Study of the effect of Boswellia serrata in reducing the effects associated with induced arthritis in male albino rats

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Biology, College of Education, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq.

Abstract

Objective
Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by joint pain, swelling, and functional impairment. It is often associated with significant morbidity and a decline in the quality of life. The present study investigated the effects of different treatments on paw thickness, oxidative stress markers, and autoimmune/inflammatory parameters in an arthritis model.


The study was conducted at Al-Qadisiyah University's Department of Life Sciences, using male Albino Rats. The rats were raised in special plastic cages and kept in a temperature range of 20-25°C. Arthritis was induced using Complete Freunds adjuvant, which was injected daily into the right foot pad for 14 days. Boswellia serrata extract was prepared by preparing aqueous extract from male frankincense. The rats were divided into three groups: Control group, Animals in which arthritis is induced by injecting Complete Freunds adjuvant into the foot pad, and Animals in which arthritis is induced for 14 days and then administered Boswellia serrata. The results were analyzed using SPSS statistical software, Anova test, and Least Significant Differences (LSD) to test the significance of the results.

Results
In the paw thickness evaluation, the Arthritis group showed a significant increase compared to the control group, which was partially alleviated by the Arthritis + Boswellia serrata treatments. The control group maintained consistent measurements throughout, while the Arthritis group exhibited a partial recovery. the Arthritis + Boswellia serrata group had the most favorable outcomes. The reported LSD value of 0.219 indicates statistical significance of the differences between the groups. The analysis of oxidative stress and antioxidant markers revealed that the Arthritis group had the highest levels of the lipid peroxidation marker MDA, along with the lowest levels of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, GSH, and CAT, suggesting compromised antioxidant defenses. The Arthritis Arthritis + Boswellia serrata group showing the most advantageous outcomes. Regarding inflammation and autoimmune markers, the Arthritis group had significantly elevated levels of rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACCP), indicating substantial autoimmunity and inflammation. The Arthritis + Boswellia serrata group exhibited intermediate results. The statistical significance of the differences between the groups was supported by the reported LSD values.

The findings suggest that the Arthritis + Boswellia serrata treatments can provide beneficial effects in mitigating the alterations in paw thickness, oxidative stress, and autoimmune/inflammatory parameters observed in the arthritis model. The Arthritis + Boswellia serrata group often exhibited the most favorable outcomes among the treatment groups.

Keywords

References

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Agricultural Biotechnology Journal
Volume 17, Issue 1
March 2025
Pages 177-192

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