The boswellic acids are the major active constituents. These compounds have been found to inhibit a number of pro-inflammatory and cell signaling pathway chemicals and cytokines involved in chemotaxis, increased vascular permeability and brochoconstriction. They also are inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs), which play a major role in cartilage destruction and tumor invasion and metastasis. In addition, they inhibit human leukocyte elastase (HLE), which has been implicated in the development of asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis & emphysema.
Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Boswellia extract in asthma, chronic bronchitis, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic colitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and cancer chemo-prevention.*