Phytochemistry and potential therapeutic actions of Boswellic acids: A mini-review

Role of Boswellic Acid in the Treatment of Peptic Ulcer Disease

“…It has a broad range of medicinal properties. Both gum resin and essential oil of various species of Boswellia like B. Serrata and B. carterii have been used to make a remedy to treat rheumatic and inflammatory diseases (Iram et al, 2017). Furthermore, there are several reports related to the use of extracts and essential oils of frankincense gum resin as an antibacterial and antiseptic in mouthwash as well as in remedy used to treat asthma and coughs (Banno et al, 2006).…”

“…A significant target of BAs is the immune system. BAs have been shown to decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, which finally are directed to destroy tissues such as cartilage, insulin-producing cells, bronchial, intestinal and other tissues (Ammon, 2016;Iram et al, 2017).…”

“…BAs act on a variety of targets specifically on 5-LOX, topo-isomerases, angiogenesis, and cytochrome p450 enzymes. Besides, depending on the type of cell affected, BAs may stimulate or inhibit mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), especially p38 (Ammon, 2016;Iram et al, 2017). Khosravi et al (2011) conducted a double-blind, randomized clinical trial to assess the efficacy of Boswellia in moderate plaque-induced gingivitis.…”

“…Both KBA and AKBA are extremely lipophilic drugs, which result in reduced absorption through the GIT, but they also exhibit high retention time. Preliminary pharmacokinetic studies have shown minimal concentrations of both AKBA and KBA in human plasma after administration of BSE (Iram et al, 2017). Gerbeth et al (2013) found that KBA and AKBA were absorbed in the intestinal tracts by passive diffusion and active transport absorption related to enzymes.…”

β-11-Keto-boswellic acid derived amides: synthesis and cytotoxicity

“…This oleo-gum-like resin contains compounds of many different structures and a broad variety of activities have been reported or at least assumed to be associated with frankincense 4,5 . -Boswellic acids like 3-O-acetyl-11-keto--boswellic acid (AKBA, 1, Scheme 1) and 11-keto--boswellic acid (KBA, 2) are those constituents of frankincense that gained much attraction during the last decades because of their interesting pharmaceutical properties 3,[6][7][8][9] .…”