Effect of Deer Velvet Antler on Airway Inflammation in Ovalbumin Sensitized Guinea Pigs

Abstract

Background: Despite better understanding of asthma pathology and adherence to recommended treatments still many patients are experiencing uncontrolled asthma. Deer velvet antler is a traditional animal-based medicine which has shown many pharmacological effects in various diseases including asthma. Objective: To evaluate the effect of deer velvet antler on airway inflammation in ovalbumin sensitized guinea pigs and to compare it with that of dexamethasone. Study Design: Comparative study. Duration: 12 weeks. Methodology: Animals were placed in four groups with six in each. Animals in group I and II were taken as negative and positive control and animals in groups III and IV were treated with deer velvet antler powder and dexamethasone respectively along with induction of allergic airway inflammation by ovalbumin sensitization on day 0 and 14 and challenge on day 25, 26 and 27. On day 28, blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples were taken for total leukocyte count and eosinophil percentage. Results: The study reported that total leukocyte count and eosinophil percentage in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of deer velvet antler treated guinea pigs was significantly reduced as compared to asthma control, but in comparison with dexamethasone difference was not significant. Conclusion: Deer velvet antler reduces allergic airway inflammation supporting the hypothesis of study.