Effect of extract from Boswellia serrata gum resin on decrease of GAD65 autoantibodies in a patient with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults.

BACKGROUND: Extracts from Boswellia serrata gum resin have anti-inflammatory effect and are used for treatment of a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases. It was previously demonstrated that the treatment with Boswellia serrata gum resin of LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) patients decreased blood levels of IA2 antibodies, one of the markers associated with LADA autoimmune diabetes.

PRIMARY STUDY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to test whether Boswellia serrata gum resin also influences GAD65 autoantibodies as the other marker associated with LADA.

METHODS/DESIGN: We report a case study of male patient diagnosed with LADA with positive GAD65 autoantibodies who was treated with extract from Boswellia serrata gum resin, during 9 months. Blood levels of GAD65 autoantibodies, fasting blood glucose levels and HbA1c were measured before the treatment and periodically during the treatment.

RESULTS: Over the observed period, the blood levels of GAD65 autoantibodies linearly decreased about 25%.

CONCLUSION: The study confirms that extract of Boswellia serrata gum resin seems to prevent insulitis in patients with LADA, as indicated by its action on both markers of autoimmune diabetes, i.e., GAD65 and IA2 autoantibodies. The possibility that the treatment with boswellic acids of LADA patients with positive autoantibodies could be beneficial on the course of the disease, calls for further investigation and a clinical study.