乳香为橄榄科植物乳香树或同属植物的胶状树脂，主要含有五环三萜、四环三萜、大环二萜等萜类和多种挥发油类成分。研究表明药用乳香具有抗炎、抗肿瘤、抗哮喘、抗氧化等药理活性，有潜在的药用价值。综述了乳香化学成分和药理作用研究进展，为乳香的进一步研究提供参考。

Frankincense, the gum resin of Boswellia carterii or the other plants belonging to the same species, mainly consists of chemical constituents such as terpens (tetra- and penta-cyclic triterpens, diterpens) and essential oil. Investigations on the pharmacological effects of the resin have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-asthma, anti-oxidative activities etc., and these results indicate potential medicinal value of this material. In this review, the recent progresses in the research of chemical constituents and pharmacological activities are summarized, which will provide reference for further research of B. carterii.

国家重大新药创制专项（2011ZX09401-009）