Effect of Frankincense (<i>Boswellia thurifera</i>) on Reproductive System in Adult Male Rat

Abstract

Ingestion of Frankincense [Boswellia thurifera (B. thurifera)] resin at a dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight for 60 days by adult male rats was investigated for effects on fertility. Average weights of epididymis, ventral prostate and seminal vesicles increased significantly. Sperm motility and density were also significantly increased in cauda epididymis and in testes in Frankincense-treated groups. A significant increase of spermatogenesis in testes due to increase in the number of primary, secondary spermatocytes and spermatids in the treatment groups was attributed to a significant increase in testosterone and Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). In addition, it also increased the number of implantations and the number of viable fetuses in female rats impregnated by these males, thereby increasing their fertility. The histometery of reproductive organs confirmed those results.

Effect of methanol extract of Basella alba L. (Basellaceae) on the fecundity and testosterone level in male rats exposed to flutamide in utero

“…This fecundity was improved by treatment with MEBa. Our results are similar to those of Nusier et al. (2007) and Haeri et al.…”

Frankincense (乳香 Rǔ Xiāng; Boswellia Species): From the Selection of Traditional Applications to the Novel Phytotherapy for the Prevention and Treatment of Serious Diseases

“…[9] Boswellic acids found in frankincense have shown to be responsible for the inhibition of leukotriene biosynthesis and, therefore, can reduce and prevent the inflammation in many chronic inflammatory diseases like asthma. [21] In a study, several patients with chronic bronchial asthma were treated with the B. serrata preparation of 300 mg thrice daily for a 6-week period.…”

“…[9] Frankincense (乳香 Rǔ Xiāng; Boswellia Species) is used by the Jordanian population as an aphrodisiac and a fertility promoting agent. The gum resin of frankincense contains boswellic acids and other pentacyclic triterpenes, which have a chemical structure similar to that of steroids.…”

“…The chemical structure of boswellic acids closely resembles that of steroids,[9] but their actions are different from painkillers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and are related to the component of the immune system and the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase. [11]…”

Improvement in Sperm Parameters With Traditional Iranian Remedy

“…25 Ingestion of frankincense resin in adult male rat cause significantly increases spermatogenesis, sperm motility, and sperm density. 26 …”