5-LOXIN® ReducesInflammation,

5-LOXIN® ReducesInflammation, Spares Structural Proteins

COLUMBUS, OhioExtract of Boswelliaserrata (as 5-LOXIN®, supplied by P.L. Thomas &Co. and Laila Nutraceuticals) inhibits inflammation, cell adhesion and proteindegradation in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC) and protectsstructural proteins such as collagen and cartilage, according to a study in DNAand Cell Biology (24, 4:244-255, 2005).

HMEC with genes sensitive to tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNFa), a mediator of inflammation, were identified through genome screening andexposed to TNFa. Of the 522 TNFa-sensitive genes exposed, 113 were protectedagainst the effects of TNFa by 5-LOXIN. Following identification of signalingpathways in the genes tested in the study, 5-LOXIN was found to inhibitexpression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), enzymes that selectively destroypeptide bonds and structural proteins. The researchers also discovered 5-LOXINinhibited expression of adhesion molecules involved in recruiting white bloodcells to areas of inflammation as well as attendant swelling and pain.

In the second portion of the study, researchers administered5-LOXIN to rats with carrageenan-induced rodent paw swelling, using theantiinflammatory agent ibuprofen as a control, and concluded 5-LOXIN effectivelydiminished inflammation.