Boswellia dalzielii bark extract mitigates ischemic brain injury via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

The genus Boswellia is frequently used as a therapeutic agent for various ailments. In particular, resin from different species has been used to enhance blood circulation and alleviate discomfort in people with leprosy, gonorrhea, and cancer. However, scientific investigations exploring the effects of the dalzielii species on cerebral ischemia are still lacking. This study sought to investigate the potential efficacy of B. dalzielii hydroalcoholic extract (BD) on ischemic brain injury in rats, along with the potential mechanisms, including oxidative stress and inflammation. Thirty-six male Wistar rats, each weighing between 220 and 250 g, were allocated into six groups of six rats for this study. Cerebral ischemia was induced using the middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion model (I/R). Then, the daily administration of BD (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) and Edaravone (6 mg/kg, i.v.), a reference drug with radical scavenging activity, started immediately after I/R injury and continued throughout the experimental period for 14 days. The cylinder test and neurological deficit score were used to assess neurological motor dysfunction. Furthermore, the histological and biochemical changes were also assessed by measuring cerebral infarction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Administration of BD in rats after I/R reduced neurological deficits, improved forelimb impairment, and reduced cerebral infarction. Moreover, BD significantly ameliorated oxidative stress by reducing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and enhancing the antioxidant capacities of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). BD also suppressed neuroinflammation by reducing serum inflammatory cytokine levels, especially those of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These demonstrate that BD may potentially ameliorate ischemic brain injury through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Consequently, BD may serve as a potential therapeutic option to improve the outcome of cerebral ischemic injuries.