Abstract
The effects of Curcuma longa (C. longa) on total and differential WBC, inflammatory and immunologic mediators, and oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of rats model of asthma were assessed. Animals were divided to 5 groups including control (C), asthma (sensitized to ovalbumin), and asthmatic groups treated with 0.75, 1.50, and 3.00 mg/ml C. longa (CL) and 1.25 μg/ml dexamethasone (D) (8 rats in each group). Total and differential WBC count, concentrations of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), total protein (TP), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), immunoglobulin E (IgE), NO2, NO3, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and thiol in BALF were assessed. Total and most differential WBC counts and BALF levels of PLA2, TP, IgE, IL-4, and oxidants in asthma group were higher but antioxidants and IFN-γ levels as well as IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio were lower than control group (p < 0.001 for all cases). Total WBC and levels of PLA2, IgE, NO2, and NO3 were significantly reduced following treatment with C. longa, compared to asthma group (p < 0.001 for all cases). In groups treated with dexamethasone and two higher concentrations of C. longa, neutrophil and eosinophil counts as well as TP, IL-4, and MDA levels were significantly decreased but IFN-γ, IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio, and antioxidants were increased (except IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio), compared to asthma group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Compared to dexamethasone, C. longa exerted more pronounced effects on lung inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system in asthmatic rats.
Highlights
Curcuma longa L. (C. longa) is a perennial herb of the Zingiberaceae family, with the common name Turmeric. e plant is used as a traditional cure in India, China, and other Southeast Asian nations for the treatment of asthma and common cold [1]
After OVA sensitization, a rat model of asthma was produced; in asthmatic animals, total WBC, percentages of eosinophil and neutrophil, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) levels of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), total protein (TP), immunoglobulin E (IgE), IL-4, NO2, NO3, and MDA were increased while lymphocyte percentage, IFN-c/IL-4 ratio, and IFN-c, superoxide dismutase (SOD), CAT, and thiol levels were decreased compared to control animals. ese results demonstrated asthma induction in rats
Increased percentages of eosinophils were demonstrated in sensitized animals and asthmatic patients that correlated with the severity of asthma and supported the results of the present study [27]
Summary
Curcuma longa L. (C. longa) is a perennial herb of the Zingiberaceae family (ginger), with the common name Turmeric. e plant is used as a traditional cure in India, China, and other Southeast Asian nations for the treatment of asthma and common cold [1]. In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is a well-known remedy for several respiratory problems such as asthma and allergy, runny nose, cough, and sinusitis [2]. It is used as a spice in food preparation as the major ingredients of curry and mustard and as a functional food due to its potential health benefits [3]. E essential oil of rhizomes the plant using steam distillation contains sesquiterpenes, zingiberene, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine a-phellandrene, cineol, sabinene, and borneol. It includes curcumin I (94%), curcumin II (6%), and curcumin III (0.3%), responsible for the vibrant yellow color of turmeric [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
