Novel Delivery Technologies: Triggering the Biopharmaceutical Potential of Boswellic Acids

Boswellic acids are a series of pentacyclic triterpenes derived from the gum resin ofBoswellia genus, mostly from Boswellia serrata Roxb. (Burseraceae) tree commonly known as Indian Frankincense or salai guggul and traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory agent. It acts by inhibiting 5-Lipoxygenase, C3-convertase, cyclooxygenase, preferably COX-1, Human Leukocyte Elastase, NF-?B expression, Topoisomerase I and II and microsomal Prostaglandin E2 synthase-1. Boswellia species are reported to have various pharmacological potentials like anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-arthritic, immunomodulatory activity, neuroprotective activity, and are also proved to be effective against ileitis, ulcerative colitis, hypolipidemic, hypertension and hepatotoxicity. Regardless of their multiple uses, pharmacokinetic studies of Boswellic acids revealed their poor oral bioavailability, high lipophilicity, and their degradation by the hepatic Phase I mechanism. With low solubility and poor bioavailability, different approaches have been applied to improve the poor pharmacokinetic profile of Boswellic acids. Designing and developing novel delivery systems for their enhanced permeability and improved bioavailability with better efficacy have been of great interest.

Automated summary

Boswellic acids are pentacyclic triterpenes derived from Boswellia serrata trees, known as Indian Frankincense, and traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory agent. They have various pharmacological potentials like anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-arthritic, immunomodulatory activity, neuroprotective activity, and are effective against ileitis, ulcerative colitis, hypolipidemic, hypertension and hepatotoxicity. However, their poor oral bioavailability and high lipophilicity have led to the development of novel delivery systems to improve their pharmacokinetic profile.