Frankincense and Thyme essential oil: are they effective against skin and breast cancer?

The following article provides more detailed information for the video presentation HERE.

Frankincense and Thyme essential oil:
Are they effective against skin and breast cancer?

Medical Disclaimer:

This presentation offers health information for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any health concerns please consult with your own physician. The use of any information in this presentation is at your own risk.

Information in this presentation is based on research published in scientific/medical journals.

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Frankincense oil comes from the resin of the Boswellia tree (of which there are many subtypes) and typically grow in the dry mountainous regions of India, East Africa and the Middle East.

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Thymus Vulgaris (garden Thyme) belongs to the mint family and is commonly used as a food seasoning. Found around the Mediterranean but now also grown in other regions of the world. The essential oil comes from the leaves and flowers.

Both Frankincense and Thyme have been used for their medicinal benefits for over a thousand years but only recently have their anti-cancer properties been studied by scientists.

reference 1: mei.edu/sqcc/frankincense
reference 3: science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/question2831.htm
reference 2: history.com/news/a-brief-history-of-thyme
reference 3: newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Thyme

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Molecules. 2010 May; 15(5): 3200–3210 [LINK]

Activities of Ten Essential Oils towards Propionibacterium acnes and PC-3, A-549 and MCF-7 Cancer Cells

A 2010 study tested the effect of 10 different essential oils against prostate, lung and breast cancer cells. (LINK to graph)

Quote: “...the cytotoxicities of cinnamon, thyme, chamomile, and jasmine essential oils was significantly stronger than that of the other six essential oils. The fractions of viable cells were reduced to 5.31%, 3.47%, 6.93% and 4.34%, respectively. “

Thyme oil performed the best against all three, even at low concentrations, and was able to kill almost 97% of breast cancer cells in vitro (which means in a test tube).

After reading this study I realised the potential topical oil application could have against cancers which are close to the skin surface, such as breast and skin cancer. I found that numerous studies have been done on the anti-cancer effects of essential oils. There are both in vitro studies, as well as in vivo (which means in living animals).

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Some examples are highlighted:

Molecules. 2018 Jan; 23(1): 185. [LINK]

Synergistic Antifungal, Allelopatic and Anti-Proliferative Potential of Salvia officinalis L. and Thymus vulgaris L. Essential Oils

Quote: “Thyme and sage essential oils exhibited in vitro anti-proliferative activity on two melanoma cell lines...”

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Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Apr; 20(7): 1749. [LINK]

Anticancer Activities of Thymus vulgaris L. in Experimental Breast Carcinoma In Vivo and In Vitro

This study done on mice and rats tested the anti-cancer effects of dried Thyme in the diet as well as the essential oil in vitro. Both were effective.

Quotes:

“In the rat model, T. vulgaris (diet, 1%) decreased the tumor frequency by 53% compared to the control.”

“Dietary administered T. vulgaris at doses of 0.1 and 1% significantly decreased the tumor volume in mice by 85% and 84% when compared with the untreated controls. Importantly, this result is outstanding as it overcomes the anticancer effects of well-validated synthetic drugs used in breast cancer treatment: manumycin A or paclitaxel in the same 4T1 mouse model.”

“T. vulgaris demonstrated significant chemopreventive and therapeutic activities against experimental breast carcinoma.”

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J Oral Pathol Med. 2018 Aug;47(7):674-682. [LINK]

Thymol inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma growth via mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.

thymol kills cancer cells

This picture shows what happened to cancer cells 9 days after a 2min exposure to Thymol, which is the main component of Thyme oil. There were zero cancer colonies detected. They also found effect in mice, concluding, quote:

“Our findings provide the first evidence of thymol’s novel antitumor effects against oral squamous cell cancer in vivo (in living animals)… ...and may be efficacious against multiple cancers.”

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IUBMB Life. 2019 Jan;71(1):9-19. [LINK]

Anticancer activity of thymol: A literature-based review and docking study with Emphasis on its anticancer mechanisms.

This review documents:
“...various anticancer pathways such as antioxidant/oxidative stress induction, apoptosis (programmed cell death), anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory, anti-genotoxicity”
And concludes, quote:
“...it is evident that thymol may be one of promising plant-derived cancer chemotherapeutic agents.”

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A similar story with Frankincense, some examples are highlighted:

Cancer Detect Prev. 2003;27(1):67-75. [LINK]

Boswellic acid acetate induces differentiation and apoptosis in highly metastatic melanoma and fibrosarcoma cells.

Quote: “...is a good candidate for the prevention of primary tumor, invasion and metastasis.”

Molecules. 2019 Jun 7;24(11). [LINK]

Comparative Analysis of Pentacyclic Triterpenic Acid Compositions in Oleogum Resins of Different Boswellia Species and Their In Vitro Cytotoxicity against Treatment-Resistant Human Breast Cancer Cells

Quote: “...exhibited cytotoxicity against the human, treatment-resistant, metastatic breast cancer...”

Cancer Genomics Proteomics. 2017 Nov-Dec; 14(6): 409–425. [LINK]

Transcriptomic Profiling of MDA-MB-231 Cells Exposed to Boswellia Serrata and 3-O-Acetyl-Β-Boswellic Acid; ER/UPR Mediated Programmed Cell Death

Quote: “...effecting multiple targets counter to the growth, proliferation and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer cells.”

Please note that Frankincense essential oil does not contain Boswellic acids (which were used in the above three studies). However they can be added, please see how later.

Frankincense essential oil constituents:

Cell Prolif. 2008 Dec;41(6) 1002-1012 [LINK]
Antiproliferative effects of essential oils and their major constituents in human melanoma cells.

Molecules. 2014 May 22;19(5):6694-706 [LINK]
Linalool exhibits cytotoxic effects by activating antitumor immunity
“...has good inhibitory effects against breast, colorectal and liver cancer cells”

Biomolecules 2019, 9(11), 738 [LINK]
Therapeutic Potential of α- and β-Pinene: A Miracle Gift of Nature

Curr Cancer Drug Targets. 2018;18(8):807-815 [LINK]
Analysis of Cancer-related Genes in Human HepG2 Cells in Response to Limonene, a Potential Anticancer Agent.
“The broad spectrum of limonene anticancer activity is interesting...”

References for Frankincense essential oil constituents: [source 1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27]

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Some in vivo studies are shown here.

Nutrients. 2019 Oct 2;11(10). [LINK]

Comparative Investigation of Frankincense Nutraceuticals: Correlation of Boswellic and Lupeolic Acid Contents with Cytokine Release Inhibition and Toxicity against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Quote: “...a frankincense nutraceutical inhibited tumor growth and induced apoptosis in vivo in breast cancer xenografts…”

Oncotarget. 2019 May 28;10(37):3472-3490. [LINK]

Frankincense essential oil suppresses melanoma cancer through down regulation of Bcl-2/Bax cascade signaling and ameliorates heptotoxicity via phase I and II drug metabolizing enzymes.

Quote: “ In conclusion, FEO elicited marked anti-melanoma in both in vitro and in vivo…”

J Nutr. 1997 May;127(5):668-74 [LINK]
Isoprenoids suppress the growth of murine B16 melanomas in vitro and in vivo.

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Management of basal cell carcinoma of the skin using frankincense (Boswellia sacra) essential oil: a case report (Journal LINK)

basal cell cancer skin frankincense oil

There was also a human case report. Left picture is a basal-cell carcinoma of the arm and on the right 14 weeks after treatment with Frankincense oil applied several times daily, resulting in complete resolution.

The next picture is from the same person and study but this was a basal cell carcinoma of the chest. The same topical treatment gave an 80% reduction after 4 months. No side effects reported.

basal cell cancer chest frankincense oil

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Another field of study which is relatively new is the influence compounds produced by plants can have on cancer stem cells which conventional treatments may not be able to deal with. These stem cells may be responsible for tumour initiation, progression, spread and recurrence.

Front Cell Dev Biol. 2019; 7: 16. [LINK]

Meeting the Challenge of Targeting Cancer Stem Cells

Quote: “Strong evidence suggests that conventional treatments, including radio- and chemotherapy, spare cancer stem cells...”

Mol Interv. 2008 Aug;8(4):174-84. [LINK]

Targeting cancer stem cells with phytochemicals.

Quote: “Although progress has been made in the early detection of cancer and in improvements of cancer therapies, the ability to provide long-term survival has been limited. Increasing evidence suggests that a minute, biologically unique population of cancer stem cells (SCs) exists in most neoplasms and may be responsible for tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and relapse. “

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Frankincense and Thyme essentials oils can potentially target cancer stem cells.

Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2019 May;40(5):689-698. [LINK]

Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid suppresses docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo by blocking Akt and Stat3 signaling, thus suppressing chemoresistant stem cell-like properties

Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Apr; 20(7): 1749. [LINK]

Anticancer Activities of Thymus vulgaris L. in Experimental Breast Carcinoma In Vivo and In Vitro

Quote: “Data from our experiments clearly points to the beneficial effects of T. vulgaris on clinically well-validated markers of cancer stem cells in the breast.”

Other references: [Link 1] [Link 2]

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Picture source: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2018, Article ID 3149362 [LINK]

anti-cancer pathways essential oils
Essential oils are able to attack cancer through multiple pathways, including boosting our immune response and epigenetics which means they can change which genes the cancer cell turns on or off. The studies mention at least 9 different anti-cancer pathways. This is important because if a cancer cell is suddenly attacked in many different ways all at the same time and its usual methods of coping are interfered with it may find it difficult to survive.

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Being able to influence epigenetics is important because this plays a significant role in cancer.

EPMA J. 2018 Nov 12;9(4):403-419. [LINK]

Plant natural modulators in breast cancer prevention: status quo and future perspectives reinforced by predictive, preventive, and personalized medical approach.

Quote: “...epigenetic alterations are particularly important for the development of sporadic breast cancer (BC) comprising over 90% of all BC cases worldwide”

Biomolecules. 2019 Jul 18;9(7). [LINK]

DNA Methylation Status in Cancer Disease: Modulations by Plant-Derived Natural Compounds and Dietary Interventions.

Quote: “In conclusion, indisputable anticancer activities of dietary phytochemicals linked with proper regulation of DNA methylation status (epigenetics) have been described.”

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Reviews of the available evidence are very positive about their ability and potential in cancer therapy:

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018: 3149362. [LINK]

Anticancer Properties of Essential Oils and Other Natural Products

Quote: “...the ability of EOs and their components of having such diverse anticancer effect through acting on various pathways and cellular mechanisms is compelling.”

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015; 2015: 397821. [LINK]

Exploitation of Cytotoxicity of Some Essential Oils for Translation in Cancer Therapy

Quote: “...from the data reviewed in this paper, the use of essential oils in cancer therapy is very promising...”

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Summary

● proven anti-cancer effects in vitro (test tube)

● promising anti-cancer effects in vivo (living animals)

● many different mechanisms of action

● safe (studies report minimal or no harm to normal cells)

● able to target cancer stem cells and treatment resistant cancer cells

● case report (and anecdotal reports?)

The pre-clinical data is lining up nicely and the only thing missing is the next step, which is clinical trials involving humans. We must remember that natural products cannot be patented therefore funding such trials is limited and may never happen on any significant scale. There are a fair number of anecdotal reports to be found online with some claiming remarkable results. Therefore this presentation would not be complete without discussing how they are being used. Since there is no standardisation in the studies, and no human trials so far this should be considered an experimental course of action. It may work, it may not.

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● Choose your oils from a reputable company which has good product reviews: Frankincense (sacra or carteri, serrata may also be used) and Thymus vulgaris. Organic is best.

● 5% concentration is generally considered safe by aromatherapists (~30 drops per ounce (28g) of carrier oil, ~1 drop per ml). It doesn’t have to be exact, e.g. 100 drops per 100g/100ml of carrier oil.

● Common carrier oils: almond oil or MCT oil or extra virgin olive oil. Organic is best.

● Make each blend separately in a glass jar/container

● Patch test: rub a small amount onto your wrist skin and leave for 24 hours. If you have no bad reaction then they are likely safe to use.

● Apply each blend 1-2 times daily to the affected area. Always close the jar after use and store in a dark cupboard.

● Optional: to enhance absorption you can cover the applied oil with a suitable dressing, e.g. skin gauze, cotton pad etc), and/or prior to application apply a warm damp cloth to the area, or apply it after a shower.

Note: When Frankincense essential oil is made not all of the components of Frankincense resin end up in the essential oil (e.g. Boswellic acids). If you wish to add these for extra benefit:
1) buy Frankincense resin (it doesn't really matter which type)
2) select a suitable amount for the container size you have used above and put them in a fridge freezer for 1-3hrs.
3) take them out and crush them in a pestle and mortar (or other crushing method)
4) add the resulting powder to your Frankincense oil blend and give it a stir/shake. Leave the powder to partially dissolve and infuse into the oil.
5) optional: to help the resin powder dissolve in the oil you can gently warm your oil filled container in a hot water bath to no more than 38C/100F, stir/shake occasionally until cooled down.

Additional references: [source] [source 2] [source 3] [source 4]

Estimated cost of ingredients: USD $25-120 / GBP £20-90 / EUR €23-105 / AUD $38-170

The wide variation in cost is due to the numerous brands available, each with their own quality standards.

Cost comparison: average cost of early stage breast cancer treatment per person in USA = $27,000-109,000

Breast cancer accounts for 25% of all new cancer cases in women (~250,000 new cases per year in the USA), and is the leading cancer killer of women.

Reference: [Link]

Important note: there are many other evidence-based diet/lifestyle changes one can make to reduce the symptoms/severity of most conditions, including cancer. For further information please contact us through our website or facebook.

Please like our youtube video and share this article with others as this will help get the word out. It could benefit a lot of people. Thanks for reading.