FROM PRECLINICAL TO CLINICAL EVIDENCE: EXPLORING THE MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES AND HEALING POWER OF BOSWELLIA SERRATA ROXB. EX COLEBR

Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. is a species belonging to the Burseraceae family, typical of dry environments of the Indian region. The oil-gum-resin, obtained from the trunk and thick branches, is known in phytotherapy for the volatile fraction which contains up to 70% terpenes. The most important and characteristic constituents are represented by pentacyclic triterpenes, named boswellic acids. B. serrata is known for multiple beneficial effects, mainly correlated to anti-inflammatory activity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview on the activities and potential applications of B. serrata based on clinical and preclinical evidence. An up-to-date literature review of preclinical and clinical studies related to the applications of B. serrata preparations in different pathological conditions was conducted using the main databases of scientific literature. A body of evidence point out the role of B. serrata extracts and its active constituents in the treatment of several inflammatory diseases. In particular, clinical trials revealed its use as a topical remedy of skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis, and internally in the treatment of asthma, intestinal and osteoarticular inflammatory diseases. Preclinical findings highlighted the positive effects of B. serrata extracts in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and in cancer. Finally, B. serrata finds application as a feed additive in veterinary use. Although some limitations must be overcome, such as poor bioavailability, evidence supports that B. serrata is a promising medicinal plant. Furthermore, the use of B. serrata appears to have a favorable toxicological profile, but caution may be necessary regarding potential botanical-drug interactions

An example of induced centrifugal force in general relativity

Thirring's solution1 for a rotating spherical mass is cited often as an example which exhibits induced Coriolis and centrifugal forces in general relativity. Previously, it was pointed out that the 'centrifugal terms' proportional to the square of the angular velocity actually represented quadrupole effects. These effects arose as a consequence of the latitude-dependent velocity distribution which generated an axially symmetric (non-spherical) mass distribution. This raises the question: Are there solutions to Einstein's equations which exhibit induced centrifugal force? If no such solutions exist, then the concept of induced rotation of inertial frames breaks down. Such a lack of connection between rotating masses and induced inertial frame rotation would in turn imply a breakdown of the Machian idea that an inertial frame is a system of reference in which the stress-energy of the universe is at rest on the average. Here we demonstrate that there are solutions to Einstein's equations which exhibit induced centrifugal force (other solutions may also be of interest in this connection)