Impact of Boswellia serrata Supplementation on Cytokines Profile, Antioxidant Status and NF-κB Expression in the Spleen and Thymus of Rats

Boswellia serrata (BS) is one of the medicinal plants that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to investigate BS resin effect on cytokine levels, antioxidant status and NF-κB expression in the spleen and thymus of rats in a dose-dependent manner.

Twenty male rats were divided equally into four groups. The 1^st group was served as a control, while the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th groups were treated orally with gradual doses of BS (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg). After 30 days, all rats were sacrificed and their serum, spleen and thymus were collected for estimating the cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) levels and for the analysis of antioxidant markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and total antioxidant capacity). NF-κB expression and histopathological examination of the spleen and thymus were also studied.

Our results showed the IL-6 level significantly increased in response to all dosages of the BS. While the high dose of BS (H-BS) led to a significant increase in IL-1β level, histopathological alterations in the spleen and thymus and intense expression of NF-κB in the red pulp of the spleen. We also noticed that the H-BS led to a highly increase in the levels of glutathione and total antioxidant capacity compared to control. Our results provide evidence that the intake of BS in specified dosages can boost the immune system and may have advantageous health effects on cellular redox homeostasis due to its rich content of sesquiterpenoids and triterpenoids.