A new solubilized formulation of Curcumin, Boswellia and Xanthohumol extract markedly enhances anti-inflammatory activity

Native extracts of Curcumin and Boswellia are known to exert anti-inflammatory properties, but have poor bioavailability when given orally. Through advanced micellation technology, it has been possible to produce stable solubilisates of these extracts, thereby markedly enhancing their bioavailability and consequently reducing the orally administered dose and reducing their potential adverse effects. In the present study, we compared the chronic anti-inflammatory activities of native curcumin and boswellia extracts with the solubilized form of both in the adjuvant arthritis model upon daily administration for three weeks. Diclofenac was used as reference drug. The combination of solubilisates of curcumin and boswellia extracts showed a better anti-inflammatory effect than either one alone. The reduction in paw volume was reflected in corresponding changes in relevant parameters for mediators of inflammation: TNF-α, IL-6. The findings confirm that the solubilsates of curcumin and boswellia extracts allow the use of much lower doses than required in the native form to achieve a potent anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover the combination of curcumin and boswellia solubilisates show that they potentiate one another to produce a therapeutic effect equivalent to if not more potent than diclofenac. Much better results were obtained with the combination of solubilized xanthohumol and curcumin, which revealed an even more potent anti-inflammatory effect than diclofenac, which has been used as a reference drug, and the combination of solubilized curcumin and boswellia extracts.