AKBA AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Immune System

• The immune system is composed of lymph nodes, the spleen, the thymus, the bone marrow, and the white blood cells, which include B and T lymphocytes. All of these work in the defense of the body from foreign particles and pathogens.

•  These cells and organs work together to recognize and destroy foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

• They also recognize and eliminate abnormal or damaged cells, such as cancer cells.

• If the immune system starts recognizing its own body cells as foreign materials, then auto-immune disorders occur.

• Treatments for autoimmune diseases include immunosuppressive drugs that suppress the immune system's activity and reduce inflammation.

• Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that provide protection against infectious diseases.

• Immune deficiencies occur when the immune system is weakened, either due to genetic disorders or acquired conditions, such as HIV.

• Treatment for immune deficiencies may involve immunoglobulin replacement therapy or stem cell transplantation.

• Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances, such as pollen or food.

• Treatments for allergies may include antihistamines, steroids, or allergen immunotherapy [1].

Components of the Immune System

1. Immune Cells: These cells form the basis of the immune system, providing a first line of defense against potential threats. They include B cells, Natural Killer Cells, T Cells, and macrophages. 

2. Lymphatic System: This system is responsible for transporting immune cells and other materials around the body. It includes lymph nodes, the spleen, the thymus, and bone marrow.

3. Antibodies: Antibodies are proteins produced in response to any foreign pathogen that enters the body and is identified by the immune system of the body. These are produced by B cells of the immune system [2].

Diseases of the Immune System in the Body

The immune system disorders include:

• Asthma,

• Allergies,

• Autoimmune diseases,

• Immunodeficiency syndromes.

can range from experiences of itchy eyes and sneezing to anaphylactic shock and include food allergies, contact allergies, and seasonal allergies.

is a respiratory disorder that is triggered by allergens.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells instead of foreign invaders [3]. 

Treatments for Immune System Disorders

There are several available remedies for immune system disorders, including

Medications: There are several medications available depending on the type of immune system disorder you are dealing with. These medications work by suppressing or stimulating the immune system as needed.

Immunotherapy: This is a type of treatment that involves using antibodies or other substances to help the immune system fight off diseases.

Lifestyle changes: Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and avoiding harmful substances can all help improve immune function.

Alternative therapies: Complementary and alternative therapies like acupuncture, meditation, and yoga can help improve immune function and reduce inflammation.

Stem cell transplantation: In some cases, stem cell transplantation may be used to treat immune system disorders by replacing damaged or abnormal immune cells with healthy ones [4].

• A patient should discuss with his healthcare provider which remedies are appropriate for his particular immune system disorder.

• Science is moving towards herbal treatments nowadays. But the herbal remedies used must be scientifically approved.

• The herbal medicines preferred are those passed through human clinical trial studies.

AKBA

• AKBA is a natural product obtained from Boswellia species. These species are native to India and North Africa. 

• The extract obtained from them is used for multiple purposes for a long time, especially for curing inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and cancer as the AKBA compound contains active ingredients that play a role during the process [5].

Role of AKBA in the Treatment of Immune System Disorders

• Boswellic acid is a plant extract from Boswellia serrata, an ancient ayurvedic tree once used for medicinal purposes.

• Studies have shown that Boswellic acid has many beneficial effects on the immune system, including the ability to reduce inflammation and improve immune system function.

• Boswellic acid has been used to treat various immune system disorders, such as asthma and inflammatory disorders. It has also been shown to have anti-cancer activity.

• AKBA has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, and anti-cancer properties, making it useful for treating immune system disorders.

•  AKBA reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and downregulates the transcription of genes related to inflammation, thus curing the disorders related to the immune system. This has been proven experimentally.

• AKBA is also very helpful in the therapy of immune disorders through different experimental studies.

• AKBA is a potent natural compound that has been shown to have immunomodulatory properties.

• This compound can also treat a variety of immune system diseases, including autoimmune disorders, Crohn’s disease, and allergies. Its safety and efficacy are proven.

• It works by regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation, allowing the body to better fight off infection and illness [6].

Mechanism of Action of AKBA in Immune System

• AKBA inhibits the expression of inflammatory mediators and enzymes, such as 5-lipoxygenase and COX-2 in the body.

•  It also reduces the assembly of reactive oxygen species and cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6.

•  This leads to a reduction in the inflammatory response and an improvement in immune function.

• AKBA also exhibits anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects on cancer cells and may have the potential as a complementary therapy for some types of cancer [7].

Cure of Inflammatory Disorders by AKBA

• AKBA stops the activation of inflammatory mediators by inhibiting the enzyme called 5-lipoxygenase. This enzyme is responsible for the assembly of leukotrienes, which are a type of inflammatory mediator.

• AKBA also inhibits the activation of cytokines, which are signaling molecules that promote inflammation.

• Additionally, AKBA reduces the activity of NF-kappa B, a protein complex that plays a crucial role in the expression of genes related to inflammation and immune system diseases of different types.

•  By inhibiting the production and activity of these inflammatory mediators, AKBA helps to reduce inflammation and its associated symptoms [8].

Role of AKBA in ROS Production

• AKBA reduces ROS (reactive oxygen species) production by inhibiting or downregulating the enzymes involved in ROS production, mainly NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidase.

•  It also upregulates antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase), which scavenge and neutralize ROS.

• Additionally, AKBA may reduce ROS production by modulating mitochondrial function and preventing mitochondrial oxidative stress [9].

AKBA and Immune Cells

• AKBA has the capability to inhibit the activation of immune system cells, such as T cells, B cells, as well as macrophages.

• This inhibition can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are responsible for triggering inflammation.

• By reducing the activity of these immune cells, AKBA helps to regulate the immune response and prevent chronic inflammation.

• Studies have also shown that AKBA can stimulate the activity of regulatory T cells, which play a crucial role in suppressing excessive immune responses.

• This effect may be particularly important in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, which occurs when the immune system does not recognize body cells as self-particles instead it takes them as foreign materials and starts killing them by showing a response against them.

• In addition to its effects on immune cells, AKBA has also been shown to have anti-cancer properties.

•  It can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and prevent their proliferation. AKBA's ability to regulate the immune system may also contribute to its anti-cancer effects, as an overactive immune system can sometimes promote cancer.

• Overall, the role of AKBA on immune cells is significant in regulating the immune response and reducing inflammation, making it a potentially useful therapeutic agent for a variety of conditions, including autoimmune diseases and cancer [10].

AKBA and Rheumatoid Arthritis

• AKBA also has anti-inflammatory properties and has been found to be effective in the cure of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

• AKBA helps to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the assembly of some important pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and leukotrienes.

• In addition, it helps to protect against cartilage damage by inhibiting the activity of destructive enzymes that are responsible for breaking down cartilage.

•  Overall, AKBA's anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective properties help to reduce pain, joint stiffness, and inflammation associated with RA [11].

Clinical Studies of AKBA in the Immune System

• AKBA is a natural compound found in the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree, which has had many important positive health outcomes as it is proven to be very useful in many bad health conditions including immune system disorders.

• It has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects on the immune system in various clinical trials [12].

In vitro Study

• One study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2015 investigated the effects of AKBA on immune cells in vitro, showing that it can enhance the activity of natural killer cells and T cells, which play crucial roles in the immune response [13].

Effects of AKBA on immune-related Genes

• Another study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2013 examined the effects of AKBA on immune-related genes in human blood cells, demonstrating its ability to downregulate the expression of genes involved in inflammation and upregulate genes involved in immune modulation [14].

Clinical Trial on Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

• In a clinical trial published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases in 2018, patients with rheumatoid arthritis were given AKBA supplements for 12 weeks.

• The results showed a significant improvement in the patient’s symptoms, including reduced pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as improved mobility and quality of life.

• The study also found that AKBA supplementation led to a decrease in the levels of inflammatory markers in the blood [15].

Study on Asthma Patients

• Another clinical trial published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine in 2018 examined the effects of AKBA on children with asthma.

•  The study found that AKBA supplementation for about twelve weeks led to a significant improvement in lung function, as well as reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, in the participants.

• Overall, these clinical trials suggest that AKBA has potential therapeutic effects on the immune system, particularly in reducing inflammation and enhancing immune function [16].

Conclusion

• AKBA has been shown to have significant potential for treating a variety of immune system diseases as mentioned in the article.

• In addition, AKBA has been found to reduce inflammation, improve antioxidant levels, and have anti-cancer effects. With further research and clinical trials, AKBA could become an effective treatment option for a variety of immune system diseases.