The anti-allergic activity of Cymbopogon citratus is mediated via inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (Nf-Κb) activation

Abstract

BackgroundThe prevalence of allergic diseases such as asthma has significantly increased worldwide, making it a public health concern. There is an urgent need for new anti-inflammatory agents with selective pharmacology and lower toxicity. Plant extracts have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to alleviate inflammatory diseases. In this work, we evaluated the anti-allergic activity of Cymbopogon citratus (Cy), a medicinal herb used by folk medicine to treat asthma.MethodsWe used a murine model of respiratory allergy to the mite Blomia tropicalis (Bt) and evaluated certain parameters known to be altered in this model. A/J mice were sensitized (100 μg/animal s.c.) and challenged (10 μg/animal i.n.) with Bt mite extract and treated with 60, 120 or 180 mg/kg of Cy standardized hexane extract. The parameters evaluated included: cellular infiltrate in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL); eosinophil peroxidase activity (EPO); histopathological examination of the lung; serum levels of specific IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a; Th2 cytokine concentrations in BAL and expression of NF-κB.ResultsOur results showed that oral administration of a Cy hexane extract (especially 180 mg/Kg) reduced the numbers of leukocytes/eosinophils in BAL; the eosinophil peroxidase activity in BAL; the infiltration of leukocytes in lung tissue; the production of mucus in the respiratory tract; the level of IL-4 in BAL and the nuclear expression of NF-κB.ConclusionsThe results presented demonstrate the potential of the Cy hexane extract to modulate allergic asthma; this extract may be an alternative future approach to treat this pathology.

Use of Medicinal Plants with Teratogenic and Abortive Effects by Pregnant Women in a City in Northeastern Brazil

“…Lemon Grass Cymbopogon citratus 6.4 Sedative, anti-inflammatory, 24 gastroprotective, 25 and antiallergic action. 26 Relaxing property for the uterine musculature. 7 Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla 4.8 Moderate antimicrobial and antioxidant property and powerful anti-inflammatory activity.…”

COVID-19: Is There Evidence for the Use of Herbal Medicines as Adjuvant Symptomatic Therapy?

“…The essential oil from C. citratus has been reported to suppress inhibition of TNF-a-induced neutrophil adherence, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and other lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced pathways, suppression of COX-2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-a) (Katsukawa et al, 2010;Francisco et al, 2013). Another experiment (murine model of allergic asthma) showed a standardized hexane extract of C. citratus led to the reduction of inflammatory cells and eosinophils, as well as the expression of NF-kB/p65, in mice sensitized by Bt-antigen (Machado et al, 2015). Citral, the main substance in C. citratus essential oil, presented antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity in mice (Quintans-Juńior et al, 2011).…”

Effect of Astragalus membranaceus in Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Rhinitis Mouse Model

“…When the negative regulator, IκB, is phosphorylated by IκB, the activity of NF-κB could be greatly enhanced. 12 Many studies have confirmed the role of NF-κB in asthma. 31 In recent years, some reports have also found that NF-κB is closely related to local inflammation of AR.…”

“…11 The transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-jB) plays a key role in inflammatory diseases. 12 The family members of NF-jB include NF-jB1 (p50), NF-jB2 (p52), c-Rel (p65), and RelB. 13 When activated, NF-jB transfers to the nucleus in an inactive form and regulates the expression of inflammatory genes.…”

“…NF-jB has been associated with diseases of IgE-dependent diseases. 12,15,16 Astragalus membranaceus (AM), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, contains the major active constituents including polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins. 17 Numerous reports have found that AM is antagonistic to many diseases in recent years.…”