The Effect of Curcuma longa on Inflammatory Mediators and Immunological, Oxidant, and Antioxidant Biomarkers in Asthmatic Rats

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.

The Influence of Noni Fruit Juice on Immune System Function

“…An aberrant increase in IL-4 is involved in allergic responses and airway inflammation, such as in asthma. This finding is consistent with other observations of antioxidant compounds reducing the severity of asthma-like reactions [31].…”

The Immunomodulating Properties of Noni Juice

“…An aberrant increase in IL-4 is involved in allergic responses and airway inflammation, such as in asthma. This finding is consistent with other observations of antioxidant compounds reducing the severity of asthma-like reactions [29].…”

Curcuma longa and curcumin affect respiratory and allergic disorders, experimental and clinical evidence: A comprehensive and updated review

“…Treatment with C. longa (0.75, 1.50, and 3.00 mg/ml) in a rat model of asthma reduced WBC count, NO 2 , NO 3 , and MDA levels but increased SOD, CAT activities, and thiol level 47 . C. longa (0.75, 1.50, and 3.00 mg/ml) also improved total and differential WBC count, inflammatory mediators such as phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and total protein (TP), oxidative stress markers including NO 2 , NO 3 , MDA, SOD, CAT, and thiol well as IFN‐γ, IL‐4, and IgE levels in the BALF of rats model of asthma 48 …”

“…47 C. longa (0.75, 1.50, and 3.00 mg/ml) also improved total and differential WBC count, inflammatory mediators such as phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and total protein (TP), oxidative stress markers including NO 2 , NO 3 , MDA, SOD, CAT, and thiol well as IFN-γ, IL-4, and IgE levels in the BALF of rats model of asthma. 48 Clinical evidence. Administration of C. longa (30 mg/kg/ day) for 6 months reduced frequent nighttime awakenings and frequent use of short-acting β-adrenergic agonists in asthmatic patients.…”