Boswellic Acid

[ Herb Source ] Boswellia carterii Birdw.
[ Specification ] 60%Boswellic acid
[ Detection method ] HPLC  
[ CAS No. ] 631-69-6
[ Appearance ] Yellow-white powder
About Boswellic Acid
Boswellic acids are a series of pentacyclic triterpene molecules which are produced by plants in the genus Boswellia. Like many other terpenes, boswellic acids appear in the resin of the plant which exudes them.
[ Usage ]
Beta-boswellic acid, keto-beta-boswellic acid and acetyl-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) have been indicated in apoptosis of cancer cells, particularly brain tumors and cells affected by leukemia or colon cancer.
Acetyl-boswellic acids also exhibit anti-inflammatory behaviour by inhibiting leukotriene synthesis. Specifically, it inhibits the activity of the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase through a non-redox reaction. Clinical trials have investigated the effectiveness of boswellic acids in treating ulcerative colitis, but a study on chemically induced colitis in mouse models showed little effectiveness. This latter study also linked large doses of boswellic acids to hepatotoxicity and increased lipid accumulation. Paradoxically, low doses of Boswellia serrata extract may have hepatoprotective effects.
Boswellic acids are also thought to decrease the symptoms of asthma.