincense preparations in human subjects. The future of frankincense in cancer treatment depends on
robust clinical validation.