The journey of boswellic acids from synthesis to pharmacological activities

Abstract

AbstractThere has been a lot of interest in using naturally occurring substances to treat a wide variety of chronic disorders in recent years. From the gum resin ofBoswellia serrataandBoswellia carteri, the pentacyclic triterpene molecules known as boswellic acid (BA) are extracted. We aimed to provide a detailed overview of the origins, chemistry, synthetic derivatives, pharmacokinetic, and biological activity of numerousBoswelliaspecies and their derivatives. The literature searched for reports ofB. serrataand isolated BAs having anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-asthmatic, and clastogenic activities. Our results revealed that the cytotoxic and anticancer effects ofB. serratarefer to its triterpenoid component, including BAs. Three-O-acetyl-11-keto—BA was the most promising cytotoxic molecule among tested substances. Activation of caspases, upregulation of Bax expression, downregulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), and stimulation of poly (ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage are the primary mechanisms responsible for cytotoxic and antitumor effects. Evidence suggests that BAs have shown promise in combating a wide range of debilitating disease conditions, including cancer, hepatic, inflammatory, and neurological disorders.Graphical abstract