Frankincense oil derived from Boswellia carteri induces tumor cell specific cytotoxicity.
Frank MB, Yang Q, Osban J, Azzarello JT, Saban MR, Saban R, Ashley RA, Welter JC, Fung KM, Lin HK.
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2009 Mar 18;9(1):6. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 19296830
doi:10.1186/1472-6882-9-6
Th1/Th2 balance: the hypothesis, its limitations, and implications for health and disease.
Kidd P.
Altern Med Rev. 2003 Aug;8(3):223-46. Review.
PMID: 12946237
Th1 pathways typically produce activation of cytotoxic T
lymphocytes (Tc), NK cells, macrophages, and monocytes, all of
which can attack cancer cells and generally defend against tumors.
55 IFN-gamma and other Th1 cytokines are typically lower in
advanced cancer patients, while the Th2 marker IL-4 can be higher
or unchanged.56 Nodules of non-small cell lung cancer freshly
removed from patients expressed a marked imbalance toward Th2, as
did biopsy samples from basal cell carcinoma.57 In prostate cancer
patients IL-2 was low (Th1) and IL-10 high.58 IL-10 is a confirmed
Th1-suppressive cytokine, and heightened IL-10 is a common factor
in cancer.55
IL-10 has a variety of suppressive effects that include inhibiting
Th1 cytokine production, down-regulating APC and NK cell function,
and lowering overall T-cell proliferation.57 Especially under the
influence of IL-4 (Th2), tumor cells apparently up-regulate IL-10
that suppresses nearby killer cells. Tumor-derived IL-10 has been
documented in lymphoma, ovarian carcinoma, melanoma, neuroblastoma,
and renal cell and colon carcinoma.57 IL-12 is another cytokine
that can be up-regulated by Th1 activity and inhibited by Th2.59 A
low IL-12/IL-10 ratio was found in cervical cancer patients.55
Recent clinical studies suggest elevated IL-10 is predictive of a
poor prognosis. 57 With both IL-4 and IL-10 being proven inhibitors
of Th1 and promoters of Th2 activity, the recognized capability of
cancerous tissue to suppress immunity is readily rationalized.