AN UPDATE ON POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS OF BOSWELLIC ACIDS

In recent years, natural products such as Boswellic acids (BAs) have attracted researchers around the globe because of their significant potential against various diseases without any toxic effects. Boswellic acids, which belong to the pentacyclic triterpenes type of class, are extracted from the gum-resin portion of Boswellia serrata and many other different species such as Boswellia sacra, Boswellia papyrifera, and Boswellia carterii. The Boswellic acids obtained from these species are broadly classified into two categories as α-Boswellic acids and β-Boswellic acids. The six major recognized acids which are obtained from the gum resinous extract of Boswellia serrata and Boswellia carterii includes α-Boswellic and β-Boswellic acids, acetylated α-Boswellic acids and β-Boswellic acids and 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-Boswellic acid and 11-keto-β-Boswellic acid. In recent years, several biological potentials of Boswellic acids have been investigated, including inhibition of inflammation, anti-arthritic, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-asthmatic, anti-cancer, etc. In addition to leukotriene inhibiting property, the Boswellic acid and their analogues also possess the potential to be used against inflammatory bowel disease and neurodegenerative diseases. The most common are Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, etc. Their broad spectrum of pharmacological activities also include shypolipedimic, hepatoprotective, immune-modulatory, antithrombotic, analgesic, antioxidant, dermal safety and diuretic activities. In the present review, an attempt has been made to update the therapeutic potential of various Boswellic acids.