Boswellic acid inhibits inflammatory angiogenesis in a murine sponge model

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of boswellic acid (BA) on key components of inflammatory angiogenesis in the murine cannulated sponge implant angiogenesis model. Polyester–polyurethane sponges, used as a framework for fibrovascular tissue growth, were implanted in Swiss albino mice and BA (12.5 or 25 mg/kg/day) was given through installed cannulas for nine days. The implants collected at day 9 post-implantation were processed for the assessment of hemoglobin (Hb). Relevant levels of inflammatory, angiogenic and fibrogenic cytokines were also determined. BA treatment resulted in significant decrease in sponge vascularization (Hb content) and in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) at both doses. Further, BA decreased expression of VEGF and CD31 and reduced % microvessel density (MVD) in sponge implants. A regulatory function of BA on multiple parameters of the main components of inflammatory angiogenesis has been revealed giving an insight into the potential therapeutic use underlying the actions of BA.