Teucrium polium Extract Alleviates Pathological Features of Asthma via lL-12 and IFN-γ Modulation in Murine OVA-induced Allergic Asthma

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic disorder characterized by airway overreaction and remodeling, eosinophilia, and neutrophilic inflammation, accompanied by thickening of the airways and breathlessness. Teucrium polium (TP) is a plant with anti-inflammatory properties and is considered for the treatment of allergic disorders. In this study, we examined the effects of TP extract on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma. Thirty female mice (5–6 weeks old) were divided into 5 groups of 6 each, including a control group and 4 groups treated with OVA, OVA + TP extract (50 mg/kg), OVA + TP extract (150 mg/kg), OVA + TP extract (300 mg/kg). Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, lung, serum, and spleen samples were collected and used for the evaluation of leukocyte infiltration, serum cytokine Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels, and the expression of the Interleukin-12A (IL12A) gene, respectively. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate pathological changes in the lung tissue sections. Treatment with TP extract reduced inflammatory cells such as eosinophils and neutrophils in the airways. Furthermore, it increased serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-12A at a dose of 50, 150, and 300 mg/kg compared to the OVA group. This study showed that the administration of TP extract could improve pathological features, such as airway inflammation, and reduce systemic inflammation.