The results of both parts of the study were published in the April 2005 issue of DNA and Cell Biology.
5-Loxin is a standardized extract of boswellic acid, derived from the Boswellia serrata plant. The patented extraction process means it delivers 30 percent AKBA (3-acetyl-11-keto-beta boswellic acid), the most potent boswellic acid extract, compared with just two to three percent by other extracts.
It has been available to dietary supplements formulators through PL Thomas for the past six months and, according to new business and brand manager Eric Anderson, was the first formal offering to come out of the ingredients supplier's recently announced alliance with Laila Nutraceuticals.
The study was conducted jointly at Ohio State University, Ohio State University, Georgetown University, Laila Impex Research Center, India, and Creighton University. Human miscovascular endothelial cells were exposed to TNF-alpha, a widely recognized inflammation mediator.
Over 47,000 transcripts were screened, including the entire human genome, and 522 were identified as TNF-alpha sensitive. Of these, 113 genes involved in inflammation, cell adhesion and protein degradation were protected by 5-Loxin.
These genes were then processed to identify signaling pathways and 5-Loxin was shown to inhibit expression of matrix metalloproteinase enzymes, which selectively destroy peptide bonds, collagen and cartilage.
5-Loxin was also seen to inhibit the adhesion molecules ICAM and VCAM, which cause pain and swelling by drawing white blood cells to the inflamed area - an effect with PL Thomas called "striking".
The company says that 5-Loxin follows a different inflammation pathway to that of COX-2 inhibitors. It is a selective, non-redox inhibitor of the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, which means it does not interact with other redox systems, leading to side effects.
The results from the screening element of the study then led researchers to test the efficacy of 5-Loxin in vivo. In carrageenan-induced rodent paw swelling and using ibuprofen as a control, it was seen to effectively diminish inflammation.
Anderson told NutraIngredients-USA.com that the new study helps the industry, R&D crew and formulators get to grips with the concept of 5-Loxin.
He said that formulators have already shown a great deal of interest and that products containing it have already been launched by Life Extension Foundation and Nature's Plus. A number of other consumer products are expected to appear on the market in the next six to eight months.
Anderson added: "More work in human models will create consumer demands, although boswellian extract is already established in other products."
The researchers also believe there is potential for further investigation. "These findings warrant further research aimed at identifying the signaling mechanisms by which boswellian extract exerts its anti-inflammatory effects," they wrote.