The Frankincense, Myrrh, and Gold Camel Collection

Frankincense and Myrrh are among the oldest botanical products used since millennia for their combined heavenly olfactory properties along with their important medicinal and preservative properties. A unique integration of the magical constituents of frankincense, myrrh and gold into 3 beautifully crafted products is the basis of the Camel Collection: face soap, rejuvenating hand and face cream, and body/face scrub.  All components of the two exotic tree resins are used including the post distillation boswellic acid, the ground myrrh, the frankincense and myrrh infused apricot kernel oil and the frankincense and myrrh essential oils.The resins of Boswellia carteri, Boswellia serrata, and Boswellia frereana and Commiphora myrrha (Nees) known as frankincense and myrrh respectively, have been used extensively since 2800 BCE.  Dating back to ancient times, the two resins were found to be effective as an unguent in treating skin sores, wounds, teeth, inflammation, and urinary tract diseases in traditional medicine. Mummification balms and unguents contained frankincense and myrrh. Furthermore, their use as an incense and perfume have been known for thousands of years. There are so many beneficial medicinal properties possessed by the two resins. In fact, in more recent years its immunological potency was reflected by its potential application in the treatment of SARS- coronavirus 2 infection (COVID-19).  In particular, one scientific group used a mixture of three herbal components (Boswellia serrata, Commiphora myrrha, and propolis), to evaluate potential antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. The herbal mixture resulted in an upregulation of antiviral host genes including MUC5AC, LIF, CEACAM1, and GDF15 host genes emphasizing the immunomodulatory effect on SARS-CoV-2 and defining the potent combination as a novel natural product-derived therapeutic agent for treating COVID-19. There are many clinical studies that have demonstrated the significant efficacy of frankincense and myrrh as anticarcinogenic agents. For example, one pharmacologic study found 35 active components in the frankincense and myrrh extracts targeting 151 key targets. The molecular docking analysis showed that both boswellic acid and stigmasterol exhibited a strong affinity for certain targets especially epidermal growth factor receptor. Frankincense and myrrh regulate the hypoxia responses and vascular system-related pathological processes, such as cytokine-receptor binding, and pathways including MAPK, HIF-1 and ErbB signaling cascades. The treatments clearly had a suppressive effect on hepatocellular tumor growth and were associated with a reduction in CD31 and collagen IV expression, increased the coverage of perivascular cells, tightened the connection between cells, and improved the shape of blood vessels. Not unexpectedly frankincense and myrrh possess remarkable skin rejuvenating properties which will be the focus of the discussion that follows below. In addition, in the camel formulation, the resins are infused with apricot kernel oil for several days after which the infused oil is then suspended in frankincense and myrrh powder along with cosmetic gold producing formulations that at least from a theoretical perspective have potent skin rejuvenating properties at the level of the epidermis and dermis.

Each of the key ingredients found in the line namely frankincense, myrrh, apricot kernel oil and gold.

 

 

FRANKINCENSE:

Frankincense represents a tree resin that is derived from the Boswellia plant which in turn is a large branching tree of the family Burseraceae and grows in select areas including India, Northern  Africa and the Middle east.   Boswellia (B).sacra, B.frereana, B.serrata, and B.papyrifera are the main Boswellia plants that produce frankincense resin. The resin is released upon disruption of the bark of the tree.  The seeping resin eventually solidifies into tear drop shaped resin which is what is available commercially. Frankincense whole resin and essential oil has a uniquely citrusy, sweet, and powdery scent. It has been used as a sacred incense burned in temples dating back to biblical times and before. In fact, the Egyptians used Frankincense not only in rituals but also for its medicinal properties including embalming mummies and treating wounds. While it is a highly fragrant resin it has significant health benefits including its role as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. The primary constituent of frankincense is an oil, but it also contains terpens which have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Terpens may inhibit elastic fiber degradation by virtue of its effect in reducing the release of elastase. Boswellia preparations inhibit 5-lipoxygenase and prevent the release of leukotrienes.  Boswellic acids (BAs) are pentacyclic triterpenes extracted from the gum resins of the tropical tree Boswellia serrata. They have significant anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities as well as stimulatory effects on fibroblastsa and therefore have a theoretical positive effect on promoting collagen and elastic fiber synthesis. Boswellia extract has resulted in improving a number of objective photoaging parameters including pigmentation, roughness and fine lines.

Boswellic acid which is found in the ground resin and the post distillation powder has been used to treat various ailments in different cultures for thousands of years.   Aflapin is a novel synergistic product derived from Boswellia gum resin.   The gum resins from the tropical tree Boswellia have been orally administered for the treatment of several inflammatory diseases and cancer because of their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.  One recent study found that 0.5% concentration of Boswellic acid delivered in a neutral cream base could lead to a significant reduction in photoaging of facial skin after 30 days particularly in regard to tactile roughness and fine lines. Boswellic acid at 2% has an ameliorative effect on reducing inflammation at sites of breast irradiation following a mastectomy for breast cancer.

Boswellic acids are the pentacyclic triterpenes with a strong anti-inflammatory line of action with the most important source of Boswellia being Boswellia serrata, a tropical tree that grows in India and Africa. The post distillation powder that remains after the essential oil is produced is. Very rich in Boswellia acid. The essential oil has other medicinal and olfactory properties but does not have Boswellia acid.  A significant aspect of the beneficial effects of frankincense resin is found in the Boswellia acid which in turn is unrelated to the frankincense essential oil. The Boswellia acids are known to inhibit various metalloproteinases including metalloproteinases 1, 3, 10, and 12 transcriptions in fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Of all the metalloproteinases listed, Boswellia acids is a strong inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1. Due to this potent inhibitory effect on metalloproteinase 1, Boswellia acid has   a potential pivotal role in preventing the cleavage of dermal fibrillar collagen mediated metalloproteinase 1 and therefore reducing damage to the connective tissue matrix of the skin. Boswellia acid has an anti-inflammatory effect that is mediated by the inhibition of TAK/TAB-mediated I kappa B kinase phosphorylation which in turn activates the nuclear factor kappa beta translocation to the nucleus. Boswellic acid  also enhances the metabolism of fibroblasts and inhibits leukocyte elastase .

 

 

APRICOT KERNEL OIL

The frankincense and myrrh resin is infused with apricot kernel oil to produce a very potent blend of resin and apricot kernel oil, This oil has long been used in hair and face creams where it was introduced into the Chinese culture likely over a 1000 years ago. Paradoxically the benefits to the skin have not been specifically explored with indexed scientific studies. The scientific studies primarily address the benefit of apricot kernel oil at extracutaneous sites have been explored whereby the scientific discoveries made at these different sites would have direct application to rejuvenating effects in the skin. For example, patients suffering from kerataconjunctivitis SICCA related to urban particulate matter exposure benefit from the topical application of apricot kernel oil where it has been shown to reduce metalloproteinase activity and down regulate TNF alpha and interleukin 6 for which the net effect is reduced epithelial apoptosis and inflammation. Apricot kernel oil also has significant antioxidant activity. The main oils are oleic oil, linoleic (22.41%), palmitic (3.14%), stearic (1.4%), linolenic (0.90%), and palmitoleic (0.70%) acid.

 

 

MYRRH  

Myrrh is among the Commiphora genus. They represent short shrubs that are naturally found in very hot tropical climates. Their resinous and aromatic exudates have made myrrh a very valuable product for thousands of years. At one point it was considered even more valuable than gold. Commiphora species including myrrh is highly effective in encouraging the repair of damaged skin. An increase in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has been shown in rodent studies. Commiphora significantly increases elasticity. Recent studies have revealed that Commiphora myrrha (myrrh) and Boswellia serrata (frankincense) extracts can prevent aging, acne, and spots while enhancing skin moisture and suppleness. C. mukul extract and C. myrrha essential oil exhibited high cytotoxicity against skin cancer cells with but were less toxic to normal keratinocytes.  A potentially skin rejuvenating effect may reflect the high amounts of ceramide (69%) and, to a lesser extent, hexosylceramide (18%) and phosphatidylethanolamine (7%) of the total amount. One of the most significant effects of myrrh is the positive effect on encouraging wound healing. For example, there is a greater percentage of wound contraction in the commiphora treated group compared to the control group. The extent of bacterial colonization and inflammation were less in the group treated with Commiphora myrrha less while positive wound responses in regard to re-epithelialization. Positive additional reparative response represented by collagen fiber deposition and granulation tissue response were superior in Commiphora treated wounds compared to controls. In general myrrh has significant anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

One study compared the anti-wrinkling effects of CoQ10 and a proprietary Commiphora mukul gum resin (guggul) and triheptanoin preparation (GU-TC7).  A concentration of 2% comprising the gum resin and triheptanoin, a triglyceride composed of three 7-carbon fatty acids was prepared. Treatment of CCL-110 skin fibroblasts with GU-TC7 demonstrates a mild proliferative effect compared to CoQ10 and increased type I collagen synthesis. Additionally, GU-TC7 inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression in a dose-dependent manner at 20-100 μg mL⁻¹ and inhibited human elastase expression by more than 50% as compared to no elastase inhibition with CoQ10 treatment.  The results emphasized that the myrrh nd triheptanoin preparation was beneficial to the skin and reduced wrinkles; it may be considered for its further evaluation in skin care products.

Myrrh also has significant antioxidant properties. In one study it was shown to significantly quench the singlet oxygen free radical produced as an ultraviolet light triggered byproduct of sebum which is squalene. The percent of essential oil effective in producing this photoprotective activity is 0.6%. The effects of oxidized squalene on the skin includes a number of deleterious properties that would accelerate aging including enhanced wrinkle formation, reduced keratinocyte and dermal mesenchymal cell viability, vascular dilatation and inflammation via the promotion of interleukin 2.  

Myrrh oil, extracted from the shrub Commiphora myrrha may provide protection against solar radiation. This study sought to further investigate if C. myrrha oil can confer protection against UV radiation. A UV-sensitive strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was grown in petri dishes with one half covered by aluminum foil and the other half covered by clear polyethylene food wrap. The polyethylene half was treated with either SPF 15 or SPF 30 sunscreen, C. myrrha oil or a combination of C. myrrha oil and either sunscreen. The plates were exposed to sunlight. Colony death was quantified using visual estimation.  The 1:1 combination of C. myrrha oil and SPF 15 sunblock was significantly more effective than SPF 15 sunblock alone to prevent S. cerevisiae death.  

 

 

COSMETIC GOLD

Cosmetic gold crumbs are in the soap and rejuvenating cream.  Gold promotes the youthful regeneration and fortification of skin simply by contact to the dermis. The gold crumbs are purchased from CornucAupia; they can be safely mixed into cosmetic formulations and enhance the luxurious feel of treatment. The crumbs are designed to mix seamlessly with all liquids and oils, retaining the luster of the gold.  Other putative effects of gold include reduction in collagen depletion, lightening of the skin and increasing elasticity.

 

 

 

REFERENCES:

Apricot Kernel Oil

Akhone, Mansoor Ali, et al. "Apricot kernel: Bioactivity, characterization, applications, and health attributes." Foods 11.15 (2022): 2184.

Al-Juhaimi FY, Ghafoor K, Özcan MM, Uslu N, Babiker EE, Ahmed IAM, Alsawmahi ON. Phenolic Compounds, Antioxidant Activity and Fatty Acid Composition of Roasted Alyanak Apricot Kernel. J Oleo Sci. 2021 May 1;70(5):607-613.  Epub 2021 Apr 12. PMID: 33840664.

Li K, Yang W, Li Z, Jia W, Li J, Zhang P, Xiao T. Bitter apricot essential oil induces apoptosis of human HaCaT keratinocytes. Int Immunopharmacol. 2016 May;34:189-198. PMID: 26971222

 

Frankincense

Calzavara-Pinton P, Zane C, Facchinetti E, Capezzera R, Pedretti A. Topical Boswellic acids for treatment of photoaged skin. Dermatol Ther. 2010 Jan-Feb;23 Suppl 1:S28-32. .

Han X, Rodriguez D, Parker TL. Biological activities of frankincense essential oil in human dermal fibroblasts. Biochim Open. 2017 Feb 3;4:31-35. PMID: 29450138

Kotb EA, El-Shiekh RA, Abd-Elsalam WH, El Sayed NSED, El Tanbouly N, El Senousy AS. Protective potential of frankincense essential oil and its loaded solid lipid nanoparticles against UVB-induced photodamage in rats via MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways; A promising anti-aging therapy. PLoS One. 2023 Dec 21;18(12): PMID: 38127865

 

Gold

Choi YJ, Kim JS, Kim WS. Photothermal therapy using gold nanoparticles and a long-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite laser to treat facial photoaging in Asian skin: A prospective clinical trial. Lasers Surg Med. 2022 Oct;54(8):1060-1070.  PMID: 35789098.

Jun ES, Kim YJ, Kim HH, Park SY. Gold Nanoparticles Using Ecklonia stolonifera Protect Human Dermal Fibroblasts from UVA-Induced Senescence through Inhibiting MMP-1 and MMP-3. Mar Drugs. 2020 Aug 19;18(9):433.  PMID: 32825040; PMCID: PMC7551933.

Park JW, Shin SH, Lee WG, Li K, Seo SJ, Kim CH, Park KY. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of the 1064 nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser with a topically applied gold and diamond suspension for facial skin rejuvenation: A pilot study. Dermatol Ther. 2022 Jun;35(6):e15459

 

Myrrh

Auffray B. Protection against singlet oxygen, the main actor of sebum squalene peroxidation during sun exposure, using Commiphora myrrha essential oil. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2007 Feb;29(1):23-9.  PMID: 18489308

Chakravarty N, Kellogg C, Alvarez J, Equils O, Morgan M. UV Protection by Natural Products: C. myrrha Oil Versus Sunscreen. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018  PMID: 30124732

Orchard A, Viljoen A, van Vuuren S. Wound Pathogens: Investigating Antimicrobial Activity of Commercial Essential Oil Combinations against Reference Strains. Chem Biodivers. 2018 Dec;15 Epub 2018 Dec 17. PMID: 30362637.

Ramachandran C, Quirin KW, Resek A, Melnick SJ. Protective and restorative effects of a Commiphora mukul gum resin and triheptanoin preparation on the CCL-110 skin fibroblast cell line. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2012 Apr;34(2):155-60.  PMID: 22084831.