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1: Transplant Proc 2001 Feb-Mar;33(1-2):539-41 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
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Boswellic acid, a potent antiinflammatory drug, inhibits rejection to the same extent as high dose steroids.

Dahmen U, Gu YL, Dirsch O, Fan LM, Li J, Shen K, Broelsch CE.

Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany

PMID: 11266947 [PubMed - in process]


2: Biofactors 2000;13(1-4):225-30 Related Articles, Books

Anti-tumor and anti-carcinogenic activities of triterpenoid, beta-boswellic acid.

Huan MT, Badmaev V, Ding Y, Liu Y, Xie JG, Ho CT.

Laboratory for Cancer Research, College of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8020, USA. mthuang@rci.rutgers.edu

Boswellin (BE), a methanol extract of the gum resin exudate of Boswellia serrata, contains naturally occurring triterpenoids, beta-boswellic acid and its structural related derivatives, has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory and arthritic diseases. Topical application of BE to the backs of mice markedly inhibited 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced increases in skin inflammation, epidermal proliferation, the number of epidermal cell layers, and tumor promotion in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-initiated mice. Feeding 0.2% of BE in the diet to CF-1 mice for 10-24 weeks reduced the accumulation of parametrial fat pad weight under the abdomen, and inhibited azoxymethane (AOM)-induced formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) by 46%. Addition of pure beta-boswellic acid, 3-O-acetyl-beta-boswellic acid, 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid or 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid to human leukemia HL-60 cell culture inhibited DNA synthesis in HL-60 cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 values ranging from 0.6 to 7.1 microM. These results indicate that beta-boswellic acid and its derivatives (the major constituents of Boswellin) have anti-carcinogenic, anti-tumor, and anti-hyperlipidemic activities.

PMID: 11237186 [PubMed - in process]


3: Z Gastroenterol 2001 Jan;39(1):11-7 Related Articles, Books



[Article in German]

Gerhardt H, Seifert F, Buvari P, Vogelsang H, Repges R.

Colitis-Crohn-Ambulanz, I. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum Mannheim der Universitat Heidelberg.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this clinical trial was to compare efficacy and safety of the Boswellia serrata extract H15 with mesalazine for the treatment of active Crohn's disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Randomised, double-blind, verum-controlled, parallel group comparison for which 102 Patients were randomised. The per protocol population included 44 patients treated with H15 and 39 patients treated with mesalazine. As primary outcome measure the change of the Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) between the status of enrolment and end of therapy was chosen. H 15 was tested on non-inferiority compared to standard treatment with mesalazine. RESULTS: The CDAI between the status of enrolment and end of therapy after treatment with H15 was reduced by 90 and after therapy with mesalazine by 53 scores in the mean. In this non-inferiority-trial the test hypothesis was confirmed by the statistical analysis. The difference between both treatments could not be proven to be statistically significant in favor to H15 for the primary outcome measure. The secondary efficacy endpoints confirm the assessment of the comparison of H15 and mesalazine. The proven tolerability of H15 completes the results of the shown clinical efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms that therapy with H15 is not inferior to mesalazine. This can be interpreted as evidence for the efficacy of H15 according to the state of art in the treatment of active Crohn's disease with Boswellia serrata extract, since the efficacy of mesalazine for this indication has been approved by the health authorities. Considering both safety and efficacy of Boswellia serrata extract H15 it appears to be superior over mesalazine in terms of a benefit-risk-evaluation.

PMID: 11215357 [PubMed - in process]


4: Planta Med 2000 Dec;66(8):781-2 Related Articles, Books

3-Acetoxy group of genuine AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid) is alpha-configurated.

Schweizer S, Eichele K, Ammon HP, Safayhi H.

The pentacyclic triterpenoid 3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) from the resin of Boswellia spec. is a potent inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). We noticed discrepancies in the nomenclature and stereochemistry of the 3-acetoxy group of boswellic acids. Isolation of AKBA under mild conditions and the data from the first X-ray crystallography study evidence the 3 alpha-orientation of AKBA's acetoxy function.

Publication Types:
  • Letter

PMID: 11199146 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


5: Altern Med Rev 2001 Feb;6(1):20-47 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
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The etiologies, pathophysiology, and alternative/complementary treatment of asthma.

Miller AL.

Technical Advisor, Thorne Research, Inc; Senior Editor, Alternative Medicine Review. Correspondence address: PO Box 25, Dover, ID 83825. E-mail: alan@thorne.com

A chronic inflammatory disorder of the respiratory airways, asthma is characterized by bronchial airway inflammation resulting in increased mucus production and airway hyper-responsiveness. The resultant symptomatology includes episodes of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Asthma is a multifactorial disease process with genetic, allergic, environmental, infectious, emotional, and nutritional components. The underlying pathophysiology of asthma is airway inflammation. The underlying process driving and maintaining the asthmatic inflammatory process appears to be an abnormal or inadequately regulated CD4+ T-cell immune response. The T-helper 2 (Th2) subset produces cytokines including interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, and IL-13, which stimulate the growth, differentiation, and recruitment of mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, and B-cells, all of which are involved in humoral immunity, inflammation, and the allergic response. In asthma, this arm of the immune response is overactive, while Th1 activity, generally corresponding more to cell-mediated immunity, is dampened. It is not yet known why asthmatics have this out-of-balance immune activity, but genetics, viruses, fungi, heavy metals, nutrition, and pollution all can be contributors. A plant lipid preparation containing sterols and sterolins has been shown to dampen Th2 activity. Antioxidant nutrients, especially vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc appear to be necessary in asthma treatment. Vitamins B6 and B12 also may be helpful. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, the flavonoid quercetin, and botanicals Tylophora asthmatica, Boswellia serrata and Petasites hybridus address the inflammatory component. Physical modalities, including yoga, massage, biofeedback, acupuncture, and chiropractic can also be of help.

PMID: 11207455 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]


6: Phytother Res 2000 Nov;14(7):510-6 Related Articles, Books

Inhibitory effects of sudanese medicinal plant extracts on hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease.

Hussein G, Miyashiro H, Nakamura N, Hattori M, Kakiuchi N, Shimotohno K.

Institute of Natural Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan.

One hundred fifty-two methanol and water extracts of different parts of 71 plants commonly used in Sudanese traditional medicine were screened for their inhibitory effects on hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease (PR) using in vitro assay methods. Thirty-four extracts showed significant inhibitory activity (>/=60% inhibition at 100 microg/mL). Of these, eight extracts, methanol extracts of Acacia nilotica, Boswellia carterii, Embelia schimperi, Quercus infectoria, Trachyspermum ammi and water extracts of Piper cubeba, Q. infectoria and Syzygium aromaticum, were the most active (>/=90% inhibition at 100 microg/mL). From the E. schimperi extract, two benzoquinones, embelin (I) and 5-O-methylembelin (II), were isolated and found as potent HCV-PR inhibitors with IC(50) values of 21 and 46 microM, respectively. Inhibitory activities of derivatives of I against HCV-PR as well as their effects on other serine proteases were also investigated.Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID: 11054840 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


7: Klin Padiatr 2000 Jul-Aug;212(4):189-95 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut

Boswellic acids in the palliative therapy of children with progressive or relapsed brain tumors.

Janssen G, Bode U, Breu H, Dohrn B, Engelbrecht V, Gobel U.

Klinik fur Padiatrische Hamatologie und Onkologie, Universitat Dusseldorf.

19 children and adolescents with intracranial tumors received a palliative therapy with H 15 at a maximum dose of 126 mg/kg BW/day. All patients had previously been treated with conventional therapy. No side effects were observed during a median 9 months application. The recently reported antiedematous effect of H 15 was documented by MRI in one patient with a peritumoral edema, thus sparing steroid therapy with its typical side effects. Five/19 children reported an improvement of their general health status; this might be a psychological effect of hope for tumor response during palliative care. Three/17 patients with malignant tumors showed a mainly transient improvement of neurological symptoms such as pareses and ataxia. Three further patients showed an increased muscular strength and one cachectic patient achieved a weight gain. These improvements might be attributed to the antiedematous effect of H 15. Because of the palliative situation of these patients, H 15 application was performed without prior rebiopsy for histological evaluation. Overlapping effects with a previous radiotherapy or chemotherapy may have occurred. An antiproliferative effect cannot be stated. To prevent an uncritical use of H 15, further studies with prospective central documentation have to be initiated to evaluate the clinical indications for H 15 in palliative therapy, optimal dosage and duration of application.

PMID: 10994549 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


8: J Org Chem 2000 Sep 22;65(19):6278-82 Related Articles, Books

Synthesis of beta-Boswellic acid analogues with a carboxyl group at C-17 isolated from the bark of Schefflera octophylla.

Bore L, Honda T, Gribble GW.

Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755-3564, USA.

PMID: 10987979 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


9: J Nat Prod 2000 Aug;63(8):1058-61 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
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Workup-dependent formation of 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory boswellic acid analogues.

Schweizer S, von Brocke AF, Boden SE, Bayer E, Ammon HP, Safayhi H.

Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, D-72076 Tubingen, Germany.

Pentacyclic triterpenes from the 11-keto-boswellic acid series were identified as the active principal ingredients of Boswellia resin, inhibiting the key enzyme of leukotriene biosynthesis, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). Of the genuine boswellic acids hitherto characterized, 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid, AKBA (1), proved to be the most potent inhibitor of 5-LO. In the course of purification of further boswellic acid derivatives from Boswellia resin, we observed the degradation of the natural compound 3-O-acetyl-11-hydroxy-beta-boswellic acid (2) to the thermodynamically more stable product 3-O-acetyl-9, 11-dehydro-beta-boswellic acid (4). The metastable intermediate of this conversion, under moderate conditions of workup in methanolic solutions, was identified as 3-O-acetyl-11-methoxy-beta-boswellic acid (3). The novel artifactual boswellic acid derivatives inhibited 5-LO product formation in intact cells with different characteristics: 4 almost totally abolished 5-LO activity, with an IC(50) of 0.75 microM, whereas 3 and 9,11-dehydro-beta-boswellic acid (5), the deacetylated analogue of 4, were incomplete inhibitors. The data suggest that the conditions chosen for the workup of Boswellia extracts could significantly influence the potency of their biological actions and their potential therapeutic effectiveness.

PMID: 10978197 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


10: Jpn J Pharmacol 2000 Jun;83(2):150-3 Related Articles, Books

Behavioral effects of plant-derived essential oils in the geller type conflict test in mice.

Umezu T.

Environmental Health Science Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Ibaraki, Japan.

The present study was conducted to further explore plant-derived essential oils that possess an anticonflict effect using the Geller type conflict test in ICR mice. The benzodiazepine anxiolytic diazepam increased the response (lever pressing) rate during the alarm period (i.e., an anticonflict effect), but the 5-HT1A partial agonist buspirone did not. Oils of juniper, cypress, geranium and jasmine did not produce any effect in this test. Frankincense oil decreased the response rate during the safe period at 1600 mg/kg, but did not exhibit any effect on the response rate during the alarm period. In contrast, lavender oil increased the response rate during the alarm period in a dose-dependent manner in the same manner as diazepam. These results indicate that not only rose oil but also lavender oil possess an anticonflict effect in mice.

PMID: 10928328 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


11: J Neurooncol 2000;46(2):97-103 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut

Boswellic acids inhibit glioma growth: a new treatment option?

Winking M, Sarikaya S, Rahmanian A, Jodicke A, Boker DK.

Neurosurgical Clinic, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Germany.

Conventional malignant glioma therapy (surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy) does not yield satisfying results. The prognosis of the glioma patient depends more on the histological grading of the tumor and patient's age than on the therapy. Especially the adjuvant chemotherapy failed to date to influence survival time in glioma patients significantly. To improve results in malignant glioma therapy additional therapeutic regimes are necessary. In an earlier study we were able to show a significant reduction on perifocal edema by an extract from gum resin (EGR) accompanied with a clinical improvement in patients with malignant glioma. Also a decrease of urinary LTE4-excretion as a metabolite of leukotriene synthesis in brain tumors was observed. Furthermore we had found a proliferation inhibiting activity of the extract form EGR, the boswellic acids in cell cultures. The purpose of this experimental study was to elucidate the effects of the boswellic acids, which are constituents of an extract from gum resin on tumor growth in vivo. Female wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were treated with the drug 14 days after inoculation of C6 tumor cells into their right caudate nucleus and randomization into 4 groups. The treatment groups received different dosages and were compared to a control group without any additional treatment. Survival time of the rats in the highest dosage group (3 x 240 mg/kg body weight) was more than twice as long as in the control group (P < 0.05). In a second experiment the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation was examined. The C6 tumor cells were implanted into the caudate nucleus. Drug treatment was started immediately after implantation and stopped after 14 days. The animals were sacrificed and the brains were examined microscopically. Comparing low and high dosage of EGR treatment a significant difference in tumor volume was detected (P < 0.05). The proportion of apoptotic tumor cells in animals with high dose treatment was significantly larger than in the low dose (treatment) group (P < 0.05). These data demonstrate an influence of EGR in rat glioma growth and might represent a new therapeutic option on glioma treatment in man in future. Further experimental work on human gliomas is needed to definitively answer this question.

PMID: 10894362 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


12: Mol Pharmacol 2000 Jul;58(1):71-81 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
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Acetyl-boswellic acids are novel catalytic inhibitors of human topoisomerases I and IIalpha.

Syrovets T, Buchele B, Gedig E, Slupsky JR, Simmet T.

Department of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Ulm, Germany.

Acetyl-boswellic acids (acetyl-BA) are pentacyclic triterpenes derived from the gum resin of frankincense. We have previously shown that these compounds are effective cytotoxic agents, acting through a mechanism that appears to involve the inhibition of topoisomerase activity. We have now investigated the mechanism of action of acetyl-BA and show that these compounds are more potent inhibitors of human topoisomerases I and IIalpha than camptothecin, and amsacrine or etoposide, respectively. Our data demonstrate that acetyl-BA and, to a lesser extent, some other pentacyclic triterpenes, such as betulinic acid, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid, inhibit topoisomerases I and IIalpha through a mechanism that does not involve stabilization of the cleavable complex or the intercalation of DNA. Surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed that topoisomerases I and IIalpha bind directly to an immobilized derivative of acetyl-BA. This acetyl-BA derivative interacts with human topoisomerases through high-affinity binding sites yielding K(D) values of 70.6 nM for topoisomerase I and 7.6 nM for topoisomerase IIalpha. Based on our data, we propose that acetyl-BA inhibit topoisomerases I and IIalpha through competition with DNA for binding to the enzyme. Thus, acetyl-BA are a unique class of dual catalytic inhibitors of human topoisomerases I and IIalpha.

PMID: 10860928 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


13: Planta Med 2000 Mar;66(2):110-3 Related Articles, Books

Concentration-dependent potentiating and inhibitory effects of Boswellia extracts on 5-lipoxygenase product formation in stimulated PMNL.

Safayhi H, Boden SE, Schweizer S, Ammon HP.

Department of Pharmacology, University of Tuebingen, Germany. hasan.safayhi@uni-tuebingen.de

Preparations from the gum of Boswellia spec. have been used in the traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Extracts from B. serrata gum were shown to inhibit leukotriene biosynthesis by impairing the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) activity. In order to identify the minimal effective concentrations of extracts in vitro we studied the effects of ethanolic extracts from commercially available resins from two regions (B. serrata gum from India and Olibanum in granis from Arabia) on the 5-LO product formation from endogenous substrate in calcium and ionophore stimulated neutrophils in a defined concentration range. Both extracts inhibited 5-LO product formation in vitro in concentrations greater than 10 to 15 micrograms/ml as reported previously for an ethanolic B. serrata extract. In contrast, lower concentrations of extracts (1 to 10 micrograms/ml) even potentiated 5-LO product formation, especially the biosynthesis of 5(S)-HETE. The in vitro data underline the major importance of drug standardization when Boswellia resin containing preparations are used for the treatment of diseases.

PMID: 10763581 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


14: Am J Bot 1999 Jul;86(7):1047 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
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Nuclear ribosomal DNA phylogeny and its implications for evolutionary trends in Mexican Bursera (Burseraceae).

Becerra JX, Venable DL.

Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721.

The genus Bursera (Burseraceae) is one of the most diversified and abundant groups of plants of the tropical dry forests of Mexico. In order to provide a basis for better understanding of its evolutionary biology, we reconstructed a phylogeny of 57 species and varieties using the nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS1 and ITS2) of 18S-26S and the 5.8S coding region of nuclear ribosomal DNA. We used four species of the allied genera Commiphora and Boswellia and one species of Spondias (Anacardiaceae) as outgroups. Our results support the views that Bursera is monophyletic and more closely related to Commiphora than to Boswellia. The division of Bursera into sections Bullockia and Bursera is also strongly supported by our phylogeny. Several other subclades also had high bootstrap values, especially within section Bursera. We use the phylogeny as a basis for discussing evolutionary tendencies in bark, leaves, breeding systems, and fruits.

PMID: 10406728 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]


15: Br J Cancer 1999 May;80(5-6):756-65 Related Articles, Books

Boswellic acids and malignant glioma: induction of apoptosis but no modulation of drug sensitivity.

Glaser T, Winter S, Groscurth P, Safayhi H, Sailer ER, Ammon HP, Schabet M, Weller M.

Department of Neurology, University of Tubingen, Germany.

Steroids are essential for the control of oedema in human malignant glioma patients but may interfere with the efficacy of chemotherapy. Boswellic acids are phytotherapeutic anti-inflammatory agents that may be alternative drugs to corticosteroids in the treatment of cerebral oedema. Here, we report that boswellic acids are cytotoxic to malignant glioma cells at low micromolar concentrations. In-situ DNA end labelling and electron microscopy reveal that boswellic acids induce apoptosis. Boswellic acid-induced apoptosis requires protein, but not RNA synthesis, and is neither associated with free radical formation nor blocked by free radical scavengers. The levels of BAX and BCL-2 proteins remain unaltered during boswellic acid-induced apoptosis. p21 expression is induced by boswellic acids via a p53-independent pathway. Ectopic expression of wild-type p53 also induces p21, and facilitates boswellic acid-induced apoptosis. However, targeted disruption of the p21 genes in colon carcinoma cells enhances rather than decreases boswellic acid toxicity. Ectopic expression of neither BCL-2 nor the caspase inhibitor, CRM-A, is protective. In contrast to steroids, subtoxic concentrations of boswellic acids do not interfere with cancer drug toxicity of glioma cells in acute cytotoxicity or clonogenic cell death assays. Also, in contrast to steroids, boswellic acids synergize with the cytotoxic cytokine, CD95 ligand, in inducing glioma cell apoptosis. This effect is probably mediated by inhibition of RNA synthesis and is not associated with changes of CD95 expression at the cell surface. Further studies in laboratory animals and in human patients are required to determine whether boswellic acids may be a useful adjunct to the medical management of human malignant glioma.

PMID: 10360653 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


16: Leuk Res 1999 Jan;23(1):43-50 Related Articles, Books

Boswellic acid acetate induces differentiation and apoptosis in leukemia cell lines.

Jing Y, Nakajo S, Xia L, Nakaya K, Fang Q, Waxman S, Han R.

Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China. jing@msvax.mssm.edu

Boswellic acid acetate (BC-4), a compound isolated from the herb Boswellia carterii Birdw., can induce differentiation and apoptosis of leukemia cells. Based on cell morphology and NBT reduction, BC-4 induced monocytic differentiation of myeloid leukemia HL-60, U937 and ML-1 cells at a dose under 12.5 microg/ml (24.2 microM). BC-4 was a potent inducer, with 90% of the cells showing morphologic changes and 80-90% of the cells showing NBT reduction. Specific and non-specific esterase were also increased by BC-4. Based on benzidine staining assay, BC-4 failed to induce erythroid leukemia DS-19 and K562 cells differentiation. In contrast to its selective differentiation effect, BC-4 strongly inhibited growth of all cell lines tested. The growth inhibition effect was dose- and time-dependent. In HL-60 cells, 20 microg/ml (38.8 microM) of BC-4 decreased viable cell number by 60% at 24 h, whereas at 3 days there was virtually no viable cells. Morphologic and DNA fragmentation analysis proved that BC-4 induced cell apoptosis. The dual apoptotic and differentiation effects of BC-4 suggest that it may be a powerful agent in the treatment of leukemia.

PMID: 9933134 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


17: Eur J Med Res 1998 Nov 17;3(11):511-4 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut

Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study.

Gupta I, Gupta V, Parihar A, Gupta S, Ludtke R, Safayhi H, Ammon HP.

Pharmakologie fur Naturwissenschaftler, Pharmazeutisches Institut der Universitat Tubingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, D-72076 Tubingen, Germany.

The gum resin of Boswellia serrata, known in Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine as Salai guggal, contains boswellic acids, which have been shown to inhibit leukotriene biosynthesis. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study forty patients, 23 males and 17 females in the age range of 18 - 75 years having mean duration of illness, bronchial asthma, of 9.58 +/- 6.07 years were treated with a preparation of gum resin of 300 mg thrice daily for a period of 6 weeks. 70% of patients showed improvement of disease as evident by disappearance of physical symptoms and signs such as dyspnoea, rhonchi, number of attacks, increase in FEV subset1, FVC and PEFR as well as decrease in eosinophilic count and ESR. In the control group of 40 patients 16 males and 24 females in the age range of 14-58 years with mean of 32.95 +/- 12.68 were treated with lactose 300 mg thrice daily for 6 weeks. Only 27% of patients in the control group showed improvement. The data show a definite role of gum resin of Boswellia serrata in the treatment of bronchial asthma.

Publication Types:
  • Clinical trial
  • Randomized controlled trial

PMID: 9810030 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


18: Altern Med Rev 1998 Aug;3(4):306-7 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
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Boswellia serrata.

PMID: 9734240 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


19: Altern Med Rev 1998 Aug;3(4):306-7 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
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Monograph:Boswellia serrata.

Boswellia serrata is a moderate to large branching tree found in India, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. Strips of bark are peeled away, yielding a gummy oleo-resin which contains oils, terpenoids, and gum. Up to 16 percent of the resin is essential oil, the majority being alpha thujene and p-cymene. Four pentacyclic triterpene acids are also present, with beta-Boswellic acid being the major constituent. Extracts of this gummy exudate have been traditionally used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine as an anti-arthritic. In vitro testing revealed Boswellia specifically, and in a dose-dependent manner, blocks the synthesis of pro-inflammatory 5-lipoxygenase products, including 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4), which cause bronchoconstriction, chemotaxis, and increased vascular permeability. Other anti-inflammatory plant constituents, such as quercetin, also block this enzyme, but they do so in a more general fashion, as an antioxidant; whereas, Boswellia seems to be a specific inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase. Human clinical studies are woefully lacking for this substance, and need to be conducted to better elucidate its effects in humans, as well as to determine optimal dosing. Animal and in vitro studies suggest it is useful for many inflammatory and bronchoconstrictive conditions.

PMID: 9727081 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]


20: Arzneimittelforschung 1998 Jun;48(6):668-74 Related Articles, Books

Effects of boswellic acids extracted from a herbal medicine on the biosynthesis of leukotrienes and the course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Wildfeuer A, Neu IS, Safayhi H, Metzger G, Wehrmann M, Vogel U, Ammon HP.

Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Ulm, Germany.

Mixed acetylboswellic acids, pentacyclic triterpenes extracted from the gum resin of Boswellia serrata Roxb., significantly inhibited the ionophore-stimulated release of the leukotrienes (LT) B4 and C4 from intact human polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes (PMNLs), with IC50 values of 8.48 micrograms/ml and 8.43 micrograms/ml, respectively. Purified acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid was about three times more potent as inhibitor of the formation of both LTB4 (IC50 = 2.53 micrograms/ml) and LTC4 (IC50 = 2.26 micrograms/ml) from human PMNLs in the same assay. The comparative agent MK 886 (3-[1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-t-butyl-thio-5-isopropylindol-2-yl]- 2,2-dimethylpropanoic acid, L-663,536, CAS 118, 414-82-7) was about 10 to 100-fold more active than the boswellic acids in inhibiting the formation of 5-lipoxygenase products in human PMNLs, with IC50 values of 0.0068 microgram/ml (LTB4) and 0.49 microgram/ml (LTC4). After daily intraperitoneal dosage the extract of mixed acetylboswellic acids (20 mg/kg) significantly reduced the clinical symptoms in guinea pigs with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) between days 11 and 21. However, the inflammatory infiltrates in the brain and the spinal cord were not significantly less extensive in the treated animals than in the respective control group. The multiple intraperitoneal application of boswellic acids did not inhibit the ionophore-challenged ex vivo release of leukotrienes B4 and C4 from PMNLs separated from the blood of guinea pigs with EAE. The boswellic acids have thus been characterized as selective, non-redox and potent inhibitors of the biosynthesis of leukotrienes in vitro.

PMID: 9689425 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


21: Planta Med 1998 May;64(4):328-31 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut

Inhibitory activity of boswellic acids from Boswellia serrata against human leukemia HL-60 cells in culture.

Shao Y, Ho CT, Chin CK, Badmaev V, Ma W, Huang MT.

Department of Plant Science, Cook College, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, USA.

Four major triterpene acids including beta-boswellic acid (1), 3-O-acetyl-beta-boswellic acid (2), 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (3), and 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (4) were isolated from the gum resin of Boswellia serrata and examined for their in vitro antitumor activity. They inhibited the synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein in human leukemia HL-60 cells in a dose dependent manner with IC50 values ranging from 0.6 to 7.1 microM. Among them, compound 4 induced the most pronounced inhibitory effects on DNA, RNA and protein synthesis with IC50 values of 0.6, 0.5, and 4.1 microM, respectively. The effect of 4 on DNA synthesis was found to be irreversible. Compound 4 significantly inhibited the cellular growth of HL-60 cells, but did not affect cell viability.

PMID: 9619114 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


22: Z Rheumatol 1998 Feb;57(1):11-6 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
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[Is H15 (resin extract of Boswellia serrata, "incense") a useful supplement to established drug therapy of chronic polyarthritis? Results of a double-blind pilot study].

[Article in German]

Sander O, Herborn G, Rau R.

Rheumatologische Klinik, Evangelisches Fachkrankenhaus Ratingen.

BACKGROUND: Leukotrienes and prostaglandines are important mediators of inflammation. While prostaglandine synthesis can be influenced by NSAIDs therapeutical approaches to the 5-lipoxygenase pathway are rare. Resinous extracts of Boswellia serrata (H15, indish incense), known from traditional ayurvedic medicine, decrease leukotriene synthesis in vitro. Case reports suggest a clinical role for that drug. METHODS: Outpatients with active RA have been enrolled into a multicenter controlled trial. Patients received 9 tablets of active drug (3600 mg) or placebo daily in addition to their previous therapy. Doses of NSAIDs could be adjusted on demand. Efficacy parameters, Ritchies Index for swelling and pain, ESR, CRP, pain on VAS and NSAID dose were documented at baseline and 6 and 12 weeks after initiation. Mean values and medians were calculated to compare the groups for significant or clinically relevant change from baseline or difference between both groups at any time point of observation. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients were recruited in 4 centers, the data have been published in abstract form. Only 37 patients (verum 18, placebo 19), enrolled in Ratingen were available for detailed efficacy and safety analysis. All evaluations in these patients were performed by one investigator (G.H.). There was no subjective, clinical or laboratory parameter showing a significant or clinically relevant change from baseline or difference between both groups at any time point of observation. The mean NSAID dose reduction reached levels of 5.8% (H15) and 3.1% (placebo). One patient in each group showed a good response in all parameters but 4 patients in each group worsened. The others showed no alteration of their disease. CONCLUSION: Treatment with H15 showed no measurable efficacy. Controlled studies including a greater patient population are necessary to confirm or reject our results.

Publication Types:
  • Clinical trial
  • Controlled clinical trial
  • Multicenter study

PMID: 9566100 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


23: J Ethnopharmacol 1997 Nov;58(3):183-7 Related Articles, Books

A preliminary study of the effect of essential oils on skeletal and smooth muscle in vitro.

Lis-Balchin M, Hart S.

School of Applied Science, South Bank University, London, UK.

The pharmacological activity of nine commercial essential oils was studied on the rat isolated phrenic nerve diaphragm preparation and compared with activity on field-stimulated guinea-pig ileum preparations. The essential oils at final bath concentrations of 2 x 10(-5) and 2 x 10(-4) g/ml produced four different effects on skeletal muscle, whilst only a contracture with or without a decrease in response to field stimulation in smooth muscle. The first type of effect on skeletal muscle involved a contracture and inhibition of the twitch response to nerve stimulation shown by a sample of clary sage, dill, fennel, frankincense and nutmeg; a second, shown by thyme produced a contracture without a change in the twitch response; a third, shown by lavender reduced the twitch response alone and the fourth, shown by camphor, increased the size of the twitch response. Angelica root oil at the highest concentration studied showed no response on skeletal muscle.

PMID: 9421254 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


24: Eur J Med Res 1996 May 24;1(8):369-70 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut

Salai Guggal - Boswellia serrata: from a herbal medicine to a non-redox inhibitor of leukotriene biosynthesis.

Ammon HP.

Publication Types:
  • Editorial
  • Review
  • Review, tutorial

PMID: 9360935 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


25: J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1997 Apr;281(1):460-3 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Click here to read
Inhibition by boswellic acids of human leukocyte elastase.

Safayhi H, Rall B, Sailer ER, Ammon HP.

Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tuebingen, Germany.

Frankincense extracts and boswellic acids, biologically active pentacyclic triterpenes of frankincense, block leukotriene biosynthesis and exert potent anti-inflammatory effects. Screening for additional effects of boswellic acids on further proinflammatory pathways, we observed that acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid, an established direct, nonredox and noncompetitive 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, decreased the activity of human leukocyte elastase (HLE) in vitro with an IC50 value of about 15 microM. Among the pentacyclic triterpenes tested in concentrations up to 20 microM, we also observed substantial inhibtion by beta-boswellic acid, amyrin and ursolic acid, but not by 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid. The data show that the dual inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase and HLE is unique to boswellic acids: other pentacyclic triterpenes with HLE inhibitory activities (e.g., ursolic acid and amyrin) do not inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, and leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitors from different chemical classes (e.g., NDGA, MK-886 and ZM-230,487) do not impair HLE activity. Because leukotriene formation and HLE release are increased simultaneously by neutrophil stimulation in a variety of inflammation- and hypersensitivity-based human diseases, the reported blockade of two proinflammatory enzymes by boswellic acids might be the rationale for the putative antiphlogistic activity of acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid and derivatives.

PMID: 9103531 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


26: Eur J Med Res 1997 Jan;2(1):37-43 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut

Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Gupta I, Parihar A, Malhotra P, Singh GB, Ludtke R, Safayhi H, Ammon HP.

Department of Medicine, Govt. Medical College, Jammu, J&K, India.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon where leukotrienes are suggested to play an important role for keeping inflammation active. Boswellic acids, the biologically active ingredients of the gum resin of Boswellia serrata (Sallai guggal), have been shown to be specific, nonredox and noncompetitive inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase, the key enzyme of leukotriene biosynthesis. In patients suffering from ulcerative colitis grade II and III the effect of Boswellia serrata gum resin preparation (350 mg thrice daily for 6 weeks) on stool properties, histolopathology and scan microscopy of rectal biopsies, blood parameters including Hb, serum iron, calcium, phosphorus, proteins, total leukocytes and eosinophils was studied. Patients receiving sulfasalazine (1 g thrice daily) served as controls. All parameters tested improved after treatment with Boswellia serrata gum resin, the results being similar compared to controls: 82% out of treated patients went into remission; in case of sulfasalazine remission rate was 75%.

Publication Types:
  • Clinical trial
  • Controlled clinical trial

PMID: 9049593 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


27: Chin Med Sci J 1994 Mar;9(1):61-9 Related Articles, Books

Recent progress in the study of anticancer drugs originating from plants and traditional medicines in China.

Han R.

Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing.

Drugs of plant origin have received much attention due to their enormous potential for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Recent progress in the study of anticancer drugs originating from plants and traditional medicines in China is reviewed in this paper, with particular emphasis on taxol, daidzein, acetyl boswellic acid, curcumin and ginsenosid Rh2.

Publication Types:
  • Review
  • Review, tutorial

PMID: 7916218 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


28: Stem Cells 1994 Jan;12(1):53-63 Related Articles, Books

Highlight on the studies of anticancer drugs derived from plants in China.

Han R.

Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing.

Recent progress on the study of anticancer drugs originating from plants in China is reviewed in this paper. Guided by the experience of traditional Chinese medicine, several new drugs have been found. Indirubin from Indigofera tinctoria is useful for the treatment of chronic myelocytic leukemia. Irisquinone from Iris latea pallasii and 10-hydroxy camptothecin from Camptotheca accuminata have exhibited definite activity on rodent tumors. Recent studies indicate that ginsenoside Rh2 is an inducer of cell differentiation in melanoma B-16 cells in vitro. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that curcumin from Curcuma longa is an antimutagen as well as an antipromotor for cancer. Daidzein and acetyl boswellic acid have been shown to be effective inducers of cell differentiation in HL-60 cells. Guided by the chemotaxonomic principle of plants, harringtonine and homoharringtonine isolated from Cephalotaxus hainanesis have exhibited significant antileukemia activity and are widely used in clinics in China. Taxol from Taxus chinensis has been shown to be an important new anticancer drug with unique chemical structure and mechanism of action. The continuous search for new anticancer drugs from plants will be a fruitful frontier in cancer treatment and chemoprevention.

PMID: 8142920 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


29: N C Med J 1993 Dec;54(12):620-2 Related Articles, Books

Gold, frankincense, myrrh, and medicine.

Greene DA.

Kaiser Permanente, Raleigh 27612.

Publication Types:
  • Historical article

PMID: 8302372 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


30: J Ethnopharmacol 1993 Mar;38(2-3):113-9 Related Articles, Books

Mechanism of antiinflammatory actions of curcumine and boswellic acids.

Ammon HP, Safayhi H, Mack T, Sabieraj J.

Department of Pharmacology, Eberhard-Karls University, Tubingen, FRG.

Curcumine from Curcuma longa and the gum resin of Boswellia serrata, which were demonstrated to act as anti-inflammatories in in vivo animal models, were studied in a set of in vitro experiments in order to elucidate the mechanism of their beneficial effects. Curcumine inhibited the 5-lipoxygenase activity in rat peritoneal neutrophils as well as the 12-lipoxygenase and the cyclooxygenase activities in human platelets. In a cell free peroxidation system curcumine exerted strong antioxidative activity. Thus, its effects on the dioxygenases are probably due to its reducing capacity. Boswellic acids were isolated from the gum resin of Boswellia serrata and identified as the active principles. Boswellic acids inhibited the leukotriene synthesis via 5-lipoxygenase, but did not affect the 12-lipoxygenase and the cyclooxygenase activities. Additionally, boswellic acids did not impair the peroxidation of arachidonic acid by iron and ascorbate. The data suggest that boswellic acids are specific, non-redox inhibitors of leukotriene synthesis either interacting directly with 5-lipoxygenase or blocking its translocation.

PMID: 8510458 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


31: Planta Med 1993 Feb;59(1):12-6 Related Articles, Books

Anti-inflammatory activity of resins from some species of the plant family Burseraceae.

Duwiejua M, Zeitlin IJ, Waterman PG, Chapman J, Mhango GJ, Provan GJ.

Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Royal College, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland.

The anti-inflammatory activities of extracts from the resins of four species of the plant family Burseraceae, Boswellia dalzielli, Boswellia carteri (gum olibanum), Commiphora mukul, and Commiphora incisa, were studied. The aqueous extracts of the resins of B. dalzielli, C. incisa, and C. mukul significantly inhibited both the maximal edema response and the total edema response during 6 h of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. The octanordammarane triterpenes, mansumbinone and mansumbinoic acid, isolated from the resin of C. incisa, were separated and tested. Administered prophylactically, mansumbinone proved to be more than 20 times less potent than indomethacin and prednisolone in inhibiting carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. However, the molar potency of mansumbinoic acid was within one order of magnitude of those of indomethacin and prednisolone. The anti-inflammatory action of the acid on the carrageenan-induced edema was dose-related between 1.3 x 10(-5) and 2.5 x 10(-4) mol kg-1 when given before the inflammatory stimulus. The acid was able to reverse an established carrageenan-induced inflammatory response when administered 2 h after induction. Daily administration of mansumbinoic acid at a single dose level (1.5 x 10(-4) mol kg-1) significantly reduced joint swelling in adjuvant arthritis in rats. The results indicated that this compound is worthy of further investigation as an anti-inflammatory drug.

PMID: 8441773 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


32: Yao Xue Xue Bao 1993;28(1):11-6 Related Articles, Books

[Combination induction of cell differentiation of HL-60 cells by daidzein (S86019) and BC-4 or Ara-C].

[Article in Chinese]

Jing YK, Han R.

Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing.

Experiments demonstrated that the cell differentiation of HL-60 cells induced by low concentrations of daidzein (S86019), BC-4 (active principle of Boswellia carterii Birdw) and Ara-C was not impressive. However, when they were used in combination 80% of HL-60 cells exhibited NBT reduction and 82% of the cells showed phagocytosis after four days exposure to daidzein and BC-4. When HL-60 cells were exposed to daidzein and Ara-c, 70% of the cells exhibited NBT reduction and phagocytosis. Flow cytometry indicated that the majority of the cells were blocked at G1 phase under the induction of combination of daidzein with BC-4 or Ara-C.

PMID: 8328263 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


33: Int J Immunopharmacol 1992 Oct;14(7):1139-43 Related Articles, Books

Anticomplementary activity of boswellic acids--an inhibitor of C3-convertase of the classical complement pathway.

Kapil A, Moza N.

Pharmacology Division, Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu Tawi, India.

Boswellic acids (BA), an anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic principle/s of Boswellia serrata, were found to possess anticomplementary activity. It inhibits the in vitro immunohaemolysis of antibody-coated sheep erythrocytes by pooled guinea-pig serum. The reduced immunohaemolysis was found to be due to inhibition of C3-convertase of the classical complement pathway. The threshold concentration for inhibiting C3-convertase was found to be 100 micrograms. However, higher concentrations of BA showed constant inhibitory effects on immunohaemolysis. BA also exhibited weak inhibitory effects on individual components of the complement system. In vivo administration of BA also showed the inhibitory effect on guinea-pig serum.

PMID: 1452399 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


34: J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 1992 Aug;28(1):15-9 Related Articles, Books

A sensitive and relevant model for evaluating anti-inflammatory activity-papaya latex-induced rat paw inflammation.

Gupta OP, Sharma N, Chand D.

Department of Pharmacology, Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu-Tawi, India.

A new model employing latex of papaya as an inflammagen has been developed for testing anti-inflammatory activity. The latex (exudate) was harvested from the unripe papaya fruit, which had been dried under vacuum. The latex was then suspended in 0.05 M sodium acetate buffer. This suspension when injected in rat hind paw produced concentration-dependent inflammation. Of the 0.25% of this suspension, 0.1 ml was found ideal for evaluating anti-inflammatory activity of test drugs. This concentration produced 70%-100% inflammation lasting for about 5 hr with a maximum effect at h 3. The test drugs employed were prednisolone, aspirin, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, ibuprofen, piroxicam, chloroquine, levamisole, and a mixture of boswellic acids. For comparison, these drugs were also tested against carrageenan-induced inflammation. All the test drugs--steroidal, aspirin, and non-aspirin-like--showed anti-inflammatory activity against latex-induced inflammation. The activity of chloroquine, levamisole, and boswellic acids was significantly more against latex as compared with that of the carrageenan model. The inflammation caused by latex may be attributed to both its hydrolytic enzymes--papain and chymopapain--and glutathione, the activator of these enzymes. These enzymes seem to act like lysosomal enzymes that are released in inflammatory disease processes which mediate inflammation by stimulating the synthesis of prostaglandins. The papaya latex-induced inflammation model appears to be a sensitive, broad-based, and relevant one likely to prove useful for discovering new and effective drugs against inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID: 1392054 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


35: J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1992 Jun;261(3):1143-6 Related Articles, Books

Boswellic acids: novel, specific, nonredox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase.

Safayhi H, Mack T, Sabieraj J, Anazodo MI, Subramanian LR, Ammon HP.

Department of Pharmacology, University of Tuebingen, FRG.

Isomers (alpha- and beta-) of boswellic acids (BAs), 11-keto-beta-BA and their acetyl derivatives were isolated from the gum resin of Boswellia serrata. BA and derivatives concentration dependently decreased the formation of leukotriene B4 from endogenous arachidonic acid in rat peritoneal neutrophils. Among the BAs, acetyl-11-keto-beta-BA induced the most pronounced inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) product formation with an IC50 of 1.5 microM. In contrast to the redox type 5-LO inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid, BA in concentrations up to 400 microM did not impair the cyclooxygenase and 12-lipoxygenase in isolated human platelets and the peroxidation of arachidonic acid by Fe-ascorbate. The data strongly suggest that BAs are specific, nonreducing-type inhibitors of the 5-LO product formation either interacting directly with the 5-LO or blocking its translocation.

PMID: 1602379 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


36: Chin Med Sci J 1992 Mar;7(1):12-5 Related Articles, Books

Growth inhibition and differentiation of promyelocytic cells (HL-60) induced by BC-4, an active principle from Boswellia carterii Birdw.

Jing Y, Xia L, Han R.

Institute of Materia Medica, CAMS, Beijing.

The induction of cell differentiation and growth inhibition of HL-60 cells by Bc-4, an active principle from Boswellia carterii, was studied in vitro and in vivo. The proliferation of HL-60 cells was found to be inhibited by Bc-4 at a concentration of 5-10 micrograms/ml. Under the action of Bc-4, the acid phosphatase and NBT reduction activities in HL-60 cells were increased, and phagocytosis of cells was also induced. All these activities were concentration dependent. The HL-60 cells were induced by Bc-4 to differentiate into more mature cells morphologically. The in vivo growth of HL-60 cells in mouse subrenal capsules (SRC) and in diffusion chambers inoculated into mice was inhibited by Bc-4 at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The morphology of HL-60 cells treated by Bc-4 in diffusion chambers exhibited characteristics of mature granulocytic cells.

PMID: 1421355 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


37: Carbohydr Res 1992 Jan;223:321-7 Related Articles, Books

Isolation and structure of a 4-O-methyl-glucuronoarabinogalactan from Boswellia serrata.

Sen AK Sr, Das AK, Banerji N, Vignon MR.

Department of Organic Chemistry (Carbohydrate), Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Jadavpur, Calcutta.

PMID: 1596930 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


38: J R Soc Med 1991 Oct;84(10):602-5 Related Articles, Books

Frankincense and myrrh as remedies in children.

Michie CA, Cooper E.

Tropical Metabolism Research Unit, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica.

Two cases of therapy with frankincense and myrrh in children are presented. The long history of this unusual treatment is outlined, demonstrating that for several millenia such agents have been employed in a number of medical contexts, as well as in the perfume and incense industries. Myrrh has found recent pharmacological application in the reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides, as predicted by several traditional therapies.

Publication Types:
  • Historical article

PMID: 1744842 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


39: Planta Med 1991 Jun;57(3):203-7 Related Articles, Books

Inhibition of leukotriene B4 formation in rat peritoneal neutrophils by an ethanolic extract of the gum resin exudate of Boswellia serrata.

Ammon HP, Mack T, Singh GB, Safayhi H.

Department of Pharmacology, University of Tubingen, Federal Republic of Germany.

Suspensions of rat peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) elicited with glycogen were stimulated by calcium and ionophore to produce leukotrienes and 5-HETE from endogenous arachidonic acid (AA). We investigated the effect of ethanolic extracts of the gum resin exudate of Boswellia serrata. A concentration-dependent inhibition of LTB4 and 5-HETE production by different charges of exudate extracts were found. All products of the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOx) from endogenous arachidonic acid (AA) in PMNL were reduced to the same extent by the extracts tested. The ethanolic extract of the gum resin also decreased 5-LOx mediated metabolisation of exogenously added AA to LTB4 and 5-HETE. Since steroidal-type anti-inflammatory drugs do not exert an immediate effect in the test system used, we conclude that the activity of the 5-LOx itself represents the side of inhibition by the gum resin extract. Therefore, an inhibition of 5-LOx catalysed mediator synthesis might be involved in the previously reported anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.

PMID: 1654575 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


40: Biochem Pharmacol 1991 May 15;41(10):1536-7 Related Articles, Books

Protection by boswellic acids against galactosamine/endotoxin-induced hepatitis in mice.

Safayhi H, Mack T, Ammon HP.

Department of Pharmacology, University of Tubingen, Federal Republic of Germany.

PMID: 2018558 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


41: J Ethnopharmacol 1991 May-Jun;33(1-2):91-5 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut

Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study.

Kulkarni RR, Patki PS, Jog VP, Gandage SG, Patwardhan B.

Bryamjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College, University of Poona, Pune, India.

The clinical efficacy of a herbomineral formulation containing roots of Withania somnifera, the stem of Boswellia serrata, rhizomes of Curcuma longa and a zinc complex (Articulin-F), was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over study in patients with osteoarthritis. After a one-month single blind run-in period, 42 patients with osteoarthritis were randomly allocated to receive either a drug treatment or a matching placebo for a period of three months. After a 15-day wash-out period the patients were transferred to the other treatment for a further period of three months. Clinical efficacy was evaluated every fortnight on the basis of severity of pain, morning stiffness, Ritchie articular index, joint score, disability score and grip strength. Other parameters like erythrocyte sedimentation rate and radiological examination were carried out on a monthly basis. Treatment with the herbomineral formulation produced a significant drop in severity of pain (P less than 0.001) and disability score (P less than 0.05). Radiological assessment, however, did not show any significant changes in both the groups. Side effects observed with this formulation did not necessitate withdrawal of treatment.

Publication Types:
  • Clinical trial
  • Randomized controlled trial

PMID: 1943180 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


42: Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 1991 Mar;12(2):108-14 Related Articles, Books

Determination of DNA topoisomerase II activity from L1210 cells--a target for screening antitumor agents.

Wang LG, Liu XM, Ji XJ.

Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing.

DNA topoisomerase II was isolated from mouse leukemia L1210 cells and the activity was determined by using P4 phage knotted DNA and pBR 322 DNA as the substrates. Based on these results, a method for screening antitumor agents by using DNA topoisomerase II as a target was established. The experiments showed that DNA topoisomerase II catalyzed pBR 322 DNA breaking and relaxing which were reversible and dependent on ATP. The activity was increased 2-4 times in the presence of ATP 1 mmol.L-1. In contrast with type II enzyme, the activity of DNA topoisomerase I was completely inhibited in the presence of ATP 1 mmol.L-1 and had full activity in the absence of ATP. Type II enzyme also showed the unknotting activity by using p4 phage knotted DNA as a substrate. DNA cleavage and relaxing reaction induced by type II enzyme increased 5-fold in the presence of Doxorubicin (Dox) 1 microgram.ml-1 or daunorubicin (Dau). Etoposide (Eto) and aclarubicin B (Acl B) also stimulated the reaction at 100 micrograms.ml-1. The cleavage reaction resulted from topoisomerase II was inhibited by other agents, such as frankincense extracts, terpenic compounds (BC series).

PMID: 1663690 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


43: Biochem Pharmacol 1989 Oct 15;38(20):3527-34 Related Articles, Books

Studies on the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans under the influence of new herbal anti-inflammatory agents.

Reddy GK, Chandrakasan G, Dhar SC.

Department of Biochemistry, Central Leather Research Institute, Madras, India.

The in vivo effect of an herbal based, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory product, salai guggal, prepared from the gum resin exudate of Boswellia serrata and its active principle "boswellic acids" on glycosaminoglycan metabolism has been studied in male albino rats. The biosynthesis of sulfated glycosaminoglycans, as evaluated by the uptake of [35S]sulfate, and the content of glycosaminoglycans were measured in specimens of skin, liver, kidney and spleen. Statistical analysis of the data obtained with respect to the boswellic acids and salai guggal were compared with those of ketoprofen. A significant reduction in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis was observed in rats treated with all of the drugs. Glycosaminoglycan content was found to be decreased in the ketoprofen-treated group, whereas that of the boswellic acids or salai guggal treated groups remained unaltered. The catabolism of glycosaminoglycans was followed by estimating the activities of lysosomal glycohydrolases, namely beta-glucuronidase, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, cathepsin B1, cathepsin B2 and cathepsin D, in tissues and by estimating the urinary excretion and hexosamine and uronic acid. The degradation of glycosaminoglycans was found to be reduced markedly in all drug-treated animals as compared to controls. The potential significance of boswellic acids and salai guggal was discussed in the light of changes in the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans.

PMID: 2818645 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


44: J R Soc Med 1989 Feb;82(2):124 Related Articles, Books

Gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Cameron A.

Publication Types:
  • Historical article
  • Letter

PMID: 2647989 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


45: Int J Immunopharmacol 1989;11(6):647-52 Related Articles, Books

Anti-arthritic activity of boswellic acids in bovine serum albumin (BSA)-induced arthritis.

Sharma ML, Bani S, Singh GB.

Discipline of Pharmacology, Regional Research Laboratory (CSIR), Jammu Tawi, India.

The effect of boswellic acids on bovine serum albumin (BSA)-induced arthritis in rabbits was studied. Oral administration of boswellic acids (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day) significantly reduced the population of leucocytes in a BSA-injected knee and changed the electrophoretic pattern of the synovial fluid proteins. The local injection of boswellic acids (5, 10 and 20 mg) into the knee 15 min prior to BSA challenge also significantly reduced the infiltration of leucocytes into the knee joint, reduced the infiltration of leucocytes into the pleural cavity and inhibited the migration of PMN in vitro. The leucocyte-inhibitory activity of boswellic acids was not due to its cytotoxic effect. The boswellic acids did not show any detergent or surfactant properties.

PMID: 2807636 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


46: Rev Elev Med Vet Pays Trop 1989;42(2):195-202 Related Articles, Books

Screening of some Nigerian plants for molluscicidal activity.

Kela SL, Ogunsusi RA, Ogbogu VC, Nwude N.

Methanolic (MEOH), evaporated crude water (ECW) and unevaporated crude water (UECW) extracts of 25 Nigerian plants, used for different medicinal and domestic purposes were screened for molluscacidal activity on laboratory-reared Lymnaea natalensis Krauss. Seven of the plants were not active; extracts from 18 (72 per cent) of the plants, some of which are renowned fish poisons, had molluscicidal activity. These were Acacia nilotica, Aristolochia albida, Balanites aegyptiaca, Blighia sapida, Boswellia dalzielii, Detarium microcarpum, Gnidia kraussiana, Kigelia africana, Nauclea latifolia, Opilia celtidefolia, Parkia clappertoniana, Polygonum limbatum, Pseudocedrela kotschyi, Sclerocarya birrea, Securidaca longipedunculata, Ximenia americana, Vetiveria nigritana and Ziziphus abyssinica. The LC50 of these extracts were determined. It is strongly recommended that the toxic effects of these extracts against fish, cercariae, snail eggs and mammals be further investigated so as to determine the right concentration, especially for use in fish ponds.

PMID: 2626572 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


47: Rev Elev Med Vet Pays Trop 1989;42(2):189-92 Related Articles, Books

Susceptibility of two-week old Lymnaea natalensis to some plant extracts.

Kela SL, Ogunsusi RA, Ogbogu VC, Nwude N.

The molluscacidal potency of 17 Nigerian plants extracted by the unevaporated crude water (UECW) method was evaluated on two-week old Lymnaea natalensis Krauss. Five extracts were not active but extracts of Balanites aegytiaca, Blighia sapida, Boswellia dalzielii, Cissampelos mucronata, Detarium microcarpum, Kigelia africana, Opilia celtidifolia, Parkia clappertoniana, Polygonum limbatum, Pseudocedrela kotschyi, Nauclea latifolia and Securidaca longipedunculata were molluscacidal. There is potential for their future use in the integrated control of Lymnaea natalensis, as well as other snails. Mortality data for lethal concentration values for all extracts were analysed by use of probit transformation. The upper and lower fiducial limits of the LC50 (P = 0.05) were also determined.

PMID: 2626571 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


48: J R Soc Med 1988 Sep;81(9):542-3 Related Articles, Books

Gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Hillson RM.

Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford.

Publication Types:
  • Historical article

PMID: 3054109 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


49: Agents Actions 1988 Jun;24(1-2):161-4 Related Articles, Books

Effect of salai guggal ex-Boswellia serrata on cellular and humoral immune responses and leucocyte migration.

Sharma ML, Khajuria A, Kaul A, Singh S, Singh GB, Atal CK.

Pharmacology Department, Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu Tawi, India.

Effect of alcoholic extract of salai guggal (AESG) was studied on cellular and humoral immune responses in mice and leucocyte migration in rats. Oral administration of AESG strongly inhibited the antibody production and cellular responses to sheep red blood cells in mice. It inhibited the infiltration of polymorphonuclear leucocytes and reduced the volume of pleural exudate in carrageenan induced pleurisy in rats. It showed no cytotoxic effect.

PMID: 3407547 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


50: Ital J Biochem 1987 Jul-Aug;36(4):205-17 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut

Effect of a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent on lysosomal stability in adjuvant induced arthritis.

Kesava Reddy G, Dhar SC.

Department of Biochemistry, Central Leather Research Institute, Madras, India.

The effect of new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents on lysosomal stability was studied by determining the activity of beta-glucuronidase, a typical lysosomal enzyme, in various sub-cellular fractions and its release from the lysosome-rich fraction. Adjuvant arthritic animals showed a significant increase in the beta-glucuronidase activity in sub-cellular fractions. The increased rate of the release of beta-glucuronidase from lysosome-rich fraction clearly suggested that arthritic syndrome caused decreased stability of the lysosomes. Administration of boswellic acids or salai-guggal to arthritic animals was found to increase the lysosomal stability by inhibiting the rate of release from lysosome-rich fraction and reducing beta-glucuronidase activity in various sub-cellular fractions. Of the two anti-inflammatory agents tested, salai-guggal was found to afford more therapeutic value than boswellic acids.

PMID: 3429205 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


51: Zhong Yao Tong Bao 1986 Oct;11(10):22-4 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut

[Processing of frankincense].

[Article in Chinese]

Yin YS.

PMID: 2953488 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


52: Agents Actions 1986 Jun;18(3-4):407-12 Related Articles, Books

Pharmacology of an extract of salai guggal ex-Boswellia serrata, a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent.

Singh GB, Atal CK.

Pharmacological evaluation of alcoholic extract of salai guggal (AESG) has been carried out in experimental animals. AESG displayed marked anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced oedema in rats and mice and dextran oedema in rats. It was equally effective in adrenalectomised rats. In formaldehyde and adjuvant arthritis, AESG produced prominent anti-arthritic activity but no significant effect was observed in cotton pellet-induced granuloma test. It inhibited inflammation induced increase in serum transaminase levels and leucocyte counts but lacked any analgesic or anti-pyretic effects. The gestation period or parturition time in pregnant rats or onset time of castor oil-induced diarrhoea was unaffected by AESG and no significant effect was seen on cardiovascular, respiratory and central nervous system functions. No ulcerogenic effects were found in the rat stomach. The oral and intraperitoneal LD50 was greater than 2 g/Kg in mice and rats.

PMID: 3751752 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


53: Planta Med 1971 Apr;19(4):333-41 Related Articles, Books

Analgesic and psychopharmacological effects of the gum resin of Boswellia serrata.

Menon MK, Kar A.

PMID: 5573545 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


54: Life Sci 1969 Oct 1;8(19):1023-8 Related Articles, Books

Analgesic effect of the gum resin of Boswellia serata Roxb.

Kar A, Menon MK.

PMID: 5351016 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


55: Surg Gynecol Obstet 1968 Aug;127(2):360-5 Related Articles, Books

Frankincense and myrrh.

Miller JM, Goodell HB.

Publication Types:
  • Historical article

PMID: 4874130 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


   
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