Effect of Boswellia serrata extract on acute inflammatory parameters and tumor necrosis factor-α in complete Freund's adjuvant-induced animal model of rheumatoid arthritis

Context: The worldwide prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is about 1%, whereas in India, it is approximately 0.75%. The current therapy for RA includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs corticosteroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and some recently developed biologic agents, but all of these are associated with adverse effects. Some herbal drugs, such as Boswellia serrata, have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of Boswellia serrata extract (BSE) in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into six equal groups. RA was induced by intradermal injection of 0.1 ml CFA in hind paw. Body weight, ankle diameter, paw volume, arthritic index, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and histopathological examination were assessed. The experimental data were statistically assessed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Statistical Analysis Used: The recorded data were analyzed using paired t-test and ANOVA test using SPSS. The data were analyzed and represented as mean difference. Value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: BSE at dose 180 mg/kg showed statistically significant improvement in body weight and decrease in ankle diameter and arthritic index (P < 0.05); however, there was insignificant change in paw volume (P = 0.056). This improvement was comparable with Indomethacin. The level of TNF-α did not show any statistically significant change (P = 0.076). Histopathological results also exhibited a reduction in inflammatory parameters. Conclusions: BSE might have usefulness as an adjunct to conventional therapy of RA.