Title:Neuroprotective Effect of Boswellia serrata against 3-NP Induced Experimental
Huntington’s Disease
Volume: 20
Issue: 6
Author(s): Vinay Kumar, Chanchal Sharma, Mohamad Taleuzzaman*, Kandasamy Nagarajan, Anzarul Haque, Mamta Bhatia, Sumayya Khan, Mohamad Ayman Salkini and Pankaj Bhatt
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Maulana
Azad University, Village Bujhawar, Tehsil Luni, Jodhpur 342008, Rajasthan, India
Keywords:
Analytical characterization, behavioural parameters, Boswellia serrata, 3-nitropropionic acid, Huntington’s disease, inflammatory markers.
Abstract:
Objectives: The study aimed to assess the neuroprotective effect of Boswellia serrata
against 3-NP-induced experimental Huntington’s disease.
Background: Previous studies have shown Boswellia to have sedative, analgesic, and anti-tumour
effects. Boswellia serrata yields four pentacyclic triterpene acids and boswellic acid, a bioactive
substance that prevents leukotriene biogenesis.
Methods: The potential neuroprotective effect of Boswellia serrata against 3-nitro propionic acid
(3-NP)-induced Huntington's disease (HD) was examined at oral doses of 45 mg/kg, 90 mg/kg,
and 180 mg/kg. In this study, HD was induced by 3-NP at a dose of 10 mg/kg in Wistar rats. The
study used 56 Wistar rats (8 per group) for biochemical (inflammatory markers, acetylcholinesterase
activity) and behavioural (elevated plus maze, Y-maze, open-field, tail suspension tests,
etc.) assessments. Additionally, a histological examination of the brain was carried out. In addition,
the analysis of Boswellia serrata extract was performed by different analytical techniques,
like UV spectrophotometer, FTIR, and HPLC methods.
Results: In the brain, succinate dehydrogenase is a mitochondrial enzyme irreversibly inhibited
by 3-NP. Administration of 3-NP resulted in HD with altered behavioural and motor changes
in rats. Treatment with Boswellia serrata resulted in remarkable protection of rats against
3-NP-induced behaviour and motor deficits in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, in rats
administered with 3-NP, Boswellia serrata improved memory performance and lowered levels of
inflammatory biomarkers. These results have also been supported by histopathological analysis.
Acetyl-11-keto-p-boswellic acid was found to be the main active component of Boswellia serrata
extract.
Conclusion: Boswellia serrata at a dose of 180 mg/kg exhibited better protection compared to the
other doses against HD induced by 3-NP. More detailed studies based on molecular targets are
needed for the Boswellia serrata to transition from the bench to the bedside for use as an adjuvant
in HD patients.