This study investigated the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of Boswellia serrata and Ocimum sanctum extracts in HL-60 cells and in OVA-induced inflammatory lung disease in BALB/C mice. The plant materials were collected in Vidisha (M.P.), India, identified and air-dried. The dried plant materials were pulverized to a powder, extracted in 95% ethanol to exhaustion, dried and fractionated. The extract and fractions were tested for their effects on leukotriene C4 synthase, leukotriene A4 hydrolase and cyclooxygenase-2 in HL-60 cells. The active dried ethanol extracts were then tested in vivo in an OVA-induced asthma mouse model, and inflammation was assessed using 2-D in vivo imaging. Both extracts and some fractions inhibited leukotriene-C4-synthase, leukotriene-A4-hydrolase and/or cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activities in cultured HL-60 cells, IC50 1 – 10 µg/ml. Intragastric administration of the extracts to OVA-challenged BALB/c mice at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight led to a significant reduction of OVA-induced lung inflammation as determined by 2-D in vivo imaging using a Xenogen IVIS imaging system. The results showed significant inhibition in vivo and in vitro inflammation suggesting a plausible mechanism of action for the management of asthma.
