New evidence suggests that Boswellia carteri, a close relative of the Biblical incense frankincense, may have anti-tumor effects against bladder cancer cells.

Boswellia species have been used for years in Ayurvedic medicine in India and in African countries for the treatment of a variety of diseases

The researchers tested the effects of boswellia extracts on two different types of cells: human bladder cancer cells and normal human bladder cells. The authors found that boswellia only killed the cancerous cells.

The researchers then conducted a gene analysis to learn about the potential mechanism of action. They discovered that boswellia disrupts the life cycle of bladder cancer cells and activates several cell-death pathways. In the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal, the authors concluded that "frankincense oil might represent an alternative intravesical agent for bladder cancer treatment."

Although these early results are promising and boswellia is popularly used as a cancer treatment, studies in humans are currently lacking. More research is needed to fully understand how boswellia might affect cancer cells in humans.