Now we know why the priests are so happy!
A May 20th study in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) journal suggests that a chemical commonly found in incense may elevate mood.
Raphael Mechoulam of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and his colleagues injected mice with incensole acetate, a component of the resin of the Boswellia plant. This resin, better known as frankincense, is an ingredient in Middle Eastern incense. The chemical reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms in the mice. In the anxiety test, for example, injected animals were less fearful of open spaces as compared with mice that were given a placebo.
Incensole acetate proved to be 10 times less potent than Valium in its reduction of anxiety, Mechoulam says. During religious ceremonies, the people inhaling the most smoke — the clergy burning the incense — are probably the only ones who feel its effects, he adds.
Incensole acetate may lead to new treatments for anxiety and depression if more potent forms can be synthesized and if it successfully lifts moods in human trials.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone sitting at the front of the church next Sunday to get the maximum benefit!!
Source: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=mass-appeal
