Objective: To improve the quality standards of Olibanum

and achieve efficient and safe application of Olibanum decoction pieces and its preparations. Method: Olibanum was studied from quality standard and irritation aspects. Boswellic acids in Olibanum were analyzed by TLC

and the total polysaccharide content was determined by phenol sulfuric acid method; gas chromatography was used to determine the content of octyl acetate in the volatile oil of Olibanum

and the irritation of Olibanum was studied by using animal experiment. Result: In the thin layer chromatography of Olibanum

the components of boswellic acid showed the same color spots in the corresponding positions of the chromatogram for reference substances

with no interference in the blank control. The average recovery rate of total polysaccharides in Olibanum was 99.6%

with RSD of 1.2% and average mass fraction of 7.0%. The average recovery rate of octyl acetate in Olibanum volatile oil was 100.16%

with RSD of 0.9%

and average content mass fraction of 0.08%. In addition

volatile oil of Olibanum pieces had irritation. Conclusion: The TLC method for identifying boswellic acids and the determination method for total polysaccharides and octyl acetate in Olibanum were simple and accurate. These methods can be used to improve the quality standards of Olibanum decoction pieces

and provide the basis and protection for quality standards of Olibanum extracts and formulations as well as their efficient and safety use.