This study aimed to investigate the role of Boswellia serrata oleo – gum resin in ameliorating liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide(TAA) in rats. Serum liver enzymes bilirubin , plasma fibrinogen,serum hepatocyte growth factor levels, hepatic reduced glutathione content were estimated . Also, hepatic NQO1 and BCL-2 gene expression levels were detected by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Moreover, histopathological investigation of liver tissue sections was carried out. TAA-challenged group showed significant elevation in the activity of serum liver enzymes, bilirubin and hepatocyte growth factor levels accompanied with significant reduction in plasma fibrinogen level and hepatic reduced glutathione content. Significant downregulation in hepatic NQO1 and BCL-2 gene expression levels were detected in TAA-challenged group relative to the negative control group. Histopathological investigation of liver tissue sections of rats in TAA-challenged group revealed many fibrotic features. Boswellia serrata -treated group showed significant depletion in serum liver enzymes activity, bilirubin and hepatocyte growth factor levels associated with significant elevation in plasma fibrinogen level and hepatic reduced glutathione content to near normal values. Moreover, this group showed dramatic upregulation in hepatic NQO1 and BCL-2 gene expression levels versus TAA-challenged group. Interestingly, treatment with Boswellia serrata resulted in marked improvement in the histological feature of liver tissue. In conclusion,this study provides a clear evidence for the promising role of Boswellia serrata gum extract in the retrogradation of liver fibrosis in the experimental model. Thes effect afforded by Boswellia serrata was likely attributable to its hepatoprotective activity, antioxidant capacity and antiapoptotic potential.
