11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (KBA) is a pentacyclic triterpenic acid derived from the resin of Boswellia serrata, commonly known as frankincense. Scientific interest in KBA stems from its potent anti-inflammatory properties, particularly its ability to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), a key enzyme in leukotriene synthesis, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Several in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that KBA and related boswellic acids can reduce intestinal inflammation, decrease cytokine production, and ameliorate tissue damage in experimental models of colitis. Clinical evidence is more limited but includes small-scale trials and open-label studies suggesting that standardized Boswellia extracts may help reduce symptoms and maintain remission in IBD patients. For example, a few randomized controlled trials have shown that Boswellia serrata extracts can be as effective as mesalazine in maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis, though these extracts contain a mix of boswellic acids, not purified KBA.

Overall, the use of 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid for IBD is scientifically plausible and partially validated by preclinical and early clinical data, but larger and more rigorous clinical trials are needed to firmly establish its efficacy and safety profile for this indication.