Publication:

Efficacy of standardized novel Boswellia serrata extract in the dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis model - potential use in gut health management

Background Objective of this study was to evaluate anti-inflammatory properties of a novel standardized Boswellia serrata extract–bsRx (developed using natural excipients and designed to have specific ratio of its major actives, viz. AKBA and BBA) in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced IBD model in BALB/c mice.

Methods Animals (BALB/c mice) in control (CL) group were administered vehicle; DSS-induced colitis group (DSS group), 2.5 % DSS; and Boswellia serrata group (BS group) received DSS, for inducing colitis, together with a novel standardized extract of Boswellia serrata (41 mg/kg, 4.1 mg/ml solution in distilled water) for 10 days. Reference group (SS group) received DSS with sulfasalazine (30 mg/kg, 3.0 mg/ml suspension in distilled water) for 10 days. Clinical assessment for disease activity index (DAI), histopathological examination and hematological assessments were performed.

Results Treatment with Boswellia serrata showed significant reduction in the DAI score on day 10 compared to the DSS group (2.49±0.93 versus 3.63±0.55, p≤0.05). Body weight (18.54±2.21 gm versus 17.05±3.53 gm) and colon length (6.8±0.9 cm versus 7.6±0.6 cm, p≤0.05) also improved in the BS group compared to DSS group, respectively. Histological scoring of colitis was lower in the BS group (10.1±1.37). There was no difference in leukotriene levels between groups (p>0.05).

Conclusions Treatment with novel Boswellia serrata extract improved colon length, DAI and histological scoring index in DSS-induced colitis in IBD mice models. Our results indicate the promising potential of novel Boswellia extract in IBD and gut health management.