IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITY OF BOSWELLIC ACIDS (PENTACYCLIC TRITERPENE ACIDS) FROM BOSWELLIA-SERRATA

Boswellic acids, a mixture of pentacyclic triterpene acids (BA) obtain ed from Boswellia serrata Roxb., have been investigated for their effe ct on cell mediated and humoral components of the immune system and th e immunotoxicological potential. A single oral administration of BA (5 0-200 mg/kg) inhibited the expression of the 24 h delayed type hyperse nsitivity (DTH) reaction and primary humoral response to SRBC in mice. The secondary response was appreciably enhanced at lower doses. In a multiple oral dose schedule BA (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) reduced the deve lopment of the 24 h DTH reaction and complement fixing antibody titres and slightly enhanced the humoral antibody synthesis. In concentratio ns greater than 3.9 mu g/mL BA produced almost similar and dose relate d inhibition of proliferative responsiveness of splenocytes to mitogen s and alloantigen. Preincubation of macrophages with different concent rations of BA enhanced the phagocytic function of adherent macrophages . Prolonged oral administration of BA (25-100 mg/kg/d X 21 days) incre ased the body weight, total leukocyte counts and humoral antibody titr es in rats. It is not cytotoxic nor does it cause immunosuppression.