Vitex agnus‐castussafeguards the lung against lipopolysaccharide‐induced toxicity in mice

Abstract

Vitex agnus‐castus (VAC, Verbenaceae) is widely used in Chinese traditional medicine as an antiinflammatory agent. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of the VAC extract to protect against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced acute lung injury. The results have shown that VAC had a potent protective activity against LPS‐induced acute lung damage. It significantly decreased pulmonary edema as there was a significant decrease in lung wet/dry ratio and in protein content. VAC also decreased the lactate dehydrogenase's activity in the bronchoalveolar fluid. VAC ameliorated LPS‐induced inflammatory cells infiltration into the lung tissue and reversed the histopathological lesions of the lung. Furthermore, VAC counteracted LPS‐induced oxidative stress as it attenuated the lipid peroxidation marker, malondialdehyde, in the lung. VAC increased the antioxidant activity as evident by elevated superoxide dismutase activity and increased reduced glutathione content in the lung tissue. Collectively, VAC has a protective activity against LPS‐induced acute lung damage through its antioxidant potential. Practical applications Vitex agnus‐castus has been used in various traditional medicines for treating various ailments as digestive complains, acne, rheumatic pains, menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome, infertility, and hyperprolactinemia. Its leaves are used as a spice and the fruits are used as a substitute for pepper. VAC food supplements are used by women against psychic and somatic premenstrual symptoms. The findings of this study can demonstrate the potent protective activity of the VAC extract against LPS‐induced acute lung damage due to its antioxidative effects. Therefore, VAC could be developed as a health functional food to improve acute lung damage and many diseases caused by oxidative damage.

Euphorbia cuneata Represses LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice via Its Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

“…SOD is the only antioxidant enzyme that can scavenge superoxide. Catalase, GSH, and SOD are greatly depressed by LPS [1,2,5]. Our results are consistent with previous studies, as LPS caused marked lipid peroxidation.…”

“…Furthermore, recruitment of inflammatory cells contributes to increase of the alveolar-capillary barrier permeability and lung edema. Results of this study were in line with previous research [2,10,26], as LPS induced marked pulmonary edema presented by increased lung W/D ratio. The total protein content in the BALF, as another index of epithelial permeability and pulmonary edema [2], was highly increased in the BALF of mice exposed to LPS.…”

“…Results of this study were in line with previous research [2,10,26], as LPS induced marked pulmonary edema presented by increased lung W/D ratio. The total protein content in the BALF, as another index of epithelial permeability and pulmonary edema [2], was highly increased in the BALF of mice exposed to LPS. However, EC decreased the lung W/D ratio and the total protein in the BALF, indicating that EC could prohibit the leakage of serous fluid into the lung tissue and attenuate the development of pulmonary edema.…”

“…Acute lung injury (ALI) associated with sepsis is a common clinical problem with a high morbidity rate [1,2]. The pathogenesis of ALI involves disruption of epithelial integrity with massive infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lung tissue, leading to pulmonary edema and severe inflammation [3,4].…”

Vitex agnus-castus L.: Main Features and Nutraceutical Perspectives

“…Vitex agnus-castus administered for five days protected mice against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung damage, due to an antioxidant effect [97]. The methanol extract of V. agnus-castus leaf showed an antiangiogenic effect in an ex vivo rat aorta, and also antioxidant activity with an IC 50 value of 126.79 µg/mL [88].…”