Evidence supporting the use of: 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid
For the health condition: Psoriasis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (KBA) is a major bioactive constituent of Boswellia serrata (frankincense) resin. Its anti-inflammatory effects are well-documented, primarily through inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase, a key enzyme in leukotriene synthesis. Since psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder involving leukotriene-mediated pathways, KBA has attracted scientific interest as a potential therapeutic agent.

There are preclinical studies suggesting that Boswellia extracts and boswellic acids (including KBA) reduce skin inflammation and modulate immune responses implicated in psoriasis. For example, animal models and in vitro studies show that KBA can inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and attenuate keratinocyte proliferation. One small pilot clinical trial (Sander et al., 1998) reported improvement in psoriasis symptoms with a topical Boswellia ointment, but the extract was not standardized for KBA content, and the study was not blinded or controlled. More recent reviews (e.g., Siddiqui, 2011; Ammon, 2016) highlight the promise of boswellic acids in dermatology, but emphasize the lack of high-quality, large-scale clinical trials specifically testing purified 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid in psoriasis patients.

In summary, while there is a plausible scientific rationale and encouraging preclinical data, direct clinical evidence for the efficacy of 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid in psoriasis is limited and of low quality. Therefore, the evidence rating is 2/5, reflecting early-stage scientific investigation rather than robust validation.

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