Boswellic acid

The boswellic acids (also boswellic acids ) are a group of chemical compounds naturally in the resin of the frankincense trees (Boswellia ), the incense happen. The two basic structures are the α -boswellic acid ( oleanane - type) and the β -boswellic acid ( Ursan type) is, depending on the arrangement of the two methyl groups on the ring E. The to the resin acids scoring materials is chemically a pentacyclic Triterpenstruktur with a cis- position based on the D and E rings.

Derivatives

Of the boswellic acids and some derivatives are known, in particular compounds which carry at position 11, a keto group and / or acetylated at position 3.

• 3-O -acetyl- α - boswellic acid

• 3-O -acetyl -11 -keto- α -boswellic acid

• 3-O -acetyl- β - boswellic acid

• 3-O -acetyl -11 -keto- β - boswellic acid ( AKBA )

Effect

Boswellic acids, in particular the 3-O -acetyl -11 -keto- β - boswellic acid effect, anti-inflammatory, by non-competitively inhibit the 5 -lipoxygenase and thus suppress leukotriene production. The role of Leutriene in metabolism is related to allergic or inflammatory reactions in the body.