Abstract
Chronic inflammation is a key culprit factor in the onset and progression of several diseases. Novel and pharmacologically effective therapeutic approaches are needed for new treatment remedy or improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for existing synthetic drugs, in particular natural products. Boswellic acids are well-known natural products, with capacity to effectively retard inflammation without severe adverse effects. However, the therapeutic use of Boswellic acids are greatly hindered by its poor pharmacokinetic properties. Co-administration strategies that facilitate the oral absorption and distribution of Boswellic acids should lead to a safe and more effective use of this product prophylactically and therapeutically in inflammatory disorders. In this study, we examined the effect of
Piper longum
extract on the absorption and bioavailability of Boswellic acid in rabbits. In addition, we further explored computational pharmacodynamic interactions between
Piper longum
and Boswellic acid.
Piper longum
extract at 2.5 and 10 mg/kg, increased the bioavailability of Boswellic acid (
p
< 0.05). Based on our drug-based computational modeling, cytochrome P450 (CYP450)-mediated mechanism was involved in increased bioavailability. These findings confirmed that
Piper longum
with Boswellic acid may be administered orally together for effective therapeutic efficacy. Thus, our studies support the application of
Piper longum
with Boswellic acid as a novel therapeutic avenue in diseases associated with inflammation.