EBM84 attenuates airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in an ovalbumin-induced murine model of asthma

Abstract

Abstract. EBM84 is a traditional herbal medicine and a combination of extracts obtained from Pinellia ternata and Zingiber officinale. It is traditionally used to treat vomiting, nausea, sputum and gastrointestinal disorders, and functions is an effective expectorant. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of EBM84 on asthmatic responses, particularly mucus hypersecretion in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine model of asthma. We also analyzed EBM84 composition using high performance liquid chromatography. Animals were sensitized on days 0 and 14 via intraperitoneal injection using 20 µg OVA. On days 21, 22 and 23 after initial sensitization, the mice received an airway challenge with OVA (1% w/v in PBS) for 1 h using an ultrasonic nebulizer (NE-U12). EBM84 was administered by gavage to the mice at doses of 16.9, 33.8 and 67.5 mg/kg once daily from days 18 to 23. EBM84 administration significantly lowered elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, eotaxin and immunoglobulin (Ig)E in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or plasma. Airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion were attenuated following EBM84 administration. EBM84 also inhibited the overexpression of mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) induced by OVA challenge in lung tissue. This result was consistent with the immunohistochemistry results. Our results indicate that EBM84 effectively inhibited airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion via the downregulation of T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines, which reduced MUC5AC expression. Therefore, EBM84 has potential as a useful medicine for the treatment of allergic asthma.

Imperatorin inhibits allergic airway inflammatory reaction and mucin secretion in ovalbumin-induced asthmatic rats

“…Inflammatory reaction is an important cause in the development of asthma, and previous reports also indicated that anti-inflammatory drugs could be beneficial for treating or relieving asthma symptoms [12,13]. In this study, the results showed that IPT possessed significant antiinflammatory effects on airway inflammation induced by OVA via suppression of both inflammatory cells (eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages) and cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, IL-6 and TNF-α).…”

Ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) prevents severe damage to the lungs due to hyperoxia and inflammation

“…However, our results showed that MPO activity in the lungs was reduced with ginger treatment. Therefore, we suggest that ginger has antiinflammatory properties by decreasing neutrophil activation and migration into the lungs with evidence of reduced MPO activity in the lungs (9,11). Oxygen toxicity has a key role in the development of BPD (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7).…”

“…Pups in the control group (21% O 2 for 14 days + placebo) and hyperoxia + LPS group (95% O 2 for 14 days + placebo) were administered oral saline (2 mL/kg), but pups in the hyperoxia + LPS + ginger group (95% O 2 for 14 days + ginger) were treated once a day from the first day of the study to the end of the study. In the present experiment, we used whole ginger since many different compounds in ginger have been determined to act in a synergic manner that suggests the importance of using whole ginger (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17).…”

Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang shows preventive effect of asthma in an allergic asthma mouse model through neurotrophin regulation

“…In their research, one of the XQLT ingredients, Pinellaiae ternata, played an important role in decreasing OVA-specific IgE. Lee et al [37] and Shin et al [38] also provided data that Pinellaiae ternata might play a definite role in decreasing Th2 reaction in asthmatic animal models. Pinellaiae ternata is in highest proportion of XQLT components.…”