Anti-inflammatory Role of AKBA

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

AKBA is a substance frequently present in the gum of Boswellia trees. Boswellia is indigenous to India and Pakistan, is used for a long time in ayurvedic medicine to treat  variety of conditions, such as inflammation and discomfort. The potential health advantages of AKBA have attracted attention lately. One of AKBA's most well-known potential advantages is its ability to reduce inflammation. According to studies, AKBA can lower inflammation by obstructing specific inflammatory response-related enzymes. Due to its mode of action, AKBA is a desirable choice for those who need to control chronic inflammation, such as those who have arthritis or other inflammatory disorders.

In addition to its ability to reduce inflammation, AKBA has also been investigated for its anticancer abilities. The proliferation of some cancer cells, particularly those associated with breast, colon, and prostate cancer, has been demonstrated to be inhibited by AKBA in preliminary tests. Although much more investigation is required to properly comprehend AKBA's anticancer potential, these preliminary results are encouraging. Also demonstrated to have potential advantages for brain health is AKBA. It may have neuroprotective properties, making it a beneficial drug for the treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, according to studies [1].

Inflammation

The immune system of the body naturally produces inflammation in reaction to wounds, infections, or irritants. Immune cells and a variety of chemicals are released throughout this intricate process, which works to neutralize unwanted stimuli and start the healing process. Yet occasionally the work becomes chronic, resulting in many illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and cancer. Many factors can contribute to inflammation, such as excessive alcohol use, smoking, insufficient sleep, a poor diet, exposure to pollution, and long-term stress. These elements set off an excessive immune response that damages tissue and causes chronic illness.

Inflammation can cause redness, swelling, discomfort, stiffness, and fever, among other symptoms. As a result, controlling inflammation is crucial to lowering the risk of developing chronic illness. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, exercising frequently, controlling stress, getting adequate sleep, and abstaining from smoking and drinking are a few beneficial techniques. In conclusion, inflammation is a complicated process that can be both good and bad for the body. To lower the risk of chronic inflammation and enhance general welfare, it is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How AKBA works as an Anti-inflammatory agent?

A biological process called inflammation defends the body against accidents, infections, and other disorders and is crucial for healthy living. Yet, persistent and chronic inflammation can cause the onset and worsening of many illnesses, including diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and tumor. Finding natural anti-inflammatory drugs is crucial for both treating and preventing these illnesses. The resin of the Boswellia serrata tree contains a substance called AKBA, which is one of these anti-inflammatory agents. A possible therapeutic drug for a variety of inflammatory illnesses, AKBA has been discovered to have strong anti-inflammatory properties. For generations, traditional medicine has employed the resin of the Boswellia serrata plant to treat inflammatory conditions like arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel illness. The most potent and effective anti-inflammatory compound in Boswellia serrata resin has been discovered as AKBA.

It has been discovered that AKBA works through many different methods to reduce inflammation. Inhibition of the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme is one of the most crucial strategies. Leukotrienes, which are strong pro-inflammatory mediators, are produced by the 5-LOX enzyme, which is a key component of this process. Leukotriene synthesis and inflammation are both reduced as a result of AKBA's ability to suppress 5-LOX activity. Furthermore, cytokines, chemokines, and prostaglandin synthesis have all been shown to be inhibited by AKBA [3].

It has been discovered that AKBA is useful in treating many inflammatory illnesses. Osteoarthritis, a chronic degenerative joint condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, is one of the most well-researched illnesses. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment, it was discovered that AKBA is useful for treating osteoarthritis patients' pain and enhancing their physical function. In terms of decreasing pain and enhancing physical function, AKBA was likewise discovered to be superior to the NSAID celecoxib [4].

Inflammatory bowel disease, a class of persistent inflammatory gastrointestinal illnesses, has also been reported to be successfully treated with AKBA. A kind of IBD called ulcerative colitis was studied in a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical trial, and it was discovered that AKBA was successful in bringing about remission and easing symptoms. In another type of IBD, Crohn's disease, pro-inflammatory mediator production was similarly decreased in AKBA patients [5].

Asthma, is a persistent inflammatory condition of the airways, has been successfully treated with AKBA. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, it was discovered that AKBA dramatically lessened asthmatic patients' symptoms and enhanced their lung function. The production of cytokines and chemokines in asthmatic patients' airways was also found to be decreased by AKBA.

Also discovered to have anti-cancer qualities is AKBA. It has been discovered that AKBA causes cell death in many types of tumor cells, including prostate, and breast cancer cells. Also, it has been discovered that AKBA inhibits the development and spread of cancer cells by lowering the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators [6].

It has been discovered that the powerful anti-inflammatory drug AKBA is beneficial in treating many inflammatory disorders, including osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, and cancer. Via many methods, including the suppression of the 5-LOX enzyme and the generation of pro-inflammatory mediators, AKBA exerts its anti-inflammatory effects. Traditional NSAIDs have been linked to many negative effects, including stomach ulcers, bleeding, and kidney damage. AKBA is a natural and secure substitute.

Inhibiting the activities of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes is the main method by which AKBA combats inflammation. Leukotriene, prostaglandin, and resolving production pathways are all disrupted, and this results in the body developing inflammation. As a result, AKBA effectively reduces the synthesis of inflammatory mediators that cause swelling, discomfort, and inflammation, relieving symptoms brought on by a variety of inflammatory disorders.

Along with anti-inflammatory properties, AKBA also has immune-modulating and antioxidant properties that can help combat inflammation from several angles. By controlling the gene expression linked to immune system and inflammation, it modifies immune system and encourages the growth of immune cells, which improves the immunological response and helps prevent infections.

Moreover, AKBA has potent antioxidant qualities that neutralize free radicals and guard against oxidative damage brought on by inflammation. This promotes cellular health and repair while lowering inflammation.

Pre-Clinical and Clinical Trial Data

Numerous preclinical investigations have investigated how well AKBA reduces inflammation. In rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis, a model of rheumatoid arthritis, AKBA was demonstrated to lessen paw swelling.

Another study that was printed in the International Immunopharmacology journal showed that in a mice model of asthma AKBA decreased airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. The study also showed that the activation of NFkB and COX-2 gene expression in the lungs of asthmatic mice were suppressed by AKBA. In rats with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, AKBA was found to reduce colonic inflammation. The research also revealed that AKBA decreased the concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-1, and IL-6 (proinflammatory cytokines), in rat colonic tissues [7].

Osteoarthritis is one of the most well-known inflammatory disorders. It is defined as the degeneration of joint cartilage and causes pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. The effectiveness of AKBA for knee osteoarthritis treatment was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind clinical research that was published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences. 75 individuals were included in the trial, and they received either AKBA (100 mg or 250mg) once a day for 8 weeks. According to the study, when compared to a placebo, both doses of AKBA considerably reduced pain and enhanced physical function [8].

Ulcerative colitis, a chronic disorder that results in inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum, is another inflammatory disease that has been researched concerning AKBA. The impact of AKBA on ulcerative colitis was examined in a double-blind, placebo-controlled and randomized clinical trial that was published in the European Journal of Medical Research. 102 patients with ulcerative colitis participated in the study, and they were randomly randomized to receive AKBA (350 mg or 700 mg daily for 6 weeks) or a placebo. In comparison to the placebo, the study found that AKBA considerably decreased disease activity as indicated by the Mayo score. Moreover, the trial revealed that AKBA was well tolerated, with no obvious side effects [9].

AKBA has also been investigated in other inflammatory conditions, including asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, in addition to osteoarthritis and ulcerative colitis. The effectiveness of AKBA in the treatment of asthma in a mouse model was examined in a research study in the International Immunopharmacology journal. The outcome of the study demonstrated that AKBA decreased airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, suppressed NF-KA, and increased COX-2 expression in the lungs of asthmatic mice.

Similarly to this, research in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology looked examined AKBA's effectiveness in treating rheumatoid arthritis in rats. In the arthritic rats, the study found that AKBA decreased paw swelling and levels of TNF alpha, interleukin 1 and 6 (pro inflammatory cytokine).