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 (two Boswellia carteri, and Boswellia sacra, Boswellia frereana, Boswellia papyrifera, Boswellia serrata) were analyzed by headspace SPME-GC/MS in order to define their mono-, sesqui- and diterpenic composition, as pertinent criteria of identification. The chemical composition of olibanum, which is demonstrated to be different for each Boswellia species allowed the determination of the taxonomic origin of frankincense samples purchased on various markets, of olibanum used in traditional incense mixtures and of an archaeological frankincense sample.