Antioxidant Properties of Various Solvent Extracts of Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) Oleogum Resin

Methanol, ethanol, acetone and water extracts of Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) were evaluated for their total phenolic contents and antioxidant properties using various methods including 2,2diphenyl1picrylhydrazyl, iron (III) reducing power, total antioxidant capacity and oxidative stability index (Rancimat). The four extracts showed varying degrees of antioxidant activity in a dose dependent manner in each assay. Methanol extract containing the highest amount of phenolic compounds exhibited the strongest antioxidant capacity in all the assays used. Moreover, all the extracts were able to improve the oxidative stability of soybean oil as evaluated by the Rancimat test. On the basis of the results obtained, B. serrata oleogum resin was found to serve as a potential source of natural antioxidants due to their considerable antioxidant activity.