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Product Name: Beta-Boswellic acid
Synonym name: β-Boswellic acid; 3-Hydroxy-12-ursen-24-oic acid
Catalogue No.: BP0261
Cas No.: 631-69-6
Formula: C30H48O3
Mol Weight: 456.711
Botanical Source: frankincense (Boswellia spp.), Phellinus pomaceus and olibanum oil
Purity: 95%~99%
Analysis Method: HPLC-DAD or/and HPLC-ELSD
Identification Method: Mass, NMR
Packing: Brown vial or HDPE plastic bottle
Can be supplied from milligrams to grams.
For Reference Standard and R&D, Not for Human Use Directly.
Inquire for bulk scale.
Description:
Beta-boswellic acid and its derivatives (the major constituents of Boswellin) have anti-carcinogenic, anti-tumor, and anti-hyperlipidemic activities. Beta-boswellic acid can significantly enhance neurite outgrowth, branching, and tubulin polymerization dynamics.
References:
Neurol Sci. 2010 Jun;31(3):315-20.
The enhancement effect of beta-boswellic acid on hippocampal neurites outgrowth and branching (an in vitro study).
Increasing evidences implicate impairment of axonal integrity in mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders. Beta-boswellic acid (BBA) is the major component of Boswellia serrata gum. This resin has long been used in Ayurveda (India's traditional medicine) to prevent amnesia.
METHODS AND RESULTS:
In this study, the effect of BBA was examined on neurites outgrowth and branching as well as on polymerization dynamics of tubulin. The morphometric parameters (axonal length and neuritis branching) were examined microscopically after treating the hippocampal cells with BBA. Also the assembly process of tubulin was assessed using UV/V is spectrophotometer through following of absorbance at 350 nm.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results revealed that BBA could significantly enhance neurite outgrowth, branching, and tubulin polymerization dynamics. The obtained results suggest that enhancing effect of BBA on microtubule polymerization kinetics might be the origin of increasing axonal outgrowth and branching.
BioFactors (Oxford, England)2000, 13(1-4):225-230
Anti-tumor and anti-carcinogenic activities of triterpenoid, beta-boswellic acid.
Boswellin (BE), a methanol extract of the gum resin exudate of Boswellia serrata, contains naturally occurring triterpenoids, Beta-boswellic acid and its structural related derivatives, has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory and arthritic diseases.
METHODS AND RESULTS:
Topical application of BE to the backs of mice markedly inhibited 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced increases in skin inflammation, epidermal proliferation, the number of epidermal cell layers, and tumor promotion in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-initiated mice. Feeding 0.2% of BE in the diet to CF-1 mice for 10-24 weeks reduced the accumulation of parametrial fat pad weight under the abdomen, and inhibited azoxymethane (AOM)-induced formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) by 46%. Addition of pure Beta-boswellic acid, 3-O-acetyl-Beta-boswellic acid, 11-keto-Beta-boswellic acid or 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-Beta-boswellic acid to human leukemia HL-60 cell culture inhibited DNA synthesis in HL-60 cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 values ranging from 0.6 to 7.1 microM.
CONCLUSIONS:
These results indicate that Beta-boswellic acid and its derivatives (the major constituents of Boswellin) have anti-carcinogenic, anti-tumor, and anti-hyperlipidemic activities.
HPLC of Beta-Boswellic acid
Storage conditions：Short-term storage at 2~8℃, long-term storage at -20 ~ -80℃
57.5300
5.3200
4.1500
Low
No
No
No
No
No
No
β-Beta-Boswellic acid (CAS No.: 631-69-6), as one of the main active ingredients in Boswellia serrata resin, has attracted widespread attention in recent years due to its diverse biological activity. Frankincense has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times to treat inflammatory diseases and joint pain, with its main pharmacological effects attributed to the compounds of boswellic acid, especially β-boswellic acid. Modern pharmacological research shows that β-bosillouic acid has significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and joint pain relief effects, with its mechanism involving multiple inflammatory signaling pathways and molecular targets. Additionally, β-lactounic acid, as an orally active non-reducing inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), can directly interact with 5-LO or block its translocation, demonstrating its potential therapeutic value in chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. This paper will systematically review the chemical structure and physicochemical properties of β-boswellic acid, plant origin and extraction methods, pharmacological activity and mechanism of action, druggability evaluation and pharmacokinetics, as well as its clinical application prospects, aiming to provide theoretical basis and directions for pharmacological research on natural products and new drug development.
β-lactounic acid belongs to the pentacyclic triterpene class of compounds, with a molecular formula of C30H48O3 and a molecular weight of 456.7. Its structural feature is triterpenic acid based on a pentacyclic framework, containing polar groups such as carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, which imparts a certain hydrophilicity. The LogP value of β-bosolanic acid is 5.32, indicating strong lipophilic solubility, which facilitates penetration of cell membranes and lipid environments, but may also affect its water solubility and bioavailability. Its topological pole surface area (TPSA) is 57.53 Ų, indicating moderate polarity, and the number of hydrogen bond acceptors is 3, indicating it has certain hydrogen bond formation capability in intermolecular interactions. The physicochemical properties of β-lactounic acid give it good membrane permeability in the body, but its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier is relatively low, reducing the risk of central nervous system toxicity. Toxicological evaluation showed that β-bostilly acid had no hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, or hERG channel inhibition, and the Ames test result was negative, indicating a low genotoxicity risk and a solid safety foundation.
β-Boswellic acid mainly comes from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree. The Frankincense tree belongs to the Frankinaceae family, distributed in India and the Middle East, and its resin has been widely used in traditional medicine since ancient times. The resin contains various boscinic acid isomers, among which β-bosolanic acid is relatively high and is one of the main active ingredients.
Traditional methods for extracting β-boswellic acid include solvent extraction, supercritical CO2 extraction, and column chromatography separation. Common solvents include ethanol, methanol, or ethyl acetate; combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction technology, extraction efficiency can be improved. During extraction, the resin is first crushed and dissolved in an organic solvent. After multiple extractions, the solvent is removed by vacuum concentration, and then β-boscaric acid is purified and separated by silica gel column chromatography or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In recent years, green extraction technologies such as ultrasonic-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction have been widely applied to improve extraction efficiency, reduce the use of organic solvents, and maintain compound activity.
The anti-inflammatory activity of β-lactounic acid is one of its most notable pharmacological effects. By inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) activity, it reduces the formation of leukotrienes (LTs), thereby suppressing the release of inflammatory mediators. 5-LO is a key enzyme in the inflammatory response and is involved in the synthesis of potent inflammatory mediators such as leukotriene B4 (LTB4). β-lactounic acid, as a non-reducing inhibitor of 5-LO, directly binds to enzymes or blocks their translocation, significantly reducing inflammatory responses. Additionally, β-lactuic acid can regulate the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β, and reduce inflammatory damage.
β-lactououic acid exhibits antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects across various cancer models. Studies have shown that β-lactounic acid can inhibit the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins in human HL-60 cells with leukemia, with an IC50 value ranging from 0.6 to 7.1 μM, indicating strong cytotoxicity. Its anticancer mechanisms involve inducing cell cycle arrest, activating mitochondrial pathways to promote apoptosis, and inhibiting tumor-related signaling pathways such as STAT3 and NF-κB. Additionally, β-frankounic acid can reduce the invasion and metastasis capacity of tumor cells, demonstrating potential anti-metastatic activity.
β-lactoic acid has significant antioxidant capacity, capable of scavenging free radicals and reducing cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. Its antioxidant effect is achieved by enhancing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), protecting cell membrane lipids and DNA from oxidative damage. This characteristic gives it protective effects in chronic inflammatory and metabolic diseases.
β-bosillouic acid has shown good efficacy in relieving pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). By inhibiting the generation of inflammatory mediators and regulating immune responses, it reduces joint inflammation and soft tissue swelling, improving joint function. Preclinical studies have shown that β-bostilic acid can reduce infiltration of inflammatory cells and matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) activity within the joint cavity, protect cartilage tissue, and delay joint degeneration.
The mechanism of action of β-bosolanic acid is complex, involving multiple signaling pathways and multiple molecular targets. Its main targets include:
The synergistic effects of these targets enable β-boscinic acid to exert multiple effects in anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory effects, demonstrating its potential as a multi-target drug.
The druggability parameters of β-lactounic acid indicate that it has certain potential for drug development. Its molecular weight is 456.7, slightly above the ideal range recommended by Lipinski's rules, but still acceptable. The LogP value was 5.32, indicating good lipid solubility and facilitating cell membrane penetration, but may limit water solubility and oral absorption. TPSA is 57.53 Ų, suitable for oral absorption. It has 3 hydrogen bond receptors, meeting the requirements for drug molecule binding to the target.
Toxicological evaluation showed that β-boscinic acid had no significant hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, or hERG channel inhibition; the Ames test was negative, indicating high safety. Poor blood-brain barrier penetration reduces the risk of toxic side effects in the central nervous system.
Pharmacokinetics, oral β-boscolic acid has low bioavailability, mainly due to its poor water solubility and first-pass effect. Metabolism in the body mainly passes through the liver enzyme system, and the activity and clearance pathways of these metabolites still require further research. To improve its pharmacokinetic properties, strategies such as nanocarriers, liposome encapsulation, and structural modification are being actively explored.
β-frankinjuric acid shows broad application prospects in various clinical diseases due to its remarkable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Especially in chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, β-frankouillic acid demonstrates good therapeutic potential by regulating multiple inflammatory signaling pathways, reducing pain and tissue damage. Its regulatory effect on diabetes-related inflammation and metabolic disorders also provides new ideas for the treatment of diabetes and its complications.
Currently, clinical research on β-frankincense acid and its derivatives is still in its early stages, and formulations based on some frankincense extracts have demonstrated safety and efficacy in clinical trials. In the future, larger-scale, multicenter clinical trials are needed to systematically evaluate efficacy and safety. At the same time, optimizing the route of administration and dosage form design to address its pharmacokinetic deficiencies is key to achieving clinical translation.
In addition, based on the multi-target mechanism of β-boscinic acid combined with modern drug design technologies, the development of structurally optimized derivatives or combination therapy regimens is expected to enhance therapeutic efficacy and expand the scope of indications. With the advancement of molecular biology and pharmacological research, β-bosillouic acid will further enhance its position in the field of natural product drug development.
β-boscinic acid, as an important active ingredient in frankincense resin, has become a hot topic in natural product pharmacology research due to its diverse pharmacological activities and good safety profile. By inhibiting 5-LO and regulating multiple inflammatory and tumor-related signaling pathways, it demonstrates multiple anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and joint pain relief effects. Although there are still certain limitations in oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics, modern drug formulation technologies and structural optimization are expected to overcome these barriers and achieve clinical translation. In the future, in-depth research on the molecular mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and clinical research of β-bosillouic acid will provide a solid foundation for the development of novel natural drugs and promote its application in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, tumors, and metabolic diseases.
Shenshuai
Wenjing
Hedandan
