boswellic acid

Boswellic acid is a group of pentacyclic triterpenic acids derived from the resin of Boswellia species (notably *Boswellia serrata* and *Boswellia carteri*)[5]. It is the principal bioactive compound responsible for the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of Boswellia preparations. Boswellic acids selectively inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), thereby reducing leukotriene synthesis, a key pathway in inflammation[4][7][5]. AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid) is regarded as among the most potent of these acids[4]. Additional mechanisms include inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), suppression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and modulation of cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β[5][7]. Boswellic acids induce apoptosis in cancer cells via multiple pathways (topoisomerase inhibition, caspase activation, PI3K/AKT disruption)[5], and show efficacy in various chronic diseases, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), diabetes, and certain cancers[5][1][2][4][10]. They are being investigated both as dietary supplements and adjuncts in pharmaceutical therapies. Human clinical evidence demonstrates benefits primarily in inflammatory joint disorders, with ongoing clinical trials for other indications[5][3][6].

Other names

boswellic acidsBAboswellic acid (generic name)acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acidacetyl11-keto-beta-boswellic acidacetyl 11-keto-beta-boswellic acidAKBA11-keto-beta-boswellic acidKBAbeta-boswellic acidBBA3-O-acetyl-beta-boswellic acid3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acidpentacyclic triterpenic acid