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Shadab A, Abbasi-Kolli M, Yazdanpanah E, Esmaeili SA, Baharlou R, Yousefi B, Haghmorad D. Exploring the immune-modulating properties of boswellic acid in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. APMIS 2024. [PMID: 38563150 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition where the central nervous system loses its myelin coating due to autoimmune inflammation. The experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) simulates some aspects of human MS. Boswellic acids are natural compounds derived from frankincense extract, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this research was to investigate therapeutic potential of boswellic acids. Mice were divided into three groups: low-dose (LD), high-dose (HD), and control groups (CTRL). Following EAE induction, the mice received daily doses of boswellic acid for 25 days. Brain tissue damage, clinical symptoms, and levels of TGF-β, IFN-γ, and IL-17 cytokines in cell cultured supernatant of lymphocytes were assessed. Gene expression of transcription factors in brain was measured using real-time PCR. The levels of brain demyelination were significantly lower in the treatment groups compared to the CTRL group. Boswellic acid reduced the severity and duration of EAE symptoms. Furthermore, boswellic acid decreased the amounts of IFN-γ and IL-17, also the expression of T-bet and ROR-γt in brain. On the contrary, it increased the levels of TGF-β and the expression FoxP3 and GATA3. Our findings suggest that boswellic acids possess therapeutic potential for EAE by modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Shadab
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Deputy of Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Esmaeil Yazdanpanah
- Immunology Research Center, and Department of Immunology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed-Alireza Esmaeili
- Immunology Research Center, and Department of Immunology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Rasoul Baharlou
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Dariush Haghmorad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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Solanki N, Gupta G, Chellappan DK, Singh SK, Gulati M, Paudel KR, Hansbro PM, Dua K, Bhan S, Saini M, Dureja H. Boswellic Acids: A Critical Appraisal of Their Therapeutic and Nutritional Benefits in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2024; 24:116-129. [PMID: 37183464 DOI: 10.2174/1871530323666230512154634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last few decades, it has been largely perceived that the factors affecting the immune system and its varying pathways lead to the pathological progression of inflammation and inflammatory conditions. Chronic inflammation also contributes to common diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, cancer, chronic renal inflammatory disease, non-alcoholic fatty hepat-ic disease, autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. OBJECTIVE Interestingly, plant sources and secondary metabolites from plants have been increasingly employed in managing acute and chronic inflammatory diseases for centuries. Boswellic acids are pentacyclic triterpenoidal moieties obtained from the oleo gum resin of different Boswellia species. METHODS Detailed data was collected revealing the anti-inflammatory potential of Boswellic acids through various databases. RESULT These are pharmacologically active agents that possess promising anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antirheumatic, anti-diarrheal, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-asthmatic, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial effects. CONCLUSION Boswellic acids have been in use since ancient times primarily to treat acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. This review discusses the various mechanisms underlying the inflammatory process and the necessity of such natural products as a medication to treat inflammatory diseases. In addition, a discussion has also been extended to understand the primary targets involved in inflammation. The review further explores the therapeutic potential of boswellic acids in.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeta Solanki
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Monica Gulati
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Keshav Raj Paudel
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute, Sydney 2050, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, 2007, Australia
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute, Sydney 2050, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, 2007, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute, Sydney 2050, Australia
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Suraj Bhan
- World College of Medical Science & Research, Jhajjar, India
| | - Manisha Saini
- School of Medical and Allied Sciences, G.D. Goenka University, Gurugram, India
| | - Harish Dureja
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
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Cherepanova MO, Subotyalov MA. Component Composition and Biological Activity of Oleo-Gum Resin from Boswellia serrata (Burseraceae). Dokl Biol Sci 2023; 512:336-342. [PMID: 38087024 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496623700643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The review summarizes the published data on identification of biologically active compounds (BACs) and the pharmacological potential of various components of oleo-gum resin from the Indian frankincense Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. Boswellia oleo-gum resin contains a wide range of BACs from the classes of mono-, sesqui-, di-, and triterpenes. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated their anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects. Boswellic acids (BAs), which belong to the tetra- and pentacyclic triterpenoid classes, showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity. The frankincense resin is traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine and can provide a promising source to design drugs effective in treating musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M O Cherepanova
- Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - M A Subotyalov
- Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Novosibirsk, Russia.
- Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia.
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Bellmann T, Thamm J, Beekmann U, Kralisch D, Fischer D. In situ Formation of Polymer Microparticles in Bacterial Nanocellulose Using Alternative and Sustainable Solvents to Incorporate Lipophilic Drugs. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020559. [PMID: 36839881 PMCID: PMC9958971 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial nanocellulose has been widely investigated in drug delivery, but the incorporation of lipophilic drugs and controlling release kinetics still remain a challenge. The inclusion of polymer particles to encapsulate drugs could address both problems but is reported sparely. In the present study, a formulation approach based on in situ precipitation of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) within bacterial nanocellulose was developed using and comparing the conventional solvent N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and the alternative solvents poly(ethylene glycol), CyreneTM and ethyl lactate. Using the best-performing solvents N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and ethyl lactate, their fast diffusion during phase inversion led to the formation of homogenously distributed polymer microparticles with average diameters between 2.0 and 6.6 µm within the cellulose matrix. Despite polymer inclusion, the water absorption value of the material still remained at ~50% of the original value and the material was able to release 32 g/100 cm2 of the bound water. Mechanical characteristics were not impaired compared to the native material. The process was suitable for encapsulating the highly lipophilic drugs cannabidiol and 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid and enabled their sustained release with zero order kinetics over up to 10 days. Conclusively, controlled drug release for highly lipophilic compounds within bacterial nanocellulose could be achieved using sustainable solvents for preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Bellmann
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstraße 4, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jana Thamm
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Lessingstraße 8, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Uwe Beekmann
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Lessingstraße 8, 07743 Jena, Germany
- JeNaCell GmbH—An Evonik Company, Göschwitzer Straße 22, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Dana Kralisch
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Lessingstraße 8, 07743 Jena, Germany
- JeNaCell GmbH—An Evonik Company, Göschwitzer Straße 22, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Evonik Industries AG, Rellinghauser Straße 1-11, 45128 Essen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Fischer
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstraße 4, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-85-29552
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Abou Zaid ES, Mansour SZ, El-Sonbaty SM, Moawed FSM, Kandil EI, Haroun RAH. Boswellic acid coated zinc nanoparticles attenuate NF-κB-mediated inflammation in DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2023; 37:3946320221150720. [PMID: 36600460 PMCID: PMC9830081 DOI: 10.1177/03946320221150720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory bowel disease, and until now therapeutic agents for UC still cannot exert satisfied effects. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of boswellic acid coated zinc nanoparticles (BAs-ZnNPs) on dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) induced-UC in rats. METHODS Rats were divided into five groups; control, BAs-ZnNPs, DSS, DSS+BAs, and DSS + BAs-ZnNPs. The activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was determined colorimetrically, while the concentration of IgM, IgG, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 were measured by ELISA. Levels of gene expression of NF-κB and COX-2 genes were evaluated by RT-qPCR, while the expression of protein levels of PI3K and STAT-3 were done by western blotting. Finally, histopathological examination of colon tissues of different groups of rats was done. RESULTS The depicted ball-like structure of the BAs-ZnNPs in the TEM images ranging in size from 50 to 100 nm in diameter while their formation was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy with a sharp peak of maximum absorbance at 266 nm. Our results revealed that BAs-ZnNPs exerted an anti-inflammatory effect in the experimental model of colitis, demonstrated histologically and biochemically as shown by the improvement of ALP, IgM, IgG, and the gene expression levels of NF-κB and COX-2. Also, this beneficial effect was associated with the reduction in the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, PI3K, and STAT-3. Thus, this effect improves the altered immune response associated with the colonic inflammation. CONCLUSION BAs-ZnNPs can be proposed as a therapeutic candidate to attenuate UC. The potential underlying mechanism includes suppression of ALP, IgM, IgG, IL-1β, and IL-8 levels via regulation of NF-κB and COX-2 gene expression and STAT-3 and PI3K protein expression in a UC rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman S Abou Zaid
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of
Science, Ain Shams
University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Somya Z Mansour
- Radiation Biology Department,
National
Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy
Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sawsan M El-Sonbaty
- Radiation Microbiology Department,
National
Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy
Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Fatma SM Moawed
- Health Radiation Research
Department, National
Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy
Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman I Kandil
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of
Science, Ain Shams
University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Riham Abdel-Hamid Haroun
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of
Science, Ain Shams
University, Cairo, Egypt,Riham Abdel-Hamid Haroun, Faculty of
Science, Ain Shams University, El-Khalyfa El-Mamoun Street Abbasya, Cairo 11566,
Egypt.
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Karima S, Aghamollaii V, Mahmoodi Baram S, Balenci L, Lanctôt KL, Kiss A, Tafakhori A, Mahdavi M, Rajaei S, Shateri S, Yarhoseini A, Mokhtari F, Fotouhi A, Riazi A. Boswellic Acids Improve Clinical Cognitive Scores and Reduce Systemic Inflammation in Patients with Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 94:359-370. [PMID: 37248896 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease (AD) have had limited success. Considering the association of neuroinflammation with AD symptoms as demonstrated in multiple studies, assessment of the clinical efficacy of molecules that reduce systemic or brain inflammation is warranted. OBJECTIVE This clinical trial assessed whether boswellic acids can improve cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms while reducing inflammation in AD patients. METHODS A double-blind, placebo-controlled, study was conducted on 85 AD patients randomized to boswellic acids (K-Vie™ as the main ingredient in Memowell™) or placebo for 6 months. Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes (CDR-SOB) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were compared to baseline and between groups and constituted the co-primary clinical efficacy endpoints. Secondary outcomes included neuropsychiatric assessment (Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire, NPI-Q) and assessment of AD and inflammation biomarkers. RESULTS Patients on K-Vie™ showed a 3.1- and 1.6-unit improvement in MMSE and CDR-SOB scores, respectively, when compared to patients on placebo. NPI-Q analysis revealed significant improvement in the K-Vie™ but not in the placebo group. Only mild gastrointestinal side effects were reported in a few patients. Patients on K-Vie™ showed improvement in plasma AD biomarkers and reduction of key inflammatory cytokines including IL-6 and TNF. CONCLUSION Our results support the positive cognitive effects of boswellic acids by reducing the systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Karima
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vajiheh Aghamollaii
- Neurology Department, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Krista L Lanctôt
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alex Kiss
- Department of Research Design and Biostatistics, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Abbas Tafakhori
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meisam Mahdavi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Rajaei
- Clinical Trial Department, Behbalin Inc., Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Shateri
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Yarhoseini
- Neurology Department, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Akbar Fotouhi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Riazi
- Kondor Pharma Inc. Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
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Moudgil KD, Venkatesha SH. The Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Activities of Natural Products to Control Autoimmune Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010095. [PMID: 36613560 PMCID: PMC9820125 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is an integral part of autoimmune diseases, which are caused by dysregulation of the immune system. This dysregulation involves an imbalance between pro-inflammatory versus anti-inflammatory mediators. These mediators include various cytokines and chemokines; defined subsets of T helper/T regulatory cells, M1/M2 macrophages, activating/tolerogenic dendritic cells, and antibody-producing/regulatory B cells. Despite the availability of many anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory drugs, the severe adverse reactions associated with their long-term use and often their high costs are impediments in effectively controlling the disease process. Accordingly, suitable alternatives are being sought for these conventional drugs. Natural products offer promising adjuncts/alternatives in this regard. The availability of specific compounds isolated from dietary/medicinal plant extracts have permitted rigorous studies on their disease-modulating activities and the mechanisms involved therein. Here, we describe the basic characteristics, mechanisms of action, and preventive/therapeutic applications of 5 well-characterized natural product compounds (Resveratrol, Curcumin, Boswellic acids, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and Triptolide). These compounds have been tested extensively in animal models of autoimmunity as well as in limited clinical trials in patients having the corresponding diseases. We have focused our description on predominantly T cell-mediated diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, ulcerative colitis, and psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal D. Moudgil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Shivaprasad H. Venkatesha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Vita Therapeutics, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Brusač E, Jeličić ML, Nigović B, Amidžić Klarić D, Mornar A. Determination of Curcuminoids, Piperine, Boswellic Acids and Andrographolides in Food and Dietary Supplements by HPLC. Food Technol Biotechnol 2022; 60:434-448. [PMID: 36816876 PMCID: PMC9901341 DOI: 10.17113/ftb.60.04.22.7560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Research background As use of functional food and herbal combination products is ever increasing, methods for quality control of such preparations are necessary. Moreover, low quality of products can cause either lack of benefit or harm to the consumer. In this work, determination of three curcuminoids, piperine, six boswellic acids and three andrographolides, often used in combination products, was carried out in raw materials and dietary supplements. Experimental approach After extraction optimization using Box-Behnken design, maximum active substance yields were obtained using 81.5% ethanol in hydroethanolic extraction solvent, 30 min sonication time and 60 °C extraction temperature. Afterwards, a high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated, with special attention paid to selectivity, precision and robustness of the method. Lastly, 54 food and dietary supplement samples were analyzed. Results and conclusions Most products were bought locally, from credible vendors and they all complied with relevant regulatory requirements. However, products obtained on the Internet contained little to no active substances (24% of samples contained less than 20% declared content), presumably showing no efficacy, or were either found to be likely adulterated or contained very high amounts of active substances, compromising safety in terms of dose-dependent adverse effects (one sample containing andrographolides) and pharmacokinetic interactions (one sample containing piperine). In conclusion, consumers should refrain from purchasing such products from the Internet and obtain them only from verified suppliers such as local pharmacies or health stores. Novelty and scientific contribution This work demonstrates the first developed method for the analysis of aforementioned combination products, which are on the rise today. The method is simple and robust and can be adapted by most laboratories for routine quality control of the said products. Moreover, the work sheds light on the low quality of several products and signifies the need for increased consumer awareness of dangers of taking such products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ana Mornar
- Corresponding authors: Phone: +38514818288, E-mail: ;
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Henrotin Y, Dierckxsens Y, Delisse G, Maes N, Albert A. Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata extract combination for hand osteoarthritis: an open-label pre-post trial. Pharm Biol 2022; 60:2295-2299. [PMID: 36416059 PMCID: PMC9704064 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2147550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hand is a common painful musculoskeletal disorder with no cure. There is a need for an efficient and safe treatment to relieve OA pain. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of a Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata food supplement in addition to standard care on hand pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS This open-label, non-controlled, post-observational study was based on 232 patients suffering from hand pain with or without joint deformity. Patients received a medical prescription for a three-month treatment with a food supplement containing 89 mg of C. longa dry extract, 120 mg of B. serrata resin, and 1.8 µg vitamin D. Pain was evaluated on a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). The number of painful hand joints, patient satisfaction, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs intake, and side effects were also recorded. RESULTS Baseline pain intensity (regression coefficient ± SE: -0.19 ± 0.01, p < 0.0001) and the number of painful joints (regression coefficient ± SE: -0.022 ± 0.0029, p < 0.0001) decreased significantly throughout the 3 months treatment period. NSAIDs intake and topical drug application were significantly decreased by 64% (p < 0.0001) and 79% (p < 0.0001) after 12 weeks, respectively. Only 3/239 (1.3%) patients reported side effects probably related to the product. 80.3% were satisfied with the treatment and 75.5% wished to continue treatment. CONCLUSION This is the first clinical trial showing that C. longa and B. serrata resin can relieve symptoms in patients with hand osteoarthritis. The study provides useful information for the design of a clinical trial including a broader population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Henrotin
- Musculoskeletal Innovative Research Lab (mSKIL), Arthropôle Liège, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, CHU Sart-Tilman, Liège, Belgium
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department, Princess Paola Hospital, Marche-en-Famenne, Belgium
| | | | | | - Nathalie Maes
- Center of Biostatistics (B-STAT), University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Adelin Albert
- Center of Biostatistics (B-STAT), University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Public Health, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Caliebe RH, Scior T, Ammon HPT. Binding of boswellic acids to functional proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus: Bioinformatic studies. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2021; 354:e2100160. [PMID: 34427335 PMCID: PMC8646807 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202100160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Boswellic acids (BAs) have been shown to possess antiviral activity. Using bioinformatic methods, it was tested whether or not acetyl‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid (AKBA), 11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid (KBA), β‐boswellic acid (BBA), and the phosphorylated active metabolite of Remdesivir® (RGS‐P3) bind to functional proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2, that is, the replicase polyprotein P0DTD1, the spike glycoprotein P0DTC2, and the nucleoprotein P0DTC9. Using P0DTD1, AKBA and KBA showed micromolar binding affinity to the RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and to the main proteinase complex Mpro. Phosphorylated BAs even bond in the nanomolar range. Due to their positive and negative charges, BAs and RGS‐P3 bond to corresponding negative and positive areas of the protein. BAs and RGS‐P3 docked in the tunnel‐like cavity of RdRp. BAs also docked into the elongated surface rim of viral Mpro. In both cases, binding occurred with active site amino acids in the lower micromolecular to upper nanomolar range. KBA, BBA, and RGS‐P3 also bond to P0DTC2 and P0DTC9. The binding energies for BAs were in the range of −5.8 to −6.3 kcal/mol. RGS‐P3 and BAs occluded the centrally located pore of the donut‐like protein structure of P0DTC9 and, in the case of P0DTC2, RGS‐P3 and BAs impacted the double‐wing‐like protein structure. The data of this bioinformatics study clearly show that BAs bind to three functional proteins of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus responsible for adhesion and replication, as does RGS‐P3, a drug on the market to treat this disease. The binding effectiveness of BAs can be increased through phosphate esterification. Whether or not BAs are druggable against the SARS‐CoV‐2 disease remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard H Caliebe
- Department of R&D, NOVOHERBS UG (haftungsbeschränkt) & Co. KG, Döhlau, Germany
| | - Thomas Scior
- Department of Pharmacy, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Hermann P T Ammon
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Börner F, Werner M, Ertelt J, Meins J, Abdel-Tawab M, Werz O. Analysis of Boswellic Acid Contents and Related Pharmacological Activities of Frankincense-Based Remedies That Modulate Inflammation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:660. [PMID: 34358086 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracts of frankincense, the gum resin of Boswellia species, have been extensively used in traditional folk medicine since ancient times and are still of great interest as promising anti-inflammatory remedies in Western countries. Despite their common therapeutic use and the intensive pharmacological research including studies on active ingredients, modes of action, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and clinical efficacy, frankincense preparations are available as nutraceuticals but have not yet approved as a drug on the market. A major issue of commercially available frankincense nutraceuticals is the striking differences in their composition and quality, especially related to the content of boswellic acids (BAs) as active ingredients, mainly due to the use of material from divergent Boswellia species but also because of different work-up and extraction procedures. Here, we assessed three frequently used frankincense-based preparations for their BA content and the interference with prominent pro-inflammatory actions and targets that have been proposed, that is, 5-lipoxygenase and leukotriene formation in human neutrophils, microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1, and inflammatory cytokine secretion in human blood monocytes. Our data reveal striking differences in the pharmacological efficiencies of these preparations in inflammation-related bioassays which obviously correlate with the amounts of BAs they contain. In summary, high-quality frankincense extracts display powerful anti-inflammatory effectiveness against multiple targets which can be traced back to BAs as bioactive ingredients.
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Greve HL, Kaiser M, Mäser P, Schmidt TJ. Boswellic Acids Show In Vitro Activity against Leishmania donovani. Molecules 2021; 26:3651. [PMID: 34203815 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In continuation of our search for leads from medicinal plants against protozoal pathogens, we detected antileishmanial activity in polar fractions of a dichloromethane extract from Boswellia serrata resin. 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA) could be isolated from these fractions and was tested in vitro against Leishmania donovani axenic amastigotes along with five further boswellic acid derivatives. 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) showed the strongest activity with an IC50 value of 0.88 µM against axenic amastigotes but was inactive against intracellular amastigotes in murine macrophages
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Abdel-Tawab M. Considerations to Be Taken When Carrying Out Medicinal Plant Research-What We Learn from an Insight into the IC 50 Values, Bioavailability and Clinical Efficacy of Exemplary Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Components. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:437. [PMID: 34066427 PMCID: PMC8148151 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Medicinal plants represent a big reservoir for discovering new drugs against all kinds of diseases including inflammation. In spite the large number of promising anti-inflammatory plant extracts and isolated components, research on medicinal plants proves to be very difficult. Based on that background this review aims to provide a summarized insight into the hitherto known pharmacologically active concentrations, bioavailability, and clinical efficacy of boswellic acids, curcumin, quercetin and resveratrol. These examples have in common that the achieved plasma concentrations were found to be often far below the determined IC50 values in vitro. On the other hand demonstrated therapeutic effects suggest a necessity of rethinking our pharmacokinetic understanding. In this light this review discusses the value of plasma levels as pharmacokinetic surrogates in comparison to the more informative value of tissue concentrations. Furthermore the need for new methodological approaches is addressed like the application of combinatorial approaches for identifying and pharmacokinetic investigations of active multi-components. Also the physiological relevance of exemplary in vitro assays and absorption studies in cell-line based models is discussed. All these topics should be ideally considered to avoid inaccurate predictions for the efficacy of herbal components in vivo and to unlock the "black box" of herbal mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Abdel-Tawab
- Central Laboratory of German Pharmacists, Carl-Mannich-Str. 20, 65760 Eschborn, Germany; ; Tel.: +49-6196-937-955
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Henrotin Y, Dierckxsens Y, Delisse G, Seidel L, Albert A. Curcuminoids and Boswellia serrata extracts combination decreases tendinopathy symptoms: findings from an open-label post-observational study. Curr Med Res Opin 2021; 37:423-430. [PMID: 33287570 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2020.1860923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: To investigate the effects of 1-month treatment in addition to standard care with a food supplement containing both Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata extracts on tendinopathy symptoms.Method: This open-label, non-controlled, post-observational study included 670 patients suffering from tendinopathy recruited at different sites by Belgian general practitioners. Patients received a medical prescription for 1-month treatment with two tablets twice a day of a pharmaceutical grade food supplement containing both C. longa and B. serrata extracts. Pain and functional limitation were evaluated using a visual analog scale at the inclusion and 1-month treatment later. Patient satisfaction, concomitant drugs intake and side effects were also recorded.Results: After 1-month treatment, pain and functional limitation were significantly improved whatever the cause of tendinopathy, its localization, and the duration of symptoms. The pain score decreased from 6.16 ± 1.53 to 2.98 ± 1.64 (p < .0001), yielding a drop of 51.6% and the functional limitation score fell after 1-month treatment from 5.96 ± 1.73 to 2.88 ± 1.67 (p < .0001) corresponding to a drop of 51.6%. The percentage of patients taking at least one concomitant treatment at the end of the treatment period had decreased from 81.3% to 61.8% (p < .0001). Only 43 (6.5%) patients reported side effects. No severe adverse effects related to the product were reported.Conclusion: The combination of C. longa and B. serrata extracts improves symptoms in patients suffering of tendinopathy and shows a good safety. Although its effect will have to be confirmed in randomized controlled trials, it can be considered as a helpful support of standard symptomatic treatments for tendinopathies. HighlightsTendinopathy is a common disease representing 30% of all consultations with a general practitioner for musculoskeletal disorders.The combination of Curcuminoids and Boswelliaserrata extracts are efficient on tendinopathy symptoms in support of standard symptomatic treatments.The combination of Curcuminoids and B. Serrata extract is safe and can be administrated for at least 1 month in addition of analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Henrotin
- Musculoskeletal Innovative Research Lab (mSKIL), Arthropôle Liège, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department, Princess Paola Hospital, Marche-en-Famenne, Belgium
| | | | | | - Laurence Seidel
- Department of Biostatistics, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Adelin Albert
- Department of Biostatistics, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Public Health, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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15
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Solanki N, Mehta M, Chellappan DK, Gupta G, Hansbro NG, Tambuwala MM, Aa Aljabali A, Paudel KR, Liu G, Satija S, Hansbro PM, Dua K, Dureja H. Antiproliferative effects of boswellic acid-loaded chitosan nanoparticles on human lung cancer cell line A549. Future Med Chem 2020; 12:2019-34. [PMID: 33124483 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: In the present study boswellic acids-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized using ionic gelation technique. The influence of independent variables were studied and optimized on dependent variables using central composite design. Methodology & results: The designed nanoparticles were observed spherical in shape with an average size of 67.5-187.2 nm and have also shown an excellent entrapment efficiency (80.06 ± 0.48). The cytotoxicity assay revealed enhanced cytotoxicity for drug-loaded nanoparticles in contrast to the free drug having an IC50 value of 17.29 and 29.59 μM, respectively. Flow cytometry confirmed that treatment of cells with 40 μg/ml had arrested 22.75 ± 0.3% at SubG0 phase of the cell cycle when compared with untreated A459 cells. The observed results justified the boswellic acids-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were effective due to greater cellular uptake, sustained intercellular drug retention and enhanced antiproliferative effect by inducing apoptosis.
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Halim SA, Khan A, Csuk R, Al-Rawahi A, Al-Harrasi A. Diterpenoids and Triterpenoids From Frankincense Are Excellent Anti-psoriatic Agents: An in silico Approach. Front Chem 2020; 8:486. [PMID: 32671018 PMCID: PMC7330179 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects 2–3% of the global population and requires an effective treatment. Frankincense has been long known for its potent anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, a structural bioinformatics approach was used to evaluate the efficacy of individual active components of frankincense, macrocyclic diterpenoid derivatives (1-27), and boswellic acids (28-46) in the treatment of psoriasis. Initially, major druggable targets of psoriasis were identified. Subsequently, structure-based screening was employed by using three different docking algorithms and scoring functions (MOE, AutoDock Vina, and MVD) for the target fishing of compounds against 18 possible targets of psoriasis. Janus Kinase 1, 2, 3 (JAK 1/2/3), eNOS, iNOS, interleukin-17 (IL-17), and Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were identified as the preferred molecular targets for these compounds. This computational analysis reflects that frankincense diterpenoids and triterpenoids can serve as excellent anti-psoriatic agents by targeting major cytokines (TNF-α, IL-17, IL-13, IL-23, and IL-36γ,) exacerbated in psoriasis, and inflammatory pathways particularly JAK1/2/3, eNOS, iNOS, MAPK2, and IFNγ. The results were compared with the reported experimental findings which correlates well with our in-silico verdicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobia Ahsan Halim
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Ajmal Khan
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Rene Csuk
- Organic Chemistry, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ahmed Al-Rawahi
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
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Byler KG, Setzer WN. Protein Targets of Frankincense: A Reverse Docking Analysis of Terpenoids from Boswellia Oleo-Gum Resins. Medicines (Basel) 2018; 5:medicines5030096. [PMID: 30200355 PMCID: PMC6163972 DOI: 10.3390/medicines5030096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Frankincense, the oleo-gum resin of Boswellia trees, has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times. Frankincense has been used to treat wounds and skin infections, inflammatory diseases, dementia, and various other conditions. However, in many cases, the biomolecular targets for frankincense components are not well established. Methods: In this work, we have carried out a reverse docking study of Boswellia diterpenoids and triterpenoids with a library of 16034 potential druggable target proteins. Results:Boswellia diterpenoids showed selective docking to acetylcholinesterase, several bacterial target proteins, and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. Boswellia triterpenoids targeted the cancer-relevant proteins (poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, tankyrase, and folate receptor β), inflammation-relevant proteins (phospholipase A2, epoxide hydrolase, and fibroblast collagenase), and the diabetes target 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Conclusions: The preferential docking of Boswellia terpenoids is consistent with the traditional uses and the established biological activities of frankincense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendall G Byler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA.
| | - William N Setzer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA.
- Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E, Suite 102, Lehi, UT 84043, USA.
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Ameen AM, Elkazaz AY, Mohammad HMF, Barakat BM. Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activity of boswellic acids in rotenone parkinsonian rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2017; 95:819-829. [PMID: 28249117 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2016-0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence that inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the neurodegenerative changes observed in Parkinson's disease. Unfortunately, there is a lack of curative treatment for this debilitating movement disorder. Boswellic acids (BAs) are pentacyclic triterpene molecules of plant origin that have been utilized for treating many inflammatory conditions. The current study was conducted to explore the protective role of BAs against rotenone-induced experimental parkinsonism. Twenty-four rats were assigned to one of four treatment groups. The first two groups were a vehicle group (no rotenone) and a rotenone control group in which rats received rotenone (1 mg/kg) every 48 h. The next 2 groups received rotenone (1 mg/kg every 48 h) plus protective oral doses of BAs (125 or 250 mg/kg daily). Rats in the rotenone group showed motor dysfunction when tested in the open-field arena and cylinder and rotarod tests. Moreover, inflammatory markers increased, whereas the dopamine level was lower in the striata of rats in the rotenone group versus those in the vehicle group. BAs taken by rats with rotenone-induced parkinsonism showed enhanced general motor performance, reduced inflammatory markers, and increased striatal dopamine level and nigral tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining. In conclusion, BAs are promising agents in slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease if appropriate data become available about their safety and efficacy in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angie M Ameen
- a Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Amany Y Elkazaz
- b Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Hala M F Mohammad
- c Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Bassant M Barakat
- d Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Mannino G, Occhipinti A, Maffei ME. Quantitative Determination of 3-O-Acetyl-11-Keto-βBoswellic Acid (AKBA) and Other Boswellic Acids in Boswellia sacra Flueck (syn. B. carteri Birdw) and Boswellia serrata Roxb. Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21101329. [PMID: 27782055 PMCID: PMC6273064 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21101329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Boswellia serrata and Boswellia sacra (syn. B. carteri) are important medicinal plants widely used for their content of bioactive lipophilic triterpenes. The qualitative and quantitative determination of boswellic acids (BAs) is important for their use in dietary supplements aimed to provide a support for osteoarthritic and inflammatory diseases. We used High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)-Diode Array Detector (DAD) coupled to ElectroSpray Ionization and tandem Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) for the qualitative and quantitative determination of BAs extracted from the gum resins of B. sacra and B. serrata. Limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), and Matrix Effect were assessed in order to validate quantitative data. Here we show that the BAs quantitative determination was 491.20 g·kg−1 d. wt (49%) in B. sacra and 295.25 g·kg−1 d. wt (30%) in B. serrata. Lower percentages of BAs content were obtained when BAs were expressed on the gum resin weight (29% and 16% for B. sacra and B. serrata, respectively). The content of Acetyl-11-Keto-β-Boswellic Acid (AKBA) was higher in B. sacra (70.81 g·kg−1 d. wt; 7%) than in B. serrata (7.35 g·kg−1 d. wt; 0.7%). Our results show that any claim of BAs content in either B. sacra or B. serrata gum resins equal to or higher than 70% or AKBA contents of 30% are simply unrealistic or based on a wrong quantitative determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Mannino
- Biosfered S.r.l., Innovation Centre, Academic Spin-Off of the University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/A, Turin 10135, Italy.
| | - Andrea Occhipinti
- Biosfered S.r.l., Innovation Centre, Academic Spin-Off of the University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/A, Turin 10135, Italy.
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Innovation Centre, University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/A, Turin 10135, Italy.
| | - Massimo E Maffei
- Biosfered S.r.l., Innovation Centre, Academic Spin-Off of the University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/A, Turin 10135, Italy.
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Innovation Centre, University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/A, Turin 10135, Italy.
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Ali SA, Zaitone SA, Moustafa YM. Boswellic acids synergize antitumor activity and protect against the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin in mice bearing Ehrlich's carcinoma. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2015; 93:695-708. [PMID: 26230640 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2014-0524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to test whether boswellic acids add to the antitumor effects of doxorubicin against solid tumors of Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC) grown in mice, and to investigate the protective effects of boswellic acids against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Sixty-four female Swiss albino mice bearing EAC solid tumors were distributed among 8 groups as follows: group 1, EAC control group; group 2, doxorubicin treatment group [mice were injected with doxorubicin (6 mg·(kg body mass)(-1)·week(-1)) for 3 weeks]; groups 3-5, these mice were treated with boswellic acids (125, 250, or 500 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)), respectively; groups 6-8, these mice were treated with a combination of doxorubicin and boswellic acids (125, 250, or 500 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)), respectively, for 3 weeks. The results indicated that boswellic acids synergized the antitumor activity of doxorubicin. Doxorubicin-treated mice showed elevated serum activities of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB as well as cardiac malondialdehyde. Further, decreases in cardiac levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities were observed. These effects were accompanied by an increase in cardiac expression of caspase 3. Thus, treatment with boswellic acids attenuated doxorubicin-evoked disturbances in the above-mentioned parameters, highlighting antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities. Therefore, boswellic acids could be potential candidates for ameliorating the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa A Ali
- a Suez Canal Authority hospital, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Sawsan A Zaitone
- b Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Yasser M Moustafa
- b Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
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Togni S, Maramaldi G, Di Pierro F, Biondi M. A cosmeceutical formulation based on boswellic acids for the treatment of erythematous eczema and psoriasis. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2014; 7:321-7. [PMID: 25419153 PMCID: PMC4235203 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s69240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Boswellic acids (BAs) show anti-inflammatory properties in a variety of inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and asthma. A topical administration route is currently used to deliver active compounds in psoriatic and eczematous patients. In this double-blind study we compare a novel BA formulation (containing Bosexil®, INCI [International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients]: lecithin, Boswellia serrata resin extract) with a placebo formulation. A third arm of the trial received a formulation of Vaccinium myrtillus seed oil, previously demonstrated as an effective local treatment for psoriatic lesions. Methods Patients with psoriasis or erythematous eczema were randomly assigned, in a 1:1:1 ratio, to Bosexil®, V. myrtillus seed oil, or placebo. In order to evaluate the effects of treatment, the changes of scales and erythema from diagnosis to the end of treatment were scored in psoriatic patients, while changes in itch and erythema were analyzed for erythematous eczema patients. Psoriasis Area Severity Index and Eczema Area and Severity Index scores were also calculated. Results In patients with psoriasis, scales and erythema improved both with Bosexil® and the V. myrtillus seed oil treatment in comparison with placebo. In particular, the treatment with Bosexil® formulation improved scales (70% of cases) and erythema (50% of cases) without any case of worsening. In patients with eczema, the administration of placebo did not result in any improvement in 90% of cases, and in the remaining 10% worsened both itch and erythema. Bosexil® formulation improved both itch (60% of cases) and erythema (60% of cases) without any case of worsening. V. myrtillus seed oil improved itch and erythema in 66.7% and 77.8% of patients, respectively. Conclusion A topical formulation of Bosexil® may be promising for the treatment of psoriasis and erythematous eczema. Long-term studies are recommended to evaluate the adherence to this topical treatment and its clinical benefits in real life.
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Stürner KH, Verse N, Yousef S, Martin R, Sospedra M. Boswellic acids reduce Th17 differentiation via blockade of IL-1β-mediated IRAK1 signaling. Eur J Immunol 2014; 44:1200-12. [PMID: 24469975 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201343629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Interferon-gamma producing CD4(+) T (Th1) cells and IL-17-producing CD4(+) T (Th17) cells are involved in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis. Therefore, the development of treatment strategies controlling the generation and expansion of these effector cells is of high interest. Frankincense, the resin from trees of the genus Boswellia, and particularly its prominent bioactive compound acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we demonstrate that AKBA is able to reduce the differentiation of human CD4(+) T cells to Th17 cells, while slightly increasing Th2- and Treg-cell differentiation. Furthermore, AKBA reduces the IL-1β-triggered IL-17A release of memory Th17 cells. AKBA may affect IL-1β signaling by preventing IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 phosphorylation and subsequently decreasing STAT3 phosphorylation at Ser727, which is required for Th17-cell differentiation. The effects of AKBA on Th17 differentiation and IL-17A release make the compound a good candidate for potential treatment of Th17-driven diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klarissa Hanja Stürner
- Institute for Neuroimmunology and Clinical Multiple Sclerosis Research (INIMS) and Clinic for Neurology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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