Frankincense extract shows promise in killing ovarian cancer cells, including chemo-resistant types, offering hope for late-stage treatment, researchers find.

When most people hear 'frankincense', they probably think of the biblical story of the Three Wise Men bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. But beyond its religious and historical significance, frankincense may have promising medicinal properties, especially when it comes to treating ovarian cancer.

Frankincense is a fragrant resin harvested from the Boswellia sacra tree, which grows in parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Researchers at the University of Leicester in the UK, led by Kamla Al-Salmani, have highlighted the long-standing use of frankincense in traditional medicine. Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, it has been used to help manage conditions such as asthma, skin disorders, and gastrointestinal issues.

Back in 2011, Medical News Today reported on a study that suggested frankincense could be beneficial in treating arthritis.

More recent research has explored its potential in combating various cancers, including breast, colon and prostate, thanks to a powerful compound it contains: acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid, or AKBA.

AKBA targets chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer cells

After a year of studying AKBA in lab conditions, researchers tested the compound on multiple late-stage ovarian cancer cell lines, some of which had developed resistance to chemotherapy.

They found that AKBA was effective at killing the cancer cells. Even more surprisingly, it appeared to make some of the drug-resistant cells more susceptible to treatment.

This discovery suggests that frankincense could help combat chemotherapy resistance and may improve outcomes for patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

“After a year of studying the AKBA compound with ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro, we have been able to show it is effective at killing the cancer cells,” Al-Salmani said.

“Frankincense is taken by many people with no known side effects. This finding has enormous potential to be taken to a clinical trial in the future and developed into an additional treatment for ovarian cancer.”

Late-stage ovarian cancer remains a challenge

According to the National Cancer Institute, around 22,240 new cases of ovarian cancer were expected in 2013, with approximately 14,030 deaths attributed to the disease.

Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, frequent urination and early satiety. However, these signs are often mistaken for less serious conditions, which can delay diagnosis until the cancer reaches an advanced stage.

In countries such as Oman, the disease is often diagnosed late due to subtle symptoms and limited awareness among women about what to watch for.

Researchers say these challenges underscore the importance of treatments that can be effective in later stages, such as the potential role of frankincense.

The team plans to continue their work to better understand how AKBA interacts with cancer cells, with the ultimate goal of launching clinical trials.

Earlier this year, Medical News Today also reported on a new screening method that may help catch ovarian cancer earlier—offering hope both for prevention and more effective treatment options down the line.