acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid

Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) is a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from the gum resin of *Boswellia* species, commonly known as frankincense. It is recognized as a potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor agent. AKBA's primary mechanism of action involves the allosteric inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), which suppresses the synthesis of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes. Additionally, it has been identified as a novel inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase (MGLL), which modulates lipid metabolism and endocannabinoid signaling. AKBA also exerts its effects by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, activating the Nrf2/HO-1 cytoprotective pathway, and modulating various transcription factors such as PPARγ and C/EBP. It is currently being investigated in preclinical models for a wide range of therapeutic applications, including osteoarthritis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), various cancers (prostate, oral squamous cell carcinoma), and nerve injury repair.

Other names

3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-D-boswellic acid