Protective effect of stigmasterol enriched extract of <i>Bacopa monnieri</i> in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma: An experimental and network pharmacology studies

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic allergic disease that affects the airways of the lungs. It makes breathing, speaking, and moving difficult or impossible. The current research aims to evaluate the ameliorative potential of stigmasterol-enriched extract (STIG) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in a guinea pigs model. STIG was given orally to guinea pigs with asthma for a total of 28 days (dose of 100 mg/kg/b.w.). Guinea pigs exposed to OVA exhibited severe airway remodelling and inflammation resembling chronic asthma, as shown by the histological findings, elevated cytokines associated with inflammation, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced antioxidant enzymes. However, STIG significantly decreases inflammatory mediators and MDA levels and also enhances the antioxidant enzyme level. Furthermore, network pharmacology showed that STIG could combat asthma by acting on key targets and closely related pathways. Hence, it is concluded that STIG has the potential to reduce lung airway inflammation and oxidative stress, and it could serve as a promising medication for the management of asthma.