Effects of oral administration of Ocimum basilicum on goblet cell hyperplasia and upstream cytokine gene expression in allergic asthma

Abstract

BackgroundOcimum basilicum (OB) possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The components of this plant have been used to treat respiratory disorders such as asthma. AimThis study examined the effects of OB seeds on upstream cytokine gene expression and bronchial goblet cell hyperplasia in a murine asthma model. Materials and methodsThe anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of daily consumption of OB seeds were investigated by gene expression of interleukins IL-8, 9, 11, 25 and 33 and eotaxin production. Two groups of 6-week-old female BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) plus alum on days 1 and 14. On days 24, 26, 28 and 30, the mice were exposed to OVA in saline for 30minutes using a nebulizer. One of the asthmatic groups received OB seeds orally on days 25, 27 and 29. Identical tests were conducted on mice receiving saline as negative controls. ResultsOB significantly reduced mRNA expression for IL-8, 9, 11, 25, 33 and eotaxin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from the mice (P<0.05). Further, goblet cell hyperplasia was significantly decreased in OB-treated mice (P<0.05). ConclusionOur results show that OB may inhibit expression of Th2 upstream cytokines and goblet cell hyperplasia in OVA-induced asthma and thus alleviate allergic asthma in the mouse model.