A chemical investigation by headspace SPME and GC-MS of volatile and semi-volatile terpenes in various olibanum samples.

Six different olibanum samples with certified botanical origin were analyzed by headspace SPME-GC/MS in order to define their mono-, sesqui- and diterpenic composition, as pertinent criteria of identification. Boswellia carteri and Boswellia sacra olibanum have quite similar chemical composition, with isoincensole acetate as the main diterpenic biomarker. Although Boswellia serrata olibanum also exhibits this biomarker, the presence of methylchavicol, methyleugenol and an unidentified oxygenated sesquiterpene distinguishes B.

Headspace solid phase microextraction for screening for the presence of resins in Egyptian archaeological samples.

The aim of this study was to use headspace solid phase microextraction (SPME) to reveal the presence of resin in archaeological samples, such as mummification balms, from ancient Egypt. Experiments were first performed with fresh resins of known origin. The SPME fibre readily extracted mono- and sesquiterpenes and, to a lesser extent, diterpenes.

Optimization of headspace solid phase microextraction for gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of widely different volatility and polarity terpenoids in olibanum.

The aim of this study was the optimization of headspace SPME conditions for trapping diterpenes present in frankincense (olibanum). Diterpenes like cembrenes or incensole and its derivatives are characteristic of olibanum. So in order to detect by SPME the occurrence of olibanum in archeological objects, it appears essential to have the best extraction conditions for these diterpenes that will be in very small quantities.