AKBA and its Role in Improving Lung Functioning

AKBA (Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid)

• The resin of Boswellia trees typically contains the chemical AKBA. Native to India and Pakistan, Boswellia is used for many years in ayurveda to treat a wide range of ailments, including inflammation and pain.

• Recently, there has been increased interest in the possible health benefits of AKBA. The capacity of AKBA to lessen inflammation is among its most well-known potential benefits.

• Studies show that AKBA can reduce inflammation by blocking certain enzymes involved in the inflammatory response. Because of how it works, AKBA is a good option for those with inflammatory conditions like arthritis who need to treat chronic inflammation.

In addition to reducing inflammation, AKBA has also been studied for its potential to fight cancer. Although much more research is needed to fully understand AKBA's anticancer potential, these early findings are intriguing. AKBA has also been shown to offer potential benefits for brain health.

Respiratory System and Respiratory Disorders

• An important component of the human body that regulates oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output is the respiratory system. The lungs, trachea, diaphragm, and a system of airways that link it to the environment outside make up this organ.

• Many respiratory conditions can have an impact on the respiratory system, resulting in breathing issues, coughing, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Asthma is one of the most well-known respiratory conditions.

• A chronic respiratory condition called asthma occurs in inflammation of the airways, which narrows and constricts the airways, making it difficult for people to breathe. Allergens, physical activity, chilly air, and pollution are examples of triggers.

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder, also known as COPD, is another frequent respiratory condition. Millions of individuals throughout the world suffer from COPD, a chronic lung illness that progresses over time. It is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including thickening of the airway wall, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Smoking cigarettes is the main contributor to COPD [2].

• Another respiratory condition that can have serious consequences is pneumonia. It is a lung infection that irritates the airways and can result in scarring, breathing problems, and even death if ignored. Pneumonia is frequently brought on by inhaling germs, viruses, or chemicals and has a fast onset of symptoms.

• The respiratory system is a crucial organ that serves an important purpose in the body. A wide variety of symptoms that might have crippling effects are produced by respiratory illnesses, which can range in severity from mild to severe. However, with the right medical care and lifestyle adjustments, many illnesses can be effectively avoided and treated. To reduce the risk of respiratory problems, it is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes quitting smoking, limiting exposure to allergens, and remaining up to date on vaccines [3].

How AKBA Improves Lung Functioning?

• The resin of the Boswellia serrata tree, a native of India and Africa, contains a naturally occurring substance called AKBA. AKBA has been investigated for its ability to enhance lung function in respiratory illnesses and has been proven to have anti-inflammatory properties. By preventing the synthesis of specific enzymes and cytokines involved in the inflammation process, AKBA is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects on the respiratory system. In persons with respiratory disorders, AKBA may assist improve breathing and lung function by lowering inflammation.

• Also, it has been demonstrated that AKBA possesses antioxidant capabilities, which aid in preventing lung oxidative damage. Lung tissue can become inflamed and damaged due to oxidative damage, which will limit lung function. The risk of respiratory disease may be decreased by AKBA's ability to prevent or alleviate lung damage by lowering oxidative stress [4].

• Asthma, a chronic disease marked by airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, is one respiratory disorder that has been investigated by AKBA. In animal models of asthma, AKBA has been demonstrated to lessen airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation.

• The effectiveness of AKBA in the treatment of asthma in a mouse model was examined in a study. The results of the study demonstrated that AKBA decreased airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, suppressed NF-kB activation, and increased COX-2 expression in the lungs of asthmatic mice [5].

• A transcription factor, NFkB is important for controlling inflammatory pathways. An enzyme called COX-2 is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins, lipid mediators that support inflammation. The lowering of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines due to NF-kB and COX-2 inhibition by AKBA can lessen airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness [6].

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, a lung condition that worsens over time and is marked by airflow restriction and ongoing inflammation, is another respiratory condition that has been researched about AKBA. A rat model of COPD was used in research to examine AKBA's impact on the condition.

• According to the study, AKBA decreased oxidative stress, apoptosis, and airway inflammation in the lungs of COPD rats. The study also showed that AKBA boosted the expression of anti-oxidant enzymes including catalase and SOD, which can guard against lung damage brought on by oxidative stress [7].

• One important factor underpinning the pathophysiology of COPD is oxidative stress. Due to an imbalance between the production of ROS and the antioxidant defence system, it occurs. ROS can damage lung tissue and contribute to the development of airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. The potential of AKBA to boost the expression of antioxidant enzymes can defend against lung damage brought on by oxidative stress and enhance lung function in COPD patients.

• AKBA has also been investigated in other respiratory conditions like cystic fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis in addition to asthma and COPD. A study that was written up in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry looked at how AKBA affected a cell culture model of cystic fibrosis.

• The research demonstrated that AKBA improved the activity of the protein known as CFTR, which controls ion transport in the lungs. One important factor underpinning the pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis is CFTR malfunction. Lung function in cystic fibrosis can be improved by AKBA's capacity to boost CFTR activity [8].

• Scar tissue builds up in the lungs as pulmonary fibrosis, a lung condition that worsens over time. In a rat model of pulmonary fibrosis, a study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology examined the impact of AKBA. AKBA improved lung function in rats and decreased lung fibrosis and inflammation.

• Research on AKBA's impact on respiratory conditions has produced encouraging findings on the improvement of lung function. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities of AKBA can lessen airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, safeguard against lung damage brought on by oxidative stress, and enhance lung function in a variety of respiratory conditions.

Clinical Trial Data

• Asthma, a chronic disease marked by airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, is one respiratory disorder that has been investigated by AKBA. To find out if AKBA is effective in treating asthma, a placebo-control and double-blind clinical research was done.

• According to the study, AKBA helped asthmatic patients' lung function and lessened the severity of their symptoms. Moreover, AKBA reuced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the blood of asthmatic patients, including interleukin (IL 4, 5, 13) [9].

• COPD, a lung condition that worsens over time and is marked by airflow restriction and ongoing inflammation, is another respiratory condition that has been researched about AKBA. The effectiveness of AKBA in the treatment of COPD was examined in a placebo control and randomized clinical study.

• The study demonstrated that AKBA enhanced lung function, decreased airway inflammation and oxidative stress, and enhanced COPD patients' quality of life.

• In a study, researchers showed how AKBA affected the expression of genes that are linked to oxidative stress and inflammation in COPD patients. In the lungs of COPD patients, the study found that AKBA reduced the gene expression of genes that participate in oxidative stress and inflammation, including IL-8, TNF alpha, and heme oxygenase [10].

• AKBA has also been investigated in other respiratory conditions like cystic fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis in addition to asthma and COPD. The effectiveness of AKBA in the treatment of cystic fibrosis was examined in a clinical trial study. The research revealed that in cystic fibrosis patients, AKBA enhanced lung function and decreased airway inflammation.

• Scar tissue builds up in the lungs as pulmonary fibrosis, a lung condition that worsens over time. The effectiveness of AKBA in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis was examined in a research study. According toa research, AKBA helped patients with pulmonary fibrosis have better lung function and less lung fibrosis [11].

• The clinical and human studies on AKBA's impact on respiratory illnesses have yielded encouraging results in terms of enhancing respiratory function and lowering inflammation and oxidative stress.

• The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities of AKBA can lessen airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, safeguard against lung damage brought on by oxidative stress, and enhance lung function in a variety of respiratory conditions. However, more research is required to verify these results and examine the long-term safety and effectiveness of AKBA in various patient populations.