Investigation of anticancer effects of Boswellia serrata extract in combination with SN-38 on U373 GBM cells.

PURPOSE: Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with limited treatment efficacy due to systemic toxicity and therapeutic resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the combined anticancer effects of SN-38, a potent chemotherapeutic agent, and Boswellia serrata, known for its boswellic acid content with apoptosis-inducing properties, on the U373 GBM cell line.

METHODS

Human U373 GBM cells were treated for 24 h with control, SN-38 alone (10 µg/ml), Boswellia serrata alone (10, 25, 50 µg/ml), and their various combinations. Cell viability (MTT), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), pro-apoptotic BAX, anti-apoptotic BCL-2, and STAT3 protein levels were analyzed using ELISA. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Both SN-38 and Boswellia serrata significantly reduced U373 cell viability. The most pronounced reduction was observed in the SN-38 + Boswellia serrata 25 µg/ml and 50 µg/ml combinations (p < 0.01). Consistent with decreased viability, TAS levels were reduced, and TOS levels increased, particularly in the SN-38 + Boswellia serrata 50 µg/ml group (p < 0.01). Pro-apoptotic BAX expression increased, while anti-apoptotic BCL-2 expression decreased, with the most significant changes observed in the SN-38 + Boswellia serrata 50 µg/ml group (p < 0.01). STAT3 protein levels also decreased in a dose-dependent manner with the combination treatment (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The combination of Boswellia serrata extract and SN-38 effectively activated apoptotic pathways, increased oxidative stress, and reduced cell viability in U373 GBM cells. These findings suggest that this combination may represent a promising novel strategy for glioblastoma treatment.