Perfumes olibanum

Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is obtained from trees belonging to the genus Boswellia (Burseraceae family). It is one of the best-known ancient plant resins. The ancient Egyptians were the first to use it as incense in embalming practices and in the preparation of medicines, cosmetics and perfumes, and today it is still used therapeutically. It contains pentacyclic triterpenoids belonging to oleanane, ursane or lupane type molecules and in particular of a- and p-boswellic acids, and their O-acetates [104 111], 11 -Oxo-p-boswellic acid and its acetyl derivative, identified in several Boswellia species, are also diagnostic for frankincense [112]. 

Some of the most successful bases contain quite simple accords of only two or three materials, perhaps dressed up with a number of auxiliary products. The combination of phenoxyethyl isobutyrate and dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate, used in many fruity notes, produces an unmistakable character that survives even when used in trace amounts in a finished perfume. Similarly an ambergris base, made from a simple combination of labdanum, olibanum, and vanilla, brings an unmistakable effect. Such bases, which the perfumer may create for him- or herself, are not only valuable building blocks in the creation of a perfume but are a convenient way of introducing trace amounts of materials that in combination make a special contribution to the character of the final composition. 

Apart from the materials already mentioned the top note contains a simple mixture of bergamot and orange. The middle note is dominated by a traditional jasmin base, with muguet (hydroxycitronellal 10%), and rose. At the heart of the perfume is the classical chypre accord between vetiveryl acetate (10%), methyl ionone, oakmoss, aldehyde C14, coumarin, sandalwood, patchouli, musk ketone, and amber. The amber note can be reproduced by the simple but effective combination of labdanum, olibanum, and vanilla. Small amounts of other animalic notes such as civet may also be used. 

Frankincense or olibanum is an aromatic resin that is used as incense. It is the dried milky sap of trees in the genus Boswellia. Myrrh is the dried sap of trees in the genus Commiphora. Both of these genera are in the family Burseraceae, which also includes olives. Myrrh is used in perfumes and as incense. Both frankincense and myrrh were used as trade items, and their most popular uses were as incense at funerals and as additives in wine. 

Olibanum oil and resinoid are used in oriental type perfumes, the resinoid especially for its good fixative properties. 

Olibanum, oil, and extracts (absolute and resinoid) are used as fixative and/or fragrance components in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions, and perfumes (e.g., oriental types), with maximum use level of 0.8% reported for the gum and absolute in perfumes." " In... 

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