Effects of Boswellia serrata on cell viability, scratch wound closure, and gene expression in human gingival fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVES: Boswellia serrata, traditionally used for treating inflammatory conditions, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, but its direct effects on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) remain unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of methanolic B. serrata extract on human gingival fibroblast cell viability and scratch wound closure and to analyze the expression of key wound healing-related genes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HGF-1 cells were treated with various concentrations of B. serrata extract. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay, while in vitro scratch assay was used to evaluate wound closure. Additionally, expression of COL1A1, fibronectin (FN1), TGF-β, and VEGF genes were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: Concentrations up to 10 μg/mL maintained cell viability above 80% for 72 h. The scratch assay demonstrated significant enhancement of wound closure at 2.5, 5, and 10 μg/mL compared to control (p = 0.012), with the highest numerical wound-closure value observed at 2.5 μg/mL (99.9%). qRT-PCR revealed significant upregulation of COL1A1 (2.68-fold), FN1 (2.12-fold), and VEGF (3.54-fold) (P < 0.001), while the increase in TGF-β expression was non-significant (1.74-fold, P = 0.491). CONCLUSION: Boswellia serrata extract demonstrated favorable effects on HGF-1 cell viability, scratch wound closure, and wound healing-related gene expression at non-cytotoxic concentrations. These findings support further preclinical investigation of B. serrata as a potential adjunctive agent for periodontal wound healing and regeneration.