Anti-diabetic potential of fl-boswellic acid and 11-keto-fl-boswellic acid: Mechanistic insights from computational and biochemical approaches

fl-Boswellic acid (fl-BA) and 11-keto-fl-boswellic acid (fl-KBA) are crucial bioactive compounds, mostly isolated from frankincense. These compounds are known for their potent anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Herein, we have explored the complete anti-diabetic potential of fl-BA and fl-KBA with detailed parameters. This research revealed that treatment with fl-BA and fl-KBA at a dose of 1, 2, and 10 mg/kg body weight for 21 days significantly improved body weight loss, water consumption, and specifically the concentration of blood glucose level (BGL) in diabetic animals, which indicated that the fl-BA and fl-KBA possess strong anti-diabetic activities. Serum total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) assays were also performed to evaluate the antioxidant effects. The biochemical analysis revealed that these compounds improve an abnormal level of several biochemical parameters like serum lipid values including total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to a normal level and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (HDLC). To understand the mechanism of action of fl-BA and fl-KBA, their most probable biological targets were searched through the inverse docking approach. Our computational analysis reflects that among other probable targets, the Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) enzyme could be one of the possible binders of fl-BA and fl-KBA to produce their anti-diabetic activities. These in-silico results were validated by an in-vitro experiment. It indicates that the anti-diabetic effects of fl-BA and fl-KBA are produced by the inhibition of DDP-4. Thus, these anti diabetic, antioxidant, and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of fl-BA and fl-KBA suggest these compounds as potential therapeutics for diabetic conditions.

Automated summary

fl-Boswellic acid (fl-BA) and 11-keto-fl-boswellic acid (fl-KBA) have potent anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and anti-hyperlipidemic effects. They improve body weight loss, water consumption, and blood glucose levels in diabetic animals. The inhibition of DPP-4 is the probable mechanism of action for their anti-diabetic activities.