Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Boswellia serrata Extracts: An In Vitro Study on Porcine Aortic Endothelial Cells

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018 Jun 25:2018:2504305. doi: 10.1155/2018/2504305. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

This study is aimed at investigating the cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic activities of two Boswellia serrata extracts on primary culture of porcine aortic endothelial cells (pAECs). Chemical characterization of a dry extract (extract A) and a hydroenzymatic extract (extract G) of B. serrata was performed by HPLC using pure boswellic acids (BAs) as standard. In cultured pAECs, extract G improved cell viability, following LPS challenge, in a dose-dependent manner and did not show any toxic effect. On the other hand, extract A was toxic at higher doses and restored pAEC viability after LPS challenge only at lower doses. Pure BAs, used at the same concentrations as those determined in the phytoextracts, did not contrast LPS-induced cytotoxicity. Extract A showed proangiogenic properties at the lowest dose, and the same result was observed using pure AKBA at the corresponding concentration, whereas extract G did not show any effect on the migration capacity of endothelial cells. In conclusion, an anti-inflammatory activity of B. serrata extracts on endothelial cells was reported, though cytotoxicity or proliferative stimulation can occur instead of a protective effect, depending on the dose and the formulation.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Aorta / cytology*
  • Boswellia / chemistry*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Swine

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Plant Extracts