Investigation of the effects of alcoholic frankincense extract on oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters in C۵۷BL/۶ mice with induced autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by neuroinflammation and demyelination. Frankincense, a natural oleo-gum-resin obtained from the genus Boswellia (family Burseraceae), possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of alcoholic frankincense extract in an experimental model of MS.Materials and Methods: Female C۵۷BL/۶ mice were randomly assigned to three groups (n = ۵). Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced by subcutaneous immunization with MOG₃₅–₅₅/CFA and intraperitoneal injection of pertussis toxin. Mice were treated orally with alcoholic frankincense extract (۲۰۰ mg/kg) for ۳۳ days. Serum levels of IL-۱۷A, IL-۲۳, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured, and brain tissues were examined histopathologically.Results: EAE induction caused significant weight loss, severe clinical symptoms, increased IL-۱۷A and IL-۲۳ levels, reduced TGF-β and TAC, and marked neuroinflammation with myelin damage. Frankincense treatment significantly improved clinical scores and body weight, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and attenuated inflammatory infiltration and myelin degradation in brain tissue.Conclusion: Alcoholic frankincense extract ameliorated EAE-associated inflammation and oxidative stress and exerted a protective effect on myelin integrity, suggesting its potential as a complementary therapeutic approach for MS. Further studies are warranted to confirm its clinical applicability.

کلیدواژه ها:

Multiple Sclerosis ، Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) ، Frankincense extract ، Neuroinflammation ، Inflammation