Substantiating the mechanism of Boswellic acids through molecular docking study

Inflammation is the first response shown by the immune system in defense to any attack by bacteria or viruses. Inflammation is responsible for contributing to half of the world’s global burden of disease. It is mainly characterized by pain (dolor), heat (calor), swelling (tumor), and redness (rubor). The inflammatory cascades are the sole reasons for many musculoskeletal disorders. These musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent throughout the world, with a ubiquitous impact leading to long-term pain and disability. They significantly affect the psychosocial status of people who have them. Boswellic acids (BA), a natural mixture isolated from oleo gum resin of Boswellia serrata comprised of four major pentacyclic triterpene acids: Beta-BA, 3-acteyl beta BA, 11-keto-beta-BA, and 3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-BA, isolated from the oleo gum resin of B. serrata is reported to be effective as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, anti-asthmatic and in chronic colitis. Its anti-inflammatory activity has been attributed to the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase in a selective, enzyme-linked non-redox, and non-competitive manner. The anti-asthmatic reports on BA revealed that leukotriene and elastase enzyme inhibition might be responsible for this effect. Although BA acts through several mechanisms for its biological activities, the inhibition of leukotrienes is the primary and the most scientifically proved mechanism. This work substantiates the effect of B. serrata BAs through molecular docking study into the cavity of 5-LOX enzyme.