Phenotypic Investigation of the Antimicrobial Effect of Organic and Hydro-Alcoholic Extracts of Boswellia serrata on Oral Microbiota

Effects of Frankincense Compounds on Infection, Inflammation, and Oral Health

Boswellia trees, found throughout the Middle East and parts of Africa and Asia, are the source of frankincense oil. Since antiquity, frankincense has been traded as a precious commodity, but it has also been used for the treatment of chronic disease, inflammation, oral health, and microbial infection. More recently, the bioactive components of Boswellia trees have been identified and characterized for their effects on cancer, microbial infection (especially infection by oral pathogens), and inflammation. Most studies have focused on cell lines, but more recent research has also investigated effects in animal models of disease. As natural products are considered to be safer than synthetic drugs, there is growing interest in further developing the use of substances such as frankincense oil for therapeutic treatment.

Dietary Boswellia serrata Acid Alters the Gut Microbiome and Blood Metabolites in Experimental Models

Boswellia serrata, commonly known as frankincense, has been used for centuries as a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial remedy for many illnesses. However, the effect of the bioactive ingredient of it, 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-b-boswellic acid (AKBA), on both the gut microbiome and blood metabolites, is not known. In this study, we observe the effect of this isolated active ingredient orally on both male and female mice. Gut microbiota and blood metabolites were determined at the beginning and end of a 14-day consumption period. AKBA significantly decreased gut bacterial richness in male mice, and had no effect on female mice. Akkermansia muciniphila, associated with weight loss and anti-inflammation, was found to be significantly increased in both male and female mice, along with an increase in Bifidobacterium in female mice. Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium were plated on media containing varying levels of AKBA (0%, 0.001%, 0.01%, and 0.1%). All concentrations of AKBA completely inhibited growth of Akkermansia muciniphila but had no effect on Bifidobacterium. Several blood metabolites differed with AKBA between both males and females. These results show the potential benefits of dietary Boswellia serrata on the modulation of gut microbiome composition, along with differences between sexes.

Candida albicans Biofilm Formation and Growth Optimization for Functional Studies Using Response Surface Methodology

AIM

Optimization of Candida growth and biofilm formation is essential for understanding the recalcitrance of this pathogen to advance functional analysis on hospital tools and material surfaces. Optimization and quantification of biofilm have always been a challenge using the conventional One Variable at a Time (OVAT) method. The present study uses Central Composite Design-based Response Surface Methodology for optimization of conditions to induce growth and biofilm formation in Candida albicans on polystyrene microtitre plates.

METHODS & RESULTS

The variables considered in the design matrix were pH, temperature, incubation period, shaker speed, and inoculum size. A four-pronged quantification approach with XTT assay (cell viability), crystal violet assay (biofilm), calcofluor white assay, and wet/dry weight measurements (cell mass) were used to understand different aspects of biofilm. Heterogeneity in growth conditions for local strains of C. albicans clinical isolates were observed. Cell viability and cell mass were inversely related; however, biofilm was independent of these two factors. The study also highlighted the fact that Foetal Bovine Serum does not significantly contribute to cell adhesion and biofilm formation in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

A high throughput optimization of C. albicans growth and biofilm formation on polystyrene microplate has been developed & validated.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY

The microtiter plate-based approach can be used for future screening of therapeutics for the control of C. albicans.

Potential therapeutic effects of boswellic acids/Boswellia serrata extract in the prevention and therapy of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease

The link between diabetes and cognitive dysfunction has been reported in many recent articles. There is currently no disease-modifying treatment available for cognitive impairment. Boswellia serrata (B. serrata) is used traditionally to treat chronic inflammatory diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), insulin resistance (IR), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review aims to highlight current research on the potential use of boswellic acids (BAs)/B. serrata extract in T2D and AD. We reviewed the published information through June 2021. Studies have been collected through a search on online electronic databases (Academic libraries as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Egyptian Knowledge Bank). Accumulating evidence in preclinical and small human clinical studies has indicated that BAs/B. serrata extract has potential therapeutic effect in T2D and AD. According to most of the authors, the potential therapeutic effects of BAs/B. serrata extract in T2D and AD can be attributed to immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity, and elimination of the senescent cells. BAs/B. serrata extract may act by inhibiting the IκB kinase/nuclear transcription factor-κB (IKK/NF-κB) signaling pathway and increasing the formation of selective anti-inflammatory LOX-isoform modulators. In conclusion, BAs/B. serrata extract may have positive therapeutic effects in prevention and therapy of T2D and AD. However, more randomized controlled trials with effective, large populations are needed to show a definitive conclusion about therapeutic efficacy of BAs/B. serrata extract in T2D and AD.

Boswellic acids/Boswellia serrata extract as a potential COVID-19 therapeutic agent in the elderly

The most severe cases of COVID-19, and the highest rates of death, are among the elderly. There is an urgent need to search for an agent to treat the disease and control its progression. Boswellia serrata is traditionally used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases of the lung. This review aims to highlight currently published research that has shown evidence of potential therapeutic effects of boswellic acids (BA) and B. serrata extract against COVID-19 and associated conditions. We reviewed the published information up to March 2021. Studies were collected through a search of online electronic databases (academic libraries such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Egyptian Knowledge Bank). Several recent studies reported that BAs and B. serrata extract are safe agents and have multiple beneficial activities in treating similar symptoms experienced by patients with COVID-19. Because of the low oral bioavailability and improvement of buccal/oral cavity hygiene, traditional use by chewing B. serrata gum may be more beneficial than oral use. It is the cheapest option for a lot of poorer people. The promising effect of B. serrata and BA can be attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, cardioprotective, anti-platelet aggregation, antibacterial, antifungal, and broad antiviral activity. B. serrata and BA act by multiple mechanisms. The most common mechanism may be through direct interaction with IκB kinases and inhibiting nuclear factor-κB-regulated gene expression. However, the most recent mechanism proposed that BA not only inhibited the formation of classical 5-lipoxygenase products but also produced anti-inflammatory LOX-isoform-selective modulators. In conclusion a small to moderate dose B. serrata extract may be useful in the enhancing adaptive immune response in mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19. However, large doses of BA may be beneficial in suppressing uncontrolled activation of the innate immune response. More clinical results are required to determine with certainty whether there is sufficient evidence of the benefits against COVID-19.