Investigation of the effects of alcoholic frankincense extract on oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters in C57BL/6 mice with induced autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Avicenna J Phytomed. 2026;16(5):972-983. doi: 10.22038/ajp.2026.27390.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by neuroinflammation and demyelination. Frankincense, a natural oleo-gum-resin obtained from the genus Boswellia (family Burseraceae), possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of alcoholic frankincense extract in an experimental model of MS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 5). Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced by subcutaneous immunization with MOG_35-55/CFA and intraperitoneal injection of pertussis toxin. Mice were treated orally with alcoholic frankincense extract (200 mg/kg) for 33 days. Serum levels of IL-17A, IL-23, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured, and brain tissues were examined histopathologically.

RESULTS: EAE induction caused significant weight loss, severe clinical symptoms, increased IL-17A and IL-23 levels, reduced TGF-β and TAC, and marked neuroinflammation with myelin damage. Frankincense treatment significantly improved clinical scores and body weight, decreased proinflammatory cytokines, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and attenuated inflammatory infiltration and myelin degradation in brain tissue.

CONCLUSION: Alcoholic frankincense extract ameliorated EAE-associated inflammation and oxidative stress and exerted a protective effect on myelin integrity, suggesting its potential as a complementary therapeutic approach for MS. Further studies are warranted to confirm its clinical applicability.

PMID:42770133 | PMC:PMC13592765 | DOI:10.22038/ajp.2026.27390