Sinupret® oral drops protect against respiratory epithelium atrophy in experimental acute rhinitis

Abstract

Background: More than 90 % of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses, with a risk of developing subsequent bacterial infections in some patients. The risk of development of microbial complications depends on the degree of viral damage of the structure of the respiratory mucosa and its functions. The objective of this work was to study the effect of Sinupret oral drops on nasal mucosa atrophic changes in a rat model of experimental rhinitis. Methods: 60 female rats Wistar were allocated for the experimental study. To study the effect of phytopreparation on atrophy of the nasal epithelium the animals were divided into 3 groups. The 1-st group (n = 20) was without experimental acute rhinitis. The 2-nd group (n = 20) was with experimental acute rhinitis and without treatment with Sinupret®. The 3-rd group (n = 20) with experimental acute rhinitis and treatment with Sinupret®. Experimental rhinitis was induced by placing rats in a swimming pool with cold water, followed by a draught of cool air. The effect of oral Sinupret treatment on histopathological changes in nasal mucosa was assessed on 3 and 14 days post challenge. The results were analyzed using normal or modified Student’s t-test for independent groups. Results: Histological evaluation demonstrated that Sinupret® oral drops applied during acute rhinitis attenuate atrophic and destructive changes of the ciliated epithelium. Conclusions: Oral administration of the herbal medicinal product Sinupret oral drops weakens atrophy of the nasal mucosal ciliated epithelium in a rat model of acute rhinitis.