Ameliorative effect of Boswellia serrata extract on experimentally induced arthritis in rats

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that damages the synovial joint lining, resulting in bone erosion, irreversible cartilage loss, and occasionally permanent disability. 
Objectives: Observe the effect of Boswellia serrata powder on biological activities on rats with rheumatoid arthritis. 
Material and Methods: 25 adult male Wistar rats, weighing 150±10 g, 90 days old, are used. The first regimen consisted of a standard management group (n=5). Each animal received 1 millilitre of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA), which caused a relapse after 7 days and rheumatoid arthritis signs after 14 days. Normal control group and model control group obtained a base diet, while the other 3 rheumatoid arthritis groups obtained a base diet with 2.5, 5, and 7.5% Boswellia serrata powder daily for 28 days. The following parameters were measured: TNF-α and IL-6  malondialdehyde, antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor, CRP, ESR. 
Result: the resulrs demonstrated that the powdered Boswellia serrata becomes rich in boswellic acids, 11 keto beta boswellic acids (KBA), acetyl KBA, and antioxidants that impact the mobile defense apparatus. Boswellia serrata powder treatment resulted in serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels were markedly increased in arthritic animals (86.76 ± 2.01 pg/mL) and (43.74 ± 1.00 pg/mL) in comparison to the control group and significant (p≤0.05). MDA and SOD levels in arthritic group showed a marked elevation concentrations (4.95 ± 0.11 nmol/mL) and(44.16 ± 1.08 U/mL) compared to the control. 
Conclusion: Results suggested that frankincense exhibits antioxidant, scavenging, and anti-inflammatory effects on rheumatoid arthritis in rats.