Healing Cartilage with Boswellia Extract in Special Gels to Reduce Inflammation

Jim Crocker
23rd July, 2024

Healing Cartilage with Boswellia Extract in Special Gels to Reduce Inflammation

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study developed a new hydrogel incorporating Boswellia serrata extract (BSE) to treat osteoarthritis
  • The hydrogel showed enhanced mechanical stability and sustained release of BSE
  • The hydrogel reduced inflammation and promoted cartilage repair by supporting stem cell growth and chondrogenesis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating joint condition characterized by cartilage degradation, inflammation, and pain. Current treatments aim to manage symptoms, but there is a pressing need for therapies that can both alleviate inflammation and promote cartilage repair. A recent study by Jaber Innovation s.r.l.[1] has developed a promising new composite hydrogel incorporating Boswellia serrata extract (BSE) to address these dual needs. The study focuses on creating a multifunctional cartilage substitute using a composite hydrogel based on Gellan gum. BSE, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, was either directly incorporated into the hydrogel or loaded into an MgAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) clay. This innovative approach aims to enhance the hydrogel's mechanical properties and improve the delivery of hydrophobic BSE components. Previous research has underscored the importance of maintaining a stable cartilage phenotype to prevent degeneration and promote regeneration[2]. The new composite hydrogel aligns with these findings by potentially offering a stable environment that resists vascularization and subsequent cartilage breakdown. The inclusion of BSE in the hydrogel is particularly noteworthy, given its demonstrated efficacy in reducing pain and inflammation in OA patients[3]. To enhance the hydrogel's mechanical properties and BSE loading capacity, the study employed a calcination process on LDH. Various physicochemical and mechanical characterizations were conducted, including spectroscopic analyses (XPS and FTIR), thermogravimetric assessments, rheological and compression tests, weight loss measurements, and morphological investigations using SEM. These tests confirmed the hydrogel's enhanced mechanical stability and its ability to sustain BSE release. The study also explored the biological efficacy of the composite hydrogel. Cytocompatibility tests showed that the hydrogel supports the growth of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) in a 3D conformation. This is crucial for cartilage repair, as hMSCs can differentiate into chondrocytes, the cells responsible for cartilage formation. One of the key findings was the hydrogel's ability to modulate the inflammatory response. Loading BSE into the hydrogel resulted in the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory markers such as COX2, PGE2, and IL1β. This anti-inflammatory effect is critical for managing OA, as inflammation exacerbates cartilage degradation[4]. Additionally, the study observed enhanced chondrogenesis, indicated by the up-regulation of cartilage-specific markers like COL 2 and ACAN. This suggests that the hydrogel not only mitigates inflammation but also promotes cartilage repair. Proteomics studies further validated these findings by revealing an anti-inflammatory protein signature during the chondrogenesis of cells cultivated on the BSE-loaded hydrogel. This comprehensive approach highlights the hydrogel's potential to provide a conducive environment for cartilage healing while modulating the inflammatory cascade. The study's findings build on earlier research that explored different strategies for OA treatment. For instance, previous studies have shown the potential of hydrogels for intra-articular drug delivery, though achieving sustained drug release has been challenging[5]. The new composite hydrogel addresses this issue by using a hybrid cross-linking approach, which has been shown to provide more controlled and sustained drug release. In summary, the composite hydrogel developed by Jaber Innovation s.r.l. offers a promising new approach for OA treatment. By incorporating BSE and leveraging advanced materials like LDH clay, the hydrogel provides both anti-inflammatory benefits and enhanced mechanical properties. This multifunctional cartilage substitute holds significant potential for improving OA management by simultaneously addressing inflammation and promoting cartilage repair. The study represents a significant advancement in the field, building on and expanding the findings of previous research to offer a more effective and comprehensive treatment option for OA.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Effectiveness of gellan gum scaffolds loaded with Boswellia serrata extract for in-situ modulation of pro-inflammatory pathways affecting cartilage healing.

Published 20th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134079

Related Studies

2) The essential anti-angiogenic strategies in cartilage engineering and osteoarthritic cartilage repair.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-021-04105-0

3) A pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel Boswellia serrata extract in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee.

https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6338

4) Critical appraisal of intra-articular glucocorticoid injections for symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2020.09.001

5) Thermoresponsive and Covalently Cross-Linkable Hydrogels for Intra-Articular Drug Delivery.

https://doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.9b00410


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