Introduction: Central nervous system has the low potential for regeneration of damaged neurons. The lack of suitable treatments for neurodegenerative diseases has placed the huge financial burden on the community. Stem cells have self-renewing capabilities and can differentiate into adult cell types under the appropriate conditions. The chemical properties of some plants affect the growth rate and cell proliferation. Previous studies have shown that Olibanum plant plays a role in the formation of dendritic spines and neuronal regeneration. In the present study, the effect of olibanum on the differentiation of bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) to neuron was investigated.

Material and Methods: Bone marrow stem cells were cultured in a Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium, 10% fetal bovine serum, Fibroblast growth factor 2, and Epidermal growth factor (DMEM, FBS, FGF2, and EGF). Olibanum extract 5%, 10%, and 20% were added to culture medium. Then microscopic observations, MTT assay, and immunocytochemistry examination were used to assess morphological, proliferation and differentiation factors.

Results: Microscopic observations and viability cell test showed that the 5% Olibanum extract was non-toxic to BMSCs. Immunocytochemistry result denoted that 5% Olibanum extract can increase the differentiation of BMSCs into neuron-like cells. However, when Olibanum extract 10% and 20% were added to the culture medium, such an increase was not seen in treated groups.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the application of 5% Olibanum extract in cell culture medium was shown to have a suitable effect on BMSCs differentiation into the neuron.