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Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview
1Processing and Product Development Division, Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums, Namkum, Ranchi-834 010, India.
Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|March 30, 2012
Summary
Boswellia serrata resin, traditionally used in medicine, contains potent compounds like acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid. This compound effectively inhibits 5-lipoxygenase, a key enzyme involved in inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Ethnomedicine
Background:
- Boswellia serrata, a tree native to dry regions, yields oleo gum-resin used traditionally for centuries in folk medicine.
- The oleo gum-resin is processed and graded, containing resin, essential oils, and polysaccharides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chemical constituents of Boswellia serrata resin.
- To identify compounds responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Main Methods:
- Chemical analysis of Boswellia serrata oleo gum-resin.
- Identification of triterpenic acids, including four major pentacyclic triterpenic acids.
- Evaluation of inhibitory activity against pro-inflammatory enzymes.
Main Results:
- The resinous part contains various terpenes and four major pentacyclic triterpenic acids: β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid, and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid.
- Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid was identified as the most potent inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase.
- 5-lipoxygenase is a crucial enzyme in the inflammatory pathway.
Conclusions:
- Boswellia serrata possesses significant anti-inflammatory potential due to its rich content of pentacyclic triterpenic acids.
- Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid is a key active compound responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects.
- Further research into Boswellia serrata extracts could lead to novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics.
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