The Effects of Aqueous Extract of Boswellia Serrata on Memory Impairment Induced by Lipopolysaccharide

Abstract

Background and Aims: The therapeutic effects of the olibanum, the resin of Boswellia serrata (B. serrata) from the Burseraceae family in inflammatory disease have been reported. There are more than 200 active ingredients in this resin, including Boswellic acid. It is proposed that aqueous extract of B. serrata can improve memory impairment induced by cerebral inflammation result in the administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Materials and Methods: In this study, after the treatment of rats with LPS, brain toxicity induction was performed, and finally, the behavioral tests were evaluated. Following cerebral inflammation induction and treatment, behavioral performance biochemistry tests and molecular methods were assessed in all groups.

Results: LPS administration increased the duration and distance to find the platform in the Morris water maze test compared to the control group in 5 days (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Furthermore, LPS reduced the peripheral, central, and total locomotion compared to the control group (p< 0.001) in the open field test. Pretreatment with both doses of aqueous extract of B. serrata enhanced performances of the rats in Morris water maze (p<0.05 to p<0.01) and open field test (p<0.01 to p<0.001). LPS also increased hippocampus Interleukin-6, malondialdehyde levels (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Aqueous extract of B. serrata can be a useful drug in memory impairment caused by LPS-induced inflammation.