A review of phytochemical and antiangiogenesis activity of boswellia serrata extract

Boswellia serrata, a prominent medicinal plant in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, has garnered significant attention for its potential antiangiogenic properties. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a critical process in various biological functions and diseases. Dysregulated angiogenesis is a key factor in conditions such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, diabetic retinopathy, and cardiovascular disorders. This review comprehensively examines the phytochemical composition, pharmacokinetics, and mechanisms underlying the antiangiogenic effects of Boswellia serrata extracts, particularly focusing on its primary bioactive constituents, boswellic acids. These acids, especially 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) and 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (KBA) exhibit potent inhibitory effects on angiogenesis and inflammation by targeting key enzymes and signaling pathways. The review highlights these findings, emphasizing the promise of Boswellia serrata extracts as natural therapeutic agents that could complement or even provide alternatives to conventional therapies for angiogenesis-related diseases. These extracts offer a potentially safer and more accessible option for improving patient outcomes, particularly in conditions where excessive angiogenesis is a driving factor.