Gum resin of Boswellia serrata inhibited human monocytic (THP-1) cell activation and platelet aggregation

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Stem bark gum resin extract of Boswellia serrata is traditionally used in India for its hemostatic, antiinflammatory and cardiovascular health effects and it is named as Sallaki in Ayurvedic medicine. Aim of the study: This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidative and antithrombotic properties of stem bark gum resin extracts of Boswellia serrata (BS). Materials and methods: The inhibitory activity of the BSWE and BSAE on FeCl3 induced lipid peroxidation (in vitro) in rat liver and heart homogenates was measured spectrophotometrically. Their effect on H2O2 induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in human monocytic (THP-1) cells was investigated by tracking intensity of a cell permeable fluorescent dye, H(2)DCFDA and subjecting the cell samples to confocal microscopy. Further, the effect of BSAE and BSWE on ADP-induced platelet aggregation was assessed using a multimode detection plate reader, plasma coagulation times using an automated blood coagulation analyzer and on human blood clotting factors Xa and Xla using chromogenic substrate. Phytomarker analysis of the water (BSWE) and hydroalcoholic (BSAE) extracts of BS-gum resin was done through HPLC using a standard compound AK beta BA. Results: BSAE and BSWE inhibited, to varied extents, the lipid peroxidation in liver (80%) and heart (50%) tissue homogenates of male Wistar rats. Further, BSAE (30 mu g dwt/mL) and BSWE (300 mu g dwt/mL) attenuated >= 60% of H2O2 mediated ROS generation in THP-1 cells. In case of standard compounds, ascorbate (20 mu g dwt/mL) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (10 mu g dwt/mL) completely scavenged ROS in the cells. BSAE and BSWE at 3 mg dwt/mL completely inhibited ADP induced platelet aggregation and activities were comparable to 20 mu g/mL of heparin. The extracts also showed very high activity in prolonging coagulation time periods. Both types of extracts extended prothrombin time (PT) from similar to 13 to >60 s and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) from similar to 32 s to >90 s. BSAE inhibited clotting factors Xa and XIa remarkably at 6 mu g of dwt where as BSWE did not show much effect on FXa and showed 30% inhibition on FXIa at 120 mu g. 10 mu g of heparin was required to inhibit about 30% activity of the above factors. HPLC analyses suggested that BSAE and BSWE had AK beta BA of 9% (w/w) and 7.8% (w/w) respectively. Conclusion: Present study demonstrated antioxidant and antithrombotic anticoagulant activities of water and hydroalcoholic extracts of Boswellia serrata's gum resin. We suggest that BS-gum resin as a good source for lead/therapeutic compounds possessing antioxidant, antiplatelet and anticoagulant activities. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.