COMPOSITIONS FOR EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF FIBROBLAST-LIKE SYNOVIOCYTES MEDIATED RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

The disclosed invention relates to a method and compositions for use in inhibiting proliferation, migration of Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes (FLS) in a subject. The invention also discloses a composition and method for regulating imbalance in T-helper 17 (T.sub.h17), T-cell. The composition disclosed comprises 20-50% BDMC, 10-25% w/w DMC and 30-50% w/w curcumin, further comprising boswellic acids and polysaccharides in the range of 35-50% w/w and 35-45% w/w.

Claims

1. A method for inhibiting proliferation and migration of Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) in a mammal, said method comprising step of bringing into contact mammalian FLS with a composition comprising enriched Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) present not less than 20% w/w.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises of 20-50% w/w bisdemethoxycurcumin, 10-25% w/w demethoxycurcumin and 30-50% w/w curcumin, with the total curcuminoids in the composition are in the range of 20-95% w/w.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 when used individually the concentration of BDMC, DMC, Curcumin, and curcuminoids in a composition is selected from the range consisting of 10 to 100 μg/mL.

4. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the composition further comprises Boswellic acids (B) and polysaccharide (PS) from Boswellia serrata, wherein the boswellic acids comprises Boswellic acids 35-50% w/w, β-Boswellic acids 20-30% w/w, 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) 12% w/w, and polysaccharides in the range of 35-45% w/w.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, when used individually the concentration of Boswellic acids, polysaccharides are selected from the range consisting of 10 to 100 μg/mL.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enriched BDMC curcuminoids composition and BPS are present in a combination at a ratio of 1-4:4-1.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein inhibiting Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) is brought about by cell cycle inhibition, decreasing the levels of inflammatory markers, and promoting apoptosis.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cell cycle inhibition is at G0/G1 phase.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the apoptosis is measured as a ratio of Bax to Bcl-2.

10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the inflammatory markers are selected from the group consisting of TNF-α, IFN-γ, CCL-5, MMP-3 and Cathepsin.

11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein inhibiting Fibroblast-like synoviocytes results in improved arthritis score.

12. A method for regulating imbalance in T-helper 17 (T.sub.h17) and, T-cell (Treg) in the spleen of a mammal, said method comprising step of a) identifying the mammal with T-helper 17 (T.sub.h17), Treg imbalance and b) administering a composition comprising enriched Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) present not less than 20% w/w.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the composition comprises of 20-50% w/w bisdemethoxycurcumin, 10-25% w/w demethoxycurcumin and 30-50% w/w curcumin, with the total curcuminoids in the composition are in the range of 20-95% w/w.

14. The method as claimed in claim 12, when used individually the concentration of BDMC, DMC, Curcumin, or curcuminoids in a composition is selected from the range consisting of 40 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg of the bodyweight of the mammal.

15. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the composition further comprises Boswellic acids (B) and polysaccharide (PS) from Boswellia serrata, wherein the boswellic acids comprises Boswellic acids 35-50% w/w, β-Boswellic acids 20-30% w/w, 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) 12% w/w, and polysaccharides in the range of 35-45% w/w.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, when used individually the concentration of Boswellic acids, polysaccharides are selected from the range consisting of 40 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg of the bodyweight of the mammal.

17. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the enriched BDMC curcuminoids composition and BPS are present in a combination at a ratio of 1-4:4-1.

18. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the imbalance is regulated by reducing T.sub.h17 cells and increasing T-cell (Treg), thereby decreasing the ratio of T.sub.h17/Treg.

19. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the composition further comprises of stabilizing agents, bioavailability enhancers and antioxidants, pharmaceutically or nutraceutically or cosmeceutically accepted excipients and enhancers and administered orally in the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, gummies, powders, suspensions, emulsions, chewables, candies or eatables.

20. A method for therapeutic management of rheumatoid arthritis in a subject, said method comprising step of a) identifying the subject with rheumatoid arthritis and b) administering a composition comprising enriched Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) present not less than 20% w/w.

21. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the composition comprises of 20-50% w/w bisdemethoxycurcumin, 10-25% w/w demethoxycurcumin and 30-50% w/w curcumin, with the total curcuminoids in the composition are in the range of 20-95% w/w.

22. The method as claimed in claim 20, when used individually the concentration of BDMC, DMC, Curcumin or curcuminoids in a composition is selected from 40 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg of the bodyweight of the subject.

23. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the composition further comprises Boswellic acids (B) and polysaccharide (PS) from Boswellia serrata, wherein the boswellic acids comprises Boswellic acids 35-50% w/w, β-Boswellic acids 20-30% w/w, 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) 12% w/w, and polysaccharides in the range of 35-45% w/w.

24. The method as in claim 23, when used individually the concentration of Boswellic acids, polysaccharides are selected from the range consisting of 40 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg of the bodyweight of the mammal.

25. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the enriched BDMC curcuminoids composition and BPS are present in a combination at a ratio between 1-4:4-1.

26. The method as in claim 20, wherein the management of rheumatoid arthritis in the mammal is brought by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of fibroblast like synoviocytes, regulating an imbalance in in T-helper 17 (T.sub.h17), T-cell (Treg), decreasing the levels of inflammatory markers, promoting apoptosis, and improved arthritis score.

27. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the composition further comprises of stabilizing agents, bioavailability enhancers and antioxidants, pharmaceutically or nutraceutically or cosmeceutically accepted excipients and enhancers and administered orally in the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, gummies, powders, suspensions, emulsions, chewables, candies or eatables.

28. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the subject is a mammal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

[0023] FIGS. 1 and 2 shows immunostaining of Vimentin in FLS.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows concentration dependent inhibition of FLS proliferation using AC3 at 10, 20, and 40 μg/mL. P<0.01 compared to FLS control at 20 and 40 μg/ml.

[0025] FIG. 4 shows percentage inhibition of AC3 in a dose dependent manner at 10, 20, and 40 μg/mL. P<0.01 compared to FLS control at 20 and 40 μg/ml.

[0026] FIG. 5 shows comparative effect of inhibition of FLS proliferation by any of curcuminoids, AC3, C3, and BPS. P<0.01 compared to FLS control except for BPS.

[0027] FIG. 6 shows the effect of AC3 and BPS in the inhibition of FLS proliferation. P<0.01 compared to FLS control for the combination for AC3 and combination

[0028] FIG. 7 shows the cell-cycle inhibition of curcuminoids, AC3, C3, and BPS.

[0029] FIG. 8 shows the percentage of cells in the S phase when treated with any of curcuminoids, AC3, C3, and BPS.

[0030] FIG. 9 shows the percentage of cells when treated individually with AC3, BPS and also as a combination.

[0031] FIGS. 10-18 shows cell-cycle inhibition using FACS for untreated (FIG. 10), curcumin (FIG. 11), BDMC (FIG. 12), DMC (FIG. 13), AC3 (FIG. 14), C3 (FIG. 15), BPS(FIG. 16), at 40 and 80 μg/mL (FIG. 17), respectively, combination of AC3 and BPS at 10 and 40 μg/mL respectively (FIG. 18).

[0032] FIG. 19 shows the ratio of Bax/Bcl2 suggesting pro-apoptosis using any of curcuminoids, AC3, C3, BPS, and the combination of AC3+BPS. P<0.01 compared to FLS control for AC3, Cur and BDMC. P<0.05 for DMC and AC3+BPS.

[0033] FIGS. 20-31 shows migration and invasion of FLS in the migration assay, when treated with a control (FIG. 20), each of BDMC (FIG. 21), curcumin (FIG. 22), DMC (FIG. 23), AC3 (FIG. 24), C3 (FIG. 25) at 15 μg/mL, BPS(FIG. 26), AC3 (10 μg/mL, FIG. 27), BPS (40 μg/mL, FIG. 28), and the combination of AC3+BPS (10+40 μg/mL, FIG. 29), FIGS. 30 and 31 shows percentage inhibition of migration.

[0034] FIG. 32 shoes arthritis score when treated with a control, RA control, celecoxib control, curcuminoids, AC3, C3, BPS, and the combination of AC3+BPS. p<0.05 and ** P<0.01.

[0035] FIGS. 33-35 shows regulating effects on Th.sub.17 (FIG. 33), Treg (FIG. 34), and the ratio of Th.sub.17/Treg (FIG. 35), when treated with a control, RA, Celecoxib, AC3, BPS, and the combination of AC3+BPS. FACS study of normal (FIG. 36), AC3 (50 mg/kg, FIG. 37), AC3 (100 mg/kg, FIG. 38), BPS (40 mg/kg, FIG. 39), AC3+BPS (50+40 mg/kg, FIG. 40), AC3+BPS (100+40 mg/kg, FIG. 41), Celecoxib (FIG. 42)

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Selected Definitions

[0036] All the terms used in this application carry ordinary meaning as known in the prior art unless otherwise specified. Few other specific definitions used in this invention are explained below, which applies throughout this specification. Claims provide broader definition unless and otherwise specified.

[0037] In this application, any reference to sample refers to either one or combination of the following agents, which brings about therapeutic effect. The agents include, curcuminoids in general refers to either of curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and demethoxycurcumin or their combination wherever appropriately mentioned. Enriched BDMC composition refers to curcuminoids composition comprising at least 20% w/w of BDMC. More specifically, AC3 refers to a composition, which is 20-50% w/w bisdemethoxycurcumin, 10-25% w/w demethoxycurcumin and 30-50% w/w curcumin. C3 complex is enriched with curcumin, which is 75-81% curcumin, 15-19% demethoxycurcumin, and 2.2-6.5% bisdemethoxycurcumin. Boswellic acid, a natural extract isolated from Boswellia serrata as disclosed in U.S. 60/268,713, and PS is polysaccharide from the gum resin of Boswellia serrata. Specifically, wherever Boswellic acids (B) are mentioned it includes a total Boswellic acids content of 35-50% w/w standardized to contain β-Boswellic acids 20-30% w/w, 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, 12% w/w (AKBA). Wherever polysaccharides (PS) are mentioned, it includes 35-45% w/w polysaccharides (PS) to contain neutral sugars, consisting of galactose, arabinose and D-glucuronic acid. (The Boswellia serrata composition is commercially available from Sami-Sabinsa Group Limited, Bangalore, India as Boswellin® PS)

[0038] Therapeutically managing or management refers to a condition of effectively ameliorating conditions disclosed in the invention. Any reference to control in this specification refers to either untreated, RA control, or celecoxib control depending on the experiment, examples covered and control details are mentioned wherever appropriate.

[0039] The invention in general covers a method and composition for use in inhibiting proliferation, migration of Fibroblast-like synoviocytes, and regulating an imbalance in T-helper 17 (T.sub.h17) and, T-cell (Treg) comprising individual concentration of BDMC, DMC, Curcumin, curcuminoids, Boswellic acids (B), or polysaccharides (PS). Also covers composition comprising combination of enriched BDMC curcuminoids and BPS. The invention also covers a method for therapeutic management of rheumatoid arthritis in a subject using the aforementioned composition.

[0040] In the most preferred embodiment, the invention discloses a composition for use in inhibiting proliferation and migration of Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) in a subject, wherein said composition comprises enriched Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) present not less than 20% w/w.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the invention discloses a composition for use in regulating imbalance in in T-helper 17 (T.sub.h17), T-cell (Treg) in the spleen of a mammal, wherein the composition comprises not less than 20% w/w Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC). In a related aspect of this embodiment, the imbalance is regulated by reducing T.sub.h17 cells and increasing T-cell (Treg) (FIGS. 33-35, Example 9) with the ratio of T.sub.h17/Treg preferably as 1, or more preferably between 0-1 compared to RA control at 3.5 (FIG. 35) and nearly as good as the celecoxib control at 0.5 (FIG. 35).

[0042] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the invention discloses a composition for use in therapeutic management of rheumatoid arthritis in a mammal, wherein the composition comprises enriched Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) present not less than 20% w/w. In a related aspect of this embodiment, wherein the management of rheumatoid arthritis in a mammal is brought by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of fibroblast like synoviocytes, regulating imbalance in T-helper 17 (T.sub.h17) and, T-cell (Treg) in the spleen of the mammal, decreasing the levels of inflammatory markers, and promoting apoptosis. In a related aspect of this embodiment, results in improved arthritis score. The scope and details of inhibition and migration of fibroblast like synoviocytes, regulating imbalance in T-helper 17 (T.sub.h17), T-cell (Treg), decreasing the levels of inflammatory markers, promoting apoptosis, and improved arthritis score are explained in the related embodiments.

[0043] In another most preferred embodiment of the invention, the invention discloses a method for inhibiting the proliferation and migration of Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) in a mammal, said method comprising step of bringing into contact mammalian FLS with a composition comprising enriched Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) present not less than 20% w/w.

[0044] In another most preferred embodiment of the invention, the invention discloses a method of regulating imbalance in T-helper 17 (T.sub.h17), T-cell (Treg) in the spleen of the mammal, said method comprising step of a) identifying the mammal with T-helper 17 (T.sub.h17) and, Treg imbalance and b) administering a composition comprising enriched Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) present not less than 20% w/w. In a related aspect of this embodiment, the imbalance is regulated by reducing T.sub.h17 cells and increasing T-cell (Treg) (FIGS. 33-35, Example 9) with the ratio of T.sub.h17/Treg preferably as 1, or more preferably between 0-1 compared to RA control at 3.5 (FIG. 35).

[0045] In yet another most preferred embodiment of the invention, discloses a method for therapeutic management of rheumatoid arthritis in a subject, said method comprising step of a) identifying the subject with rheumatoid arthritis and b) administering a composition comprising enriched Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) present not less than 20% w/w. In a related aspect of this embodiment, wherein the management of rheumatoid arthritis in a mammal is brought by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of fibroblast like synoviocytes, regulating imbalance in in T-helper 17 (T.sub.h17) and, T-cell (Treg) in the spleen of the mammal, decreasing the levels of inflammatory markers, and promoting apoptosis. In a related aspect of this embodiment, results in improved arthritis score. The scope and details of inhibition and migration of fibroblast like synoviocytes, regulating an imbalance in in T-helper 17 (T.sub.h17), T-cell (Treg), decreasing the levels of inflammatory markers, promoting apoptosis, and improved arthritis score are explained in the related embodiments.

[0046] In the embodiments related to proliferation and inhibition of FLS, wherein the composition comprises of 20-50% w/w BDMC, 10-25% w/w demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and 30-50% w/w curcumin, with the total curcuminoids in the composition are in the range of 20-95% w/w. In the related aspect of this embodiment of the invention, the composition further comprises Boswellic acids (B) and polysaccharide (PS) from Boswellia serrata, wherein the boswellic acids and polysaccharides (BPS) are present in the range of 35-50% w/w and 35-45% w/w respectively. In another related aspect of this and other embodiments of the invention, when used individually the concentration of BDMC, DMC, Curcumin, curcuminoids, Boswellic acids, polysaccharides in a composition are selected from the range consisting of 10 to 100 μg/mL. In this aspect and other related embodiments of the invention, the composition comprises a composition enriched BDMC curcuminoids and BPS are present in a combination at a ratio of 1:1, or preferably 1:2, or preferably 1:3, or preferably 1:4 or preferably 4:1, or preferably 3:1, or preferably 2:1 respectively. In a related aspect of this embodiment of the invention, C3 and BPS are used as a combination as the above specified ranges. It is a common knowledge and to those skilled in the art to find combinations within the specified range or finding a suitable range. Further in this aspect and other embodiments of the invention, more preferably AC3 is used alone or in combination with BPS. In further aspect of this and other embodiments of the invention when used individually the concentration of BDMC, curcumin, DMC, BPS, AC3, C3 are used in the range between 10 to 100 μg/mL, or preferably in the range 20 to 80 μg/mL, or preferably between 40 to 60 μg/mL.

[0047] In a related aspect of this and other aforementioned embodiments of the invention, inhibiting Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) is brought about by cell cycle inhibition, decreasing the levels of inflammatory markers, promoting apoptosis, and improved arthritis score. In a related aspect of this embodiment, after treatment with the sample the inhibition of FLS proliferation is in the range of 10-90%, or more preferably in the range between 50-90%, or most preferably in the range of 60-90% compared to the untreated control (FIGS. 3-6, Example 2). In a related aspect of this embodiment of the invention, after treatment with the sample the cell cycle inhibition is at G0/G1 phase, and the percentage of cells in the S phase are in the range between 1-20%, or more preferably in the range between 1-10%, or most preferably in the range between 1-5% (FIGS. 7-9, Example 3) In a related aspect of this embodiment of the invention, the inflammatory markers are selected from the group consisting of TNF-α, IFN-γ, CCL-5, MMP-3 and Cathepsin. In a further aspect of this embodiment, after treatment with the respective sample(s) the expression levels of the inflammatory markers are reduced by at least 10%, or by at least 20%, or by at least 30%, or by at least 40%, or by at least 50%, or by at least 60% compared to the untreated control (Table 3, Example 4). In a further aspect of this embodiment, ELISA study for the inflammatory marker IL6 showed combination of AC3 and BPS showed better inhibition compared to AC3 or BPS used individually (Example 4). In a further aspect of this embodiment, after treatment with the sample the apoptosis is promoted with increasing Bax/Bcl2 ratio in the range of 1-1.5, or preferably in the ratio of 1.25-1.5 compared to the untreated control at 1 (FIG. 19, Example 5). In a further aspect of this embodiment, the migration of FLS was inhibited after treatment with the sample (FIGS. 20-31, Example 6), wherein the inhibition of migration is in the range of 40-80%, or preferably 50-80%, or more preferably 50-70% (FIG. 30) compared to the untreated control and the combination of AC3+BPS was effective compared to individual treatment (FIG. 31). In another aspect of this embodiment, after treatment with the sample the arthritis score is in the range of 1-3, more preferably in the range of 1-2 compared to the untreated control (FIG. 32, Example 8, RA control is 3.5, positive control celecoxib is 1).

[0048] In embodiments related to regulating imbalance in T-helper 17 (T.sub.h17), T-cell (Treg) in the spleen of the mammal and therapeutic management of RA in a mammal, the composition when used individually the concentration of BDMC, DMC, Curcumin, curcuminoids, Boswellic acids, or polysaccharides in a composition is preferably selected from the range consisting of 40 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg, or preferably 50-100 mg/kg of the bodyweight of the mammal. In a related embodiment wherein the enriched BDMC curcuminoids composition and BPS are present in a combination at a ratio of 1:1, or preferably 1:2, or preferably 1:3, or preferably 1:4 or preferably 4:1, or preferably 3:1, or preferably 2:1 respectively.

[0049] In another related embodiment of the invention, wherein the composition further comprises of stabilizing agents, bioavailability enhancers and antioxidants, pharmaceutically or nutraceutically or cosmeceutically accepted excipients and enhancers and suitably formulated to be administered orally in the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, gummies, powders, suspensions, emulsions, chewables, candies or eatables (Example 10). It is well within the scope of a person skilled in the art to come up with a suitable formulation for administration.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Isolation and Culture of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes (FLS)

[0050] Synovial tissues were obtained from collagen induced arthritis rats under sterile conditions, according to the method followed by (Jinjun Zhao, Qingqing Onyang, Ziyou Hu, Qin Huang, Jing Wu, Ran Wang and Min Yang. A protocol for the culture and isolation of murine synovial fibroblasts. Biomedical Reports 5: 171-175, 2016).

[0051] FLS were isolated from synovial tissues by enzymatic digestion. In short, the tissues were separated into 1-mm.sup.3 blocks with microsurgery scissors. After which the tissues were incubated with 0.1% collagenase type II enzyme in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS for enzymatic digestion at 37° C. for 45 min in an orbital shaker incubator (200 rpm).

[0052] After the incubation time, the tubes were vortexed vigorously for 1-2 min to release the cells and filtered using a 100 μm mesh strainer. The filtrate was centrifuged for 5 min at 1200 rpm, the cells were resuspended in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS and 100 μg/ml streptomycin and 100 U/ml penicillin and cultured in a humidified incubator at 37° C. under 5% CO.sub.2. After FLS identification based on cell morphology and immunocytochemical staining with anti-vimentin antibody (PA5-27231, Thermo Fisher Scientific), (FIGS. 1 and 2) cells of 4-7 passages were used for further studies.

Example 2: WST-1 Proliferation Assay

[0053] WST-1 assay was used to measure the effect of different samples on FLS proliferation. FLS were seeded in 96-well plates at a density of 5×10.sup.3 cells/well and incubated overnight at 37° C. under 5% CO.sub.2. Then, the cells were treated with different concentrations of the sample (AC3, C3, Cur, BDMC, DMC, BPS) as shown in the FIGS. 3-6 for 72 hours. After the treatment period, 100 μl WST-1 reagent (5015944001, Sigma, USA) diluted 1:10 in serum-free DMEM culture media was added to each well, and incubated at 37° C. under 5% CO.sub.2 for 2 h. The absorbance was measured at 450 nm with a reference wavelength of 610 nm. AC3 showed better inhibition of FLS proliferation at 20 μg/mL and 40 μg/mL (FIGS. 3 and 4) in a dose dependent manner. A comparative study of curcuminoid analogues in the inhibition of FLS proliferation showed a trend of BDMC>curcumin>DMC (FIG. 5) at 20 μg/mL, whereas BPS showed only 10% inhibition and the combination was much effective than the Boswellin PS (BPS) or AC3 individually used (FIG. 6).

Example 3: Cell Cycle Analysis

[0054] FLS cells (8-10.sup.4 cells/well) were seeded in 24-well plates and incubated overnight at 37° C. under 5% CO.sub.2. After synchronization in serum-free medium for 24 h, cells were treated with or without the presence of samples in DMEM 10% FBS for 24 h. After the treatment period, the cells were collected, suspended in ice cold PBS. After centrifugation, the cells were fixed by adding 70% ice cold ethanol dropwise to the pellet while vortexing and stored at 4° C. for 30 min. The cells were stained with propidium iodide (PI) solution (50 μg/ml) for 30 min at 37° C. in the dark. DNA content was analyzed by flow cytometry (BD FACS Celesta flow cytometer). AC3, BDMC among curcuminoids showed maximum inhibition of FLS replication (FIGS. 7, 8, 12, and 14), and FLS was arrested at G0/G1 phase. Boswellin PS (BPS) showed inhibition only at 80 μg/mL (FIG. 8, FIG. 16). The effect of combination (AC3+BPS) on cell-cycle inhibition was better than the individual samples used (AC3 and BPS), as exemplified in FIG. 9.

Example 4: Measure of Inflammatory Markers

[0055] FLS cells (8×10.sup.4 cells/well) were seeded in 24-well plates and incubated overnight at 37° C. under 5% CO.sub.2. Cells were induced with 10 ng/ml recombinant rat TNF-α (Cat No. 400-14, Peprotech, NJ, USA) with or without the presence of different concentrations of sample in DMEM 10% FBS for 6 hr and 24 hr to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of the sample. Curcumin showed better anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the inflammatory markers (IFN γ, CCL-5, MMP-3 and Cathepsin, Table 2), whereas BDMC was most effective in TNF-α and most importantly the combination of AC3 and BPS was the most effective of all (Table 2).

[0056] ELISA: After the incubation period of 24 hr, culture supernatants were collected and evaluated for inflammatory marker IL6 by ELISA method. For the concentrations of 10 μg/mL (AC3) and 40 μg/mL (BPS), when used as a combination the inhibition was 20% compared to 3 and 1% when used AC3 and BPS individually.

Kit used—Rat IL-6 DuoSet ELISA R&D Systems, DY506-05.

[0057] RT-PCR expression study: After 6 hrs of incubation, total cellular RNA from untreated and treated cells were isolated using Trizol Reagent® (Ambion, Life Technologies), according to the manufacturer's instructions, followed by RNase-free DNase I treatment (ThermoFisher Scientific) to remove any genomic DNA. Messenger RNA quality and concentration were analyzed spectrophotometrically (NanoDrop Lite, ThermoFisher Scientific). One microgram of total RNA was reverse transcribed into cDNA using Revert-aid First Strand cDNA synthesis kit (ThermoFisher Scientific), according to the manufacturer's instructions, and stored at −80° C. until use.

[0058] Then 20 μl of the reaction mixture was subjected to PCR using SYBR green qPCR master mix for amplification of cDNAs using specifically designed primers procured from Eurofins India, as an internal control, the house keeping gene § actin was co-amplified with each reaction (Table 2). PCR was carried out in Light cycler 96 (Roche Life Science) and PCR conditions for genes were initial denaturation at 95° C. for 10 min followed by 35 cycles consisting of denaturation at 95° C. for 30 seconds, annealing of primers at 60° C. for 30 seconds, extension at 72° C. for 30 seconds and final cooling at 72° C. for 30 seconds (Table 1).

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Sequences for RT-PCR R β-actin F CCCGCGAGTACAACCTTCT-Seq ID 1 R β-actin R CGTCATCCATGGCGAACT-Seq ID 2 R-Ccl5-F CCTGCTGCTTTGCCTACCTCTC-Seq ID 3 R-Ccl5-R ACACACTTGGCGGTTCCTTCGA-Seq ID 4 R-TNFα-F ACTGAACTTCGGGGTGATTG-Seq ID 5 R-TNFα-R GCTTGGTGGTTTGCTACGAC-Seq ID 6 R-IFNγ-F AGTCTGAAGAACTATTTTAACTCAAGTAGCAT- Seq ID 7 R-IFNγ-R CTGGCTCTCAAGTATTTTCGTGTTAC-Seq ID 8 R-MMP3-F ATGATGAACGATGGACAGATGA-Seq ID 9 R-MMP3-R CATTGGCTGAGTGAAAGAGACC-Seq ID 10 R-MMP13-F ACCCAGCCCTATCCCTTGAT-Seq ID 11 R-MMP13-R TCTCGGGATGGATGCTCGTA-Seq ID 12 R-CATH-F AATTGTGACCGTGATAATGTG-Seq ID 13 R-CATH-R GCAGGCGTTGTTCTTATTC-Seq ID 14

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Inflammatory markers Sample TNF-α IFN-γ CCL-5 MMP-3 Cathepsin Control 1 1 1 1 1 Induced 7.93 ± 2.4   5.7 ± 0.05 7.16 ± 1.9  5.14 ± 1.17 3.86 ± 0.35 C3 5.08 ± 0.69 4.11 ± 0.08 5.66 ± 0.31 4.22 ± 0.33  3.0 ± 0.01 (10 μg/mL) AC3 5.06 ± 0.59 4.40 ± 0.10 4.90 ± 1.16 4.38 ± 0.19 3.25 ± 0.12 (10 μg/mL) DMC 3.57 ± 1.77 4.43 ± 0.15 7.03 ± 3.03 4.91 ± 0.41 3.69 ± 0.14 (10 μg/mL) BDMC 3.20 ± 2.1  4.57 ± 0.11 4.07 ± 0.05 6.07 ± 0.05 3.36 ± 0.37 (10 μg/mL) Curcumin 3.93 ± 0.84  2.7 ± 0.19 3.01 ± 0.04 3.98 ± 0.48 2.70 ± 0.14 (10 μg/mL) BPS 5.76 ± 0.78 3.16 ± 0.05 8.52 ± 2.82 4.33 ± 0.76 3.21 ± 0.15 (40 μg/mL) AC3 + BPS 2.41 ± 0.13 2.63 ± 0.53 3.07 ± 0.24 3.90 ± 0.24 2.62 ± 0.15 (10 + 40 μg/mL)

Example 5: Apoptosis Analysis

[0059] FLS apoptosis was assessed with RT-PCR expression study. In short, FLS cells (8×10.sup.4 cells/well) were seeded in 24-well plates and incubated overnight at 37° C. under 5% CO.sub.2. After synchronization in serum-free medium for 24 h, cells were treated with or without the presence of samples in DMEM 10% FBS for 24 h. After the treatment period, the cells were collected, total cellular RNA was isolated and processed for RT-PCR analysis (Table 3) as mentioned before. BCl-2 and Bax protein family play a central role in the regulation of apoptosis. Bax/Bcl-2 ratio can act as a rheostat, which determines the cell susceptibility to apoptosis, cells undergoing apoptosis have higher ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 (FIG. 19). Amongst the curcuminoids, BDMC>DMC>curcumin, and AC3 complex was better than C3 complex (FIG. 19) when compared to the control.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Sequences for RT-PCR analysis R Bax F ATGGACGGGTCCGGGGAG-Seq ID 15 18 R Bax R ATCCAGCCCAACAGCCGC-Seq ID 16 18 R Bcl-2 F AAGCCGGCGACGACTTCT-Seq ID 17 18 R Bcl-2 R GGTGCCGGTTCAGGTACTCA-Seq ID 18 20

Example 6: Migration—Assay

[0060] The migration and invasion of FLS plays an important role in synovitis and bone destruction. FLS migrate locally, and can also invade distant areas and joints through the bloodstream. The RA-FLSs secrete MMPs that further aggravate the matrix degradation of cartilage, ultimately resulting in bone erosion.

[0061] The migration potential of FLS can be studied by a simple scratch assay and assessing the closure of the wound by FLS migration. The untreated FLS migrate and close the wound while the treated ones the closure is delayed (J Immunol Mar. 1, 2014, 192 (5) 2063-2070). FLS cells (5×10.sup.4 cells/well) were seeded in 24-well plates, incubated at 37° C. under 5% CO.sub.2 to reach a confluence of about 80-90%, and then wounded by scratching with a 200 μl pipette tip. The cells were washed with PBS to ensure the complete removal of debris and floating cells. The cells were then incubated with different concentration of sample in DMEM medium containing 2% FBS. The control sample contained the cells and the culture medium without any sample. The cell migration was assessed by evaluating the monolayer gap closure using Magvision software. The percentage inhibition of wound closure was calculated in comparison to the control wells. Amongst the curcuminoids each at 15 μg/mL, BDMC (FIG. 21) was better than DMC (FIG. 23), curcumin (FIG. 22), whereas AC3 complex (FIG. 24) was better than C3 complex (FIG. 25), and AC3+Boswellin PS (BPS) (FIG. 29) was better than AC3 (FIG. 27) and BPS (FIG. 28) compared to the control (FIG. 20).

Example 7: Arthritis Study in Rats

[0062] The mouse model (Table 4) collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is a widely studied autoimmune model of rheumatoid arthritis. In this model, autoimmune arthritis is induced by immunization with type II collagen (CII) emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant. These animals develop an autoimmune-mediated polyarthritis that shares several clinical, histological, and immunological features with the human autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis. The immune response to CII is characterized by both the stimulation of collagen-specific T cells and the production of high titers of antibody specific for both the immunogen (heterologous CII) and the autoantigen (mouse or rat CII).

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Study group Group No. of No Treatment group Dose animals 1 Control — 6 2 Arthritis control Collagen induced RA 10  3 Positive control  10 mg/kg 6 (Celecoxib) 4 AC3  50 mg/kg 6 5 AC3 100 mg/kg 6 6 C3  50 mg/kg 6 7 C3 100 mg/kg 6 8 AC3 + BPS  50 mg/kg + 40 mg/kg 6 9 AC3 + BPS 100 mg/kg + 40 mg/kg 6

[0063] Arthritis induced by administering type-2 collagen (chicken sternal cartilage, Sigma catalog no: C9301) which will be emulsified with incomplete Freund's adjuvant (FIA) at 1:1 ratio. On Day 0, Rats were intradermally injected with 200 μL (200 μg/animal) of collagen-FIA emulsion at the base of the tail (First Immunization). For booster injection the emulsion was prepared same as above and injected with 100 μL (100 μg/animal) of collagen-FIA emulsion given on day 7. Test sample administered from day 0 to day 20.

Example 8: Arthritic Score

[0064] A standardized method of arthritis scoring was used to evaluate the degree of swelling and erythema of all four paws 0—No sign; 1—Redness without edema; 2—Redness with mild edema; 3—Redness with severe edema; 4—Redness, severe edema and stiffness in movement. The combination of AC3 and BPS(FIG. 32) was effective at the concentrations of 100 and 40 mg/kg respectively. Celecoxib was used as a positive control along with a rheumatoid arthritis control.

Example 9: Treg and Th17 Analysis in Spleen Isolation of Spleen Cells

[0065] Spleen was obtained from collagen induced arthritis rats under sterile conditions for the lymphocyte isolation. The spleen was washed twice with PBS containing 100 μg/ml streptomycin and 100 U/ml penicillin and cut into small pieces with microsurgery scissors, homogenized with plunger end of the syringe and filtered using a 100 μm mesh strainer. The filtrate was centrifuged for 5 min at 1200 rpm, washed 1-2 times with PBS, after which 1×10.sup.6 cells/ml were suspended in RPMI media supplemented with 10% FBS. The imbalance is effected by reducing T.sub.h17 cells and increasing T-cell (Treg) (FIGS. 33-35) with the ratio of T.sub.h17/Treg preferably as 1, or more preferably between 0-1 compared to RA control at 3.5 (FIG. 35).

[0066] Flow Cytometry (FCM) Analysis:

[0067] To assess Th17 and Treg cells, the isolated lymphocytes were stimulated for 4 h with 20 ng/mL phorbol myristate acetate (P8139, Sigma) and 500 ng/mL ionomycin along with BD GolgiStop, a Protein Transport Inhibitor containing Monensin (554724, BD) at a concentration as suggested by the manufacturer.

[0068] After the stimulation, cells were collected and 2×10.sup.5 cells were aliquoted into different tubes for evaluating Th17 and Treg population. The antibody dilutions used for the analysis were as recommended by the respective manufacturer. To evaluate Th17 population, cells were initially stained with FITC Mouse Anti-Rat CD3 (559975, BD pharmingen) and APC Mouse Anti-Rat CD4 (550057, BD pharmingen) antibodies. To evaluate Treg population, cells were initially stained with APC Mouse Anti-Rat CD4 (550057, BD pharmingen) and BV421 Mouse Anti-Rat CD25 (565608, BD pharmingen) antibodies. Subsequent to the addition of respective surface staining antibodies, tubes were incubated for 30 min at 4° C. in the dark. After surface staining, the cells were fixed and permeabilized using fixation and permeabilization solution (BD Cytofix/Cytoperm, 554722) as per the manufacturer's instructions and resuspended in a saponin-containing buffer (BD Perm/Wash, 554723). Following fixation and permeabilization, Th17 and Treg cells were incubated with PE conjugated anti-Mouse/Rat IL-17A (12-7177-81, eBioscience) and PE-conjugated anti-FOXP3 (12-5773-80, eBioscience) antibodies, respectively for 30 min at 4° C. in the dark. Cells were then washed two times with saponin containing buffer and resuspended in a staining buffer prior to flow cytometric analysis. FCM was performed on a BD FACSCelesta system (BD Biosciences, Franklin Lakes, N.J., USA) and analyzed using FlowJo software.

Example 10: Formulations

[0069] The composition is formulated along with pharmaceutically/nutraceutically acceptable excipients, adjuvants, diluents, stabilizing agents, dispersible gums, bioavailability enhancers or carriers and administered orally in the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, gummies, powders, suspensions, emulsions, chewables, candies or eatables.

[0070] In a related aspect the bioavailability enhancer is selected from the group of piperine (BioPerine®), quercetin, garlic extract, ginger extract, and naringin. In another related aspect, the stabilizing agent is selected from the group consisting rosmarinic acid, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, sodium metabisulfite, propyl gallate, cysteine, ascorbic acid and tocopherols. In yet another related aspect, the dispersible gums are selected from the group consisting of Agar, Alginate, Carrageenan, Gum Arabic, Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Konjac Gum, Xanthan Gum and Pectin.

[0071] Tables 5-9 provide illustrative examples of nutraceutical formulations containing bisdemethoxycurcumin

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Tablet Active Ingredients AC3, Boswellin PS Excipients Microcrystalline cellulose, Colloidal silicon dioxide, Magnesium stearate, BioPerine ®, Polyvinylpyrrolidone/starch/ Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, Hydroxy propyl cellulose

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Capsule Active Ingredients AC3 Boswellin PS Excipients Microcrystalline cellulose, BioPerine ®

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Powder Active Ingredients AC3 Boswellin PS Excipients BioPerine ®,

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Gummy formulation Active Ingredients AC3 Boswellin PS Excipients BioPerine ®, Gelatin (270 Bloom Mesh 10), Refined Sugar, Glucose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Water, Natural Mango Flavor M38630, Tartaric Acid, Refined Sugar

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Candy formulation Active Ingredients AC3 Boswellin PS Excipients BioPerine ®, Sucrose, Liquid Glucose, Flavoring agent, Menthol, Acidulants (Citric acid/ Tartaric Acid/Maleic Acid), Purified water

[0072] The above formulations are merely illustrative examples, any formulation containing the above active ingredient intended for the said purpose will be considered equivalent.

[0073] Other modifications and variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing disclosure and teachings. Thus, while only certain embodiments of the invention have been specifically described herein, it will be apparent that numerous modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims.