In-Vivo Study of Boswellia serrata for Modulating Immune System and Quenching Free Radicals

Abstract

In several diseased conditions like asthma, allergy, ageing, arthritis, cancer etc., there is a production of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, as well as our immune system also gets harmed. In order to stop or quench these harmful free radicals, antioxidants, which are the first line of defense, are used. And the immune system can be modulated to work properly by using natural agents like medicinal plants, having antioxidant property. In this context, the present study was undertaken to investigate the immunomodulatory activity and free radical quenching ability of the Boswellia serrata Roxb. (Bs) in murine model. This herb is known to afford protection to human physiological system against diverse stressors. It was tested at three dose levels of 50mg /kg of mice body weight, 100mg /kg of mice body weight, and 150 mg /kg of mice body weight for five consecutive days. Alpha tocopherol (25 mg/ kg, of mice body weight) and Di-methyl Sulphoxide (35mg /kg of mice body weight) were used as the reference standards. The extent of protection against immunosuppression was evaluated after 9 days of respective drug administration, by measuring macrophage phagocytic activity. A statistically significant antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity were shown by the extract of Boswellia serrata as evident by its effect on the activity of non-enzyme antioxidant reduced glutathione (GSH), antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx), the degree of lipid peroxidation, and increase in the number of peritoneal macrophages.