An investigation on the reparative effects of boswellic acid on experimental spinal cord injury in a Wistar rat model

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) present significant challenges in terms of treatment, often resulting in long-term disabilities. Currently, effective therapies for these injuries are lacking, highlighting the need for innovative and efficacious treatment approaches. In recent years, natural products, including boswellic acid, have been investigated as potential therapeutic agents for various diseases. This study aimed to assess the effects of boswellic acid on spinal cord injury. Twelve male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (SCI) and the boswellic acid group (BoA), each consisting of six rats. The SCI group did not receive any treatment for 56 days following spinal cord injury induction, while the BoA group received daily oral doses of 10 mg/kg boswellic acid for the same duration. Motor recovery was evaluated using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor test and spinal tissue analysis was conducted to evaluate the reparative effects of boswellic acid on the injured spinal cord. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in motor recovery in the boswellic acid-treated rats compared to the control group, as indicated by higher BBB scores (p<0.001). Histological analysis revealed notable enhancements in repair processes, including reduced lesion volume and increased myelination at the site of spinal cord injury in the BoA group compared to the SCI group (p<0.001). This study provides evidence of the reparative effects of boswellic acid on experimental spinal cord injury in the Wistar rat model, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of spinal cord trauma.