Upregulation of HDAC5 gene expression for treatment of osteoarthritis: Chondroprotective properties of regular and Nano-formulated Boswellia serrata Roxb

Osteoarthritis is a serious disorder that destroys cartilage and joints and inhibits collagen formation. Natural products are widely recognized for their wide variety of therapeutic uses and great safety records. Using human chondrocyte cells (C20A4) and MTT assays, the potential benefits of regular and nano-formulated Boswellia serrata (Bs) methanol extract for treating osteoarthritis by influencing the expression of the HDAC5, IL1β, IL6, PGE2, NF-kB genes were evaluated. HDAC5 gene expression was significantly upregulated and survival rate of C20A4 was strongly elevated. IL1β, IL6, PGE2, NF-kB inflammation biomarkers gene expression was significantly suppressed by both conventional and Nano-formulations. In comparison to conventional extracts, Nano-formulations exhibited greater activity revealing that they might represent a more effective treatment strategy. HPLC-MS/MS technology of the Bs extract against 28 standard phenolic compounds e.g. p- coumaric acid, ferulic acid, rutin, myricetin and quercetin, proved the absence of these compounds in Bs gum resin.