Frankincense: A Natural Hope for Parkinson’s Disease?
Today, I want to share some exciting research about frankincense as a potential treatment for people with Parkinson’s disease. I’ve recently come across a fascinating scientific journal article, and I’d like to break it down for you in simple terms.
The article is titled “Frankincense: A neuronutrient to approach Parkinson’s disease treatment” and was published in the journal Open Medicine. It’s quite a complex read, full of scientific jargon, but I believe the information is too important not to share.
In this post, I’ll do my best to explain the key points from the article, exploring the potential of frankincense in treating Parkinson’s disease. This is a long read, but I feel it’s worth checking out, at least to learn what the potential is and to share with those who might find this interesting.
What exactly is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a brain illness that mainly affects older people. It’s a condition that develops gradually, often starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. But while tremor may be the best-known sign of Parkinson’s, the disorder also commonly causes stiffness and slowing of movement.
In the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, your face may show little or no expression. Your arms might not swing when you walk. Your speech may become soft or slurred. These symptoms tend to worsen as the condition progresses over time.
Parkinson’s disease occurs when certain nerve cells (neurons) in a part of the brain gradually break down or die. Many of the symptoms are due to a loss of neurons that produce a chemical messenger in your brain called dopamine. When dopamine levels decrease, it causes abnormal brain activity, leading to the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but several factors appear to play a role, including:
- Your genes: Researchers have identified specific genetic mutations that can cause Parkinson’s disease. But these are uncommon except in rare cases with many family members affected by Parkinson’s disease.
- Environmental triggers: Exposure to certain toxins or environmental factors may increase the risk of later Parkinson’s disease, but the risk is relatively small.
- The presence of Lewy bodies: Clumps of specific substances within brain cells are microscopic markers of Parkinson’s disease. These are called Lewy bodies, and researchers believe these Lewy bodies hold an important clue to the cause of Parkinson’s disease.
According to the research article, “PD – which shows an increased frequency after the age of 50 years – represents the second most prevalent form of neurodegeneration.” This means that after Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in older adults.
The symptoms of Parkinson’s can vary from person to person. Some people experience tremor as their primary symptom, while others may have more issues with balance or rigid muscles. The progression of symptoms is often a bit different from one person to another due to the diversity of the disease.
While Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, medications can help control your symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may suggest surgery to regulate certain regions of your brain and improve your symptoms.
Understanding Parkinson’s disease is the first step in exploring potential treatments, which brings us to the exciting research on frankincense that we’ll discuss next.
What is Frankincense?
Frankincense is a fascinating natural substance with a rich history. It’s a type of resin that comes from trees belonging to the genus Boswellia.
These trees are native to regions in Africa and the Arabian peninsula, particularly Oman, Yemen, and Somalia.
When you cut the bark of a Boswellia tree, it exudes a milky white sap. This sap hardens into the yellowish resin we know as frankincense. The word “frankincense” itself has an interesting origin. As the research article mentions, it comes from an old French term, “franc encens,” which means “high-quality incense.”
Frankincense has been valued for thousands of years, and it’s mentioned in many ancient texts, including the Bible. In fact, it was one of the gifts brought to baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men, along with gold and myrrh. This gives you an idea of how precious it was considered in ancient times!
Traditionally, frankincense has been used for various purposes:
- Religious ceremonies: It’s been burned as incense in religious and spiritual practices across many cultures.
- Perfumes: The aromatic resin has been used in perfumes and cosmetics.
- Traditional medicine: Many cultures have used frankincense in their traditional healing practices.
The research article notes that “Frankincense is derived from the Boswellia sacra Flück tree and represents a common source of traditional medicine.” This particular species, Boswellia sacra, is considered one of the primary sources of high-quality frankincense.
But what makes frankincense so special from a scientific perspective? It turns out that this ancient resin contains a variety of interesting compounds. The main active components are called boswellic acids. These are what scientists are particularly interested in when it comes to potential health benefits.
The article mentions that frankincense contains “terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, and phenylpropanoid.” These are all types of natural compounds that can have various effects on the body.
Some of these compounds have antioxidant properties, which means they can help protect cells from damage.
It’s important to note that when we talk about using frankincense for health purposes, we’re usually not talking about burning it as incense. Instead, researchers are looking at extracts from the resin, which can be concentrated and studied in laboratory conditions.
How might Frankincense help with Parkinson’s disease?
Scientists are excited about the potential of frankincense in helping people with Parkinson’s disease. But how exactly might this ancient resin be beneficial? Let’s break it down:
1. Protecting brain cells
In Parkinson’s disease, certain brain cells, specifically dopamine-producing neurons, die off. This loss of neurons leads to the symptoms we associate with Parkinson’s. Frankincense might help by protecting these vulnerable brain cells.
The research article states that “Boswellia-derived compounds protect dopaminergic neurons from rotenone neurotoxicity.” In simpler terms, this means that substances found in frankincense might shield the exact type of brain cells that are damaged in Parkinson’s disease.
2. Fighting inflammation
Inflammation in the brain is thought to play a role in Parkinson’s disease. Frankincense has long been known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The journal mentions that boswellic acids, key compounds in frankincense, possess “anti-inflammation, antioxidative, and anti-excitotoxicity” effects. These properties could help calm the harmful inflammation in the brains of people with Parkinson’s.
3. Antioxidant action
Oxidative stress, which is essentially cellular damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals, is another factor in Parkinson’s disease. Frankincense contains natural antioxidants that could help combat this.
The article notes that frankincense contains “cis-Verbenol, Pinene, Hepthene trimethyl, and trans-Ocimeneare,” which are associated with “significant total phenol content” and “DPPH radical-scavenging activity.” In everyday language, this means frankincense is packed with compounds that can neutralise harmful free radicals.
4. Reducing protein clumping
In Parkinson’s disease, a protein called α-synuclein tends to clump together in brain cells, causing problems. Interestingly, the research suggests that frankincense might help with this too. The article states that frankincense compounds lead to a “reduction in α-synuclein aggregation.” This means it might help prevent or reduce the problematic protein clumping.
5. Boosting cellular energy production
The researchers found that frankincense compounds affected something called AMPK phosphorylation. AMPK is like a cellular energy sensor, and by influencing it, frankincense might help brain cells maintain their energy levels. The article mentions “modulation of AMPK phosphorylation” as one of the effects of frankincense compounds.
6. Enhancing the body’s protective systems
Frankincense seems to boost the body’s own protective mechanisms. The research notes that after frankincense treatment, there was an “increase in antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-Peroxidases.” These are the body’s natural defence systems against cellular damage.
It’s important to note that while these findings are exciting, they’re still in the early stages of research. As the article mentions, “More rigorous clinical studies are needed to establish their efficacy and safety in human populations.” This means that while frankincense shows promise in laboratory studies and animal models, we still need more research to understand how it might work in humans with Parkinson’s disease.
What have scientists found so far?
While research on frankincense and Parkinson’s disease is still in its early stages, scientists have made some intriguing discoveries. Let’s look at what they’ve found so far:
Studies on worms
Believe it or not, tiny worms called C. elegans have played a big role in this research. These worms are often used in scientific studies because they’re simple organisms that are easy to observe. The article mentions that scientists have used C. elegans to study how frankincense compounds might affect Parkinson’s-like symptoms.
In these studies, researchers found that frankincense compounds could protect the worms’ brain cells from damage. The article states that “sesquiterpenoids from Artemisia pallens decreased the levels of aggregated α-synuclein.” Remember, α-synuclein is that troublesome protein that clumps together in Parkinson’s disease.
Other studies
Moving up from worms, scientists have also conducted studies on more complex animals. While the article doesn’t go into great detail about these, it does mention some promising results.
In one study, researchers gave Boswellia (the scientific name for frankincense) to animals after they had experienced trauma. The results were encouraging: “a single oral dose of 500 mg/kg Boswellia sacra administered 1 h after the trauma was capable of decreasing anxiety and altered locomotor activity.”
This is interesting because problems with movement (locomotor activity) are a key symptom of Parkinson’s disease. The fact that frankincense could help with this in animals is a promising sign.
Effects on the brain chemistry
The researchers also looked at what was happening inside the brain after frankincense treatment. They found some positive changes:
- Decreased inflammation: The study noted “decreased levels of lipid peroxidation, as well as proinflammatory cytokines after Boswellia treatment.” In simpler terms, this means there were fewer signs of damaging inflammation in the brain.
- Increased antioxidants: They observed a “parallel increase in antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-Peroxidases.” These are the body’s natural defences against cellular damage.
- Effects on cell death: The researchers saw changes in levels of substances involved in programmed cell death (apoptosis). This suggests that frankincense might help keep brain cells alive longer.
Laboratory studies on brain cells
In addition to animal studies, scientists have also looked at the effects of frankincense compounds on brain cells in the laboratory. The article mentions a study using “SHSY5 cells,” which are a type of human brain cell often used in Parkinson’s research.
In these cells, frankincense compounds seemed to protect against damage caused by a substance called rotenone, which is sometimes used to create Parkinson’s-like effects in research settings.
It’s important to note that while these findings are exciting, they’re still preliminary. As the article cautions, “More in general, while the potential benefits of Boswellia-derived compounds in PD are intriguing, more rigorous clinical studies are needed to establish their efficacy and safety in human populations.”
This means that while the early results are promising, we still need to do more research, especially in humans, to really understand if and how frankincense might help people with Parkinson’s disease.
Is Frankincense ready to be used as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease?
While the research on frankincense and Parkinson’s disease is exciting, it’s crucial to understand that we’re not quite ready to start using it as a treatment yet.
1. Early stages of research
Most of the studies we’ve talked about so far have been done in laboratories, on animals, or on very simple organisms like worms. While these studies are important first steps, they don’t always translate directly to how something will work in the human body.
The article clearly states, “More in general, while the potential benefits of Boswellia-derived compounds in PD are intriguing, more rigorous clinical studies are needed to establish their efficacy and safety in human populations.” This means that while the early results are promising, we need more research on actual people with Parkinson’s disease.
2. Safety concerns
Before any new treatment can be recommended, we need to be sure it’s safe. Even natural substances like frankincense can have side effects or interact with other medications. The researchers emphasise this point, saying we need “a comprehensive understanding of their mechanisms of action and potential interactions with other PD therapies.”
3. Dosage
We don’t yet know the best way to use frankincense for Parkinson’s disease. Questions like “How much should be taken?”, “How often?”, and “In what form?” still need to be answered. The animal study mentioned used a specific dose (500 mg/kg), but we can’t assume the same would be appropriate for humans.
4. Not all Frankincense is the same
Not all frankincense is the same. The article mentions several species of Boswellia trees, each producing slightly different resins. We need to know which type is most effective and how to ensure consistent quality.
5. Parkinson’s being a complicated disease
Parkinson’s is a complicated illness, and what works for one person might not work for another. The article acknowledges this, stating, “PD is a multifaceted disease with a convergence of multiple genetic, environmental, and cellular factors.” This means that even if frankincense proves helpful, it might not be a one-size-fits-all solution.
6. The need for clinical trials
The gold standard in medical research is the clinical trial, where a treatment is tested on human volunteers under carefully controlled conditions. The researchers call for this, saying, “clinical intervention trials are necessary to clearly elucidate the redox active therapeutic potential of these compounds impacting efficiently the disease pathogenesis, as well as the course of its progression.”
So, while the research on frankincense is promising, it’s not yet ready to be used as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease. The scientists are cautiously optimistic, but they’re also clear that more work needs to be done.
It’s important to remember that if you or a loved one has Parkinson’s disease, you should always consult with your doctor before trying any new treatments, even natural ones like frankincense. Your doctor can provide the most up-to-date and personalised advice based on your specific situation.
What’s next in Frankincense research for Parkinson’s disease?
The story of frankincense and Parkinson’s disease is far from over. In fact, it’s just beginning.
1. Human clinical trials
The most crucial next step is to conduct studies on people with Parkinson’s disease. As the article states, “clinical intervention trials are necessary to clearly elucidate the redox active therapeutic potential of these compounds impacting efficiently the disease pathogenesis, as well as the course of its progression.”
These trials will help answer important questions:
- Does frankincense actually help people with Parkinson’s?
- If so, how much do they need to take?
- Are there any side effects when used long-term?
2. Understanding how it works
Scientists want to know exactly how frankincense affects the brain. The article mentions that “the precise mechanisms by which these compounds exert their effects are not fully understood, and further research is needed to elucidate completely these mechanisms.”
This might involve more detailed laboratory studies looking at how frankincense interacts with brain cells and the chemicals in our brains.
3. Interactions with other treatments
Many people with Parkinson’s disease take multiple medications. Researchers need to study how frankincense might interact with these. The article emphasises the need for “a comprehensive understanding of their mechanisms of action and potential interactions with other PD therapies.”
4. Long term effects
Parkinson’s is a long-term condition, so researchers need to study the effects of frankincense over extended periods. This will help determine if it remains safe and effective when used for months or years.
5. Personalised approaches
As the article notes, “PD is a multifaceted disease with a convergence of multiple genetic, environmental, and cellular factors.” This means that frankincense might work differently for different people. Future research might look at who benefits most from frankincense and why.
6. Developing ways of preparing and administering
If frankincense proves beneficial, researchers will need to develop standardised ways of preparing and administering it. This ensures that everyone gets the same dose of active compounds, regardless of where their frankincense comes from.
7. Combination therapies
The researchers suggest that “a multitargeted approach is warranted” for treating Parkinson’s disease. Future studies might look at how frankincense could be combined with other treatments for the best results.
8. Prevention studies
While current research focuses on treating Parkinson’s symptoms, future studies might explore whether frankincense could help prevent the disease from developing in the first place.
The road from promising early research to approved treatment is long and often challenging. But every step forward helps us understand more about Parkinson’s disease and how we might be able to help those affected by it.
As the article concludes, “While frankincense-derived compounds show promise, more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and potential efficacy in treating PD.” This journey of discovery is ongoing, and it’s an exciting time for Parkinson’s research.
Remember, if you’re interested in the latest developments, the best sources of information are usually medical professionals, reputable Parkinson’s disease organisations, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. They can provide the most up-to-date and accurate information as this research progresses.
Frankincense in Parkinson’s research is very promising!
The ancient remedy of frankincense is finding new potential in the modern fight against Parkinson’s disease.
Here’s the recap:
- Parkinson’s disease is a complex brain disorder that primarily affects movement and worsens over time.
- Frankincense, a resin from Boswellia trees, has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.
- Recent scientific studies suggest that compounds in frankincense might help protect brain cells, reduce inflammation, and combat oxidative stress – all factors involved in Parkinson’s disease.
- Research so far has shown promising results in laboratory studies and animal models, but human trials are still needed.
- While exciting, frankincense is not yet ready to be used as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease. More research is needed to understand its effects, proper dosage, and potential side effects in humans.
- Future research will focus on clinical trials, understanding how frankincense works in the brain, and how it might interact with other Parkinson’s treatments.
It’s important to approach this research with both hope and caution. As the study authors note, “While the potential benefits of Boswellia-derived compounds in PD are intriguing, more rigorous clinical studies are needed to establish their efficacy and safety in human populations.”
This research into frankincense is just one example of how scientists are exploring new avenues in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. It reminds us that answers can sometimes come from unexpected places, and that ancient wisdom and modern science can work hand in hand.
For those living with Parkinson’s disease or caring for someone who is, this research offers hope. While it’s not a cure, it represents progress in our understanding of the disease and potential new ways to combat it.
Remember, science is a journey of discovery. Each study, each finding, brings us one step closer to better treatments and, hopefully, one day a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
As we wait for more research results, it’s crucial to continue working closely with healthcare providers, following established treatment plans, and staying informed about new developments in Parkinson’s research.
Thank you for joining me on this exploration of frankincense and Parkinson’s disease. I hope you’ve found it as fascinating as I have. If you have any thoughts or questions, please feel free to share them in the comments below!
References
Calabrese V, Osakabe N, Khan F, Wenzel U, Modafferi S, Nicolosi L, et al. Frankincense: A neuronutrient to approach Parkinson’s disease treatment. Open Medicine [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 Aug 26]; 19(1). Available from: https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/med-2024-0988/html?lang=en.
