Planta Med 2000; 66(8): 781-782
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-9614
Letter
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

3-Acetoxy Group of Genuine AKBA (Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic Acid) is α-Configurated

Stephan Schweizer1 , Klaus Eichele2 , Hermann P. T. Ammon1 , Hasan Safayhi1,*
  • 1 Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
  • 2 Inorganic Chemistry II, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

Abstract

The pentacyclic triterpenoid 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) from the resin of Boswellia spec. is a potent inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). We noticed discrepancies in the nomenclature and stereochemistry of the 3-acetoxy group of boswellic acids. Isolation of AKBA under mild conditions and the data from the first X-ray crystallography study evidence the 3α-orientation of AKBA's acetoxy function.

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Dr. Hasan Safayhi

Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Pharmacology

Auf der Morgense 8

72076 Tübingen

Germany

Email: hasan.safayhi@uni-tuebingen.de